Can you drink white vinegar?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can you drink white vinegar” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you should drink white vinegar and the complications that may result due to the drinking of white vinegar that is highly acidic, straight without adding anything in it. Moreover, we are going to highlight what white vinegar is, what are the effects of consuming it straight on different parts of the body, and in what ways it is helpful to individuals.

Can you drink white vinegar?

You can drink white vinegar by adding a small amount of it to water, juice, any liquid, or you can consume it by adding in some food but it is not recommended to drink white vinegar straight. 

Drinking white vinegar straight can be problematic in that it causes a lot of damage to the organs of the body, such as the mouth, teeth, esophagus, and stomach. This is mainly because it is still an acid and its acidic nature can damage the lining of the organs upon touching them and thus, results in several complications.(1, 2)

The best way to add white vinegar to your diet is to consume it by adding a small amount, about 1 to 2 teaspoons, in other dishes or just in water. The normal use of white vinegar is its addition in food during baking and salad dressing as a flavor enhancer and preservative.

It is worth mentioning that white vinegar is generally consumed through addition in the recipes, juices, soups, and water. (3)

Vinegar is made naturally via a two-step process that begins with yeasts digesting the glucose in fruits, cereals (and sometimes vegetables) to create wineries, beers, or grain alcohols. 

Spirit vinegar, sometimes referred to as white, distilled, or alcohol vinegar, is prepared by acetous fermentation of an alcoholic distillate obtained from the products of alcoholic fermentation of natural sugar solutions.

White vinegar is colorless and is often colored with caramel; it is strongly acidic but not aromatic; the distillation of the alcoholic liquids increases the concentration of ethanol, but reduces flavor. (4)

What are the effects of drinking white vinegar straight?

White vinegar when drunk straight, causes problems in the tract throughout due to its acidic nature. It can cause the erosion of teeth and damage to the internal lining of the digestive tract.(2)

What should you do if you get hurt by vinegar?

If a large quantity has been swallowed, dilution with water may be the solution, gastric lavage should be considered depending on the amount. 

Under no circumstances should carbonated beverages ever be used because of large quantities of carbon dioxide gas released that distend the stomach.(2)

How can you safely handle vinegar?

Use with adequate ventilation and do not breathe dust or vapor. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.(5)

What are the health effects of using white vinegar?

White vinegar has been reported to have several health benefits such as providing improved digestive system function, appetite stimulation, antioxidant properties, exhaustion recovery effects, lower lipid levels and the regulation of blood pressure. 

In addition, vinegar also contains polyphenols, which have been shown to prevent lipid peroxidation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) damage and cancer.

 The various types of organic acids in vinegar, and mainly acetic acid, can diffuse through the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to bacterial cell death. 

Vinegar may also improve the insulin sensitivity of humans, and this contributes to its antidiabetic effects. Some studies have shown that vinegar could be used for diabetic treatments 

Consuming 0.3% of dietary acetic acid from foods may help in reducing the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the serum. Acetic acid has also been reported to enhance lipid homeostasis and helps to lower cholesterol level. (3) 

Other FAQs about Vinegar that you may be interested in.

How long does vinegar last?

Can drinking vinegar kill you?

Can Braggs vinegar go bad?

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we answered the question “can you drink white vinegar” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you should drink white vinegar and the complications that may result due to the drinking of white vinegar that is highly acidic, straight without adding anything in it.

 Moreover, we highlighted what white vinegar is, what are the effects of consuming it straight on different parts of the body, and in what ways it is helpful to individuals.

Citations:

  1. M.C. Garcia-Parrilla, M.J. Torija, A. Mas, A.B. Cerezo, A.M. Troncoso, Vinegars and Other Fermented Condiments, Fermented Foods in Health and Disease Prevention, 577-591, 2017.
  2. Pravasi, S. D.  Acetic Acid. Encyclopedia of Toxicology, 33–35.(2014).
  3. Chin Wai Ho, et al, Varieties, production, composition and health benefits of vinegars: A review, Food Chemistry, 221, 2017,
  4. M. Plessi, VINEGAR, Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition), Academic Press, 5996-6004, 2003.
  5. Scholar Chemistry. Vinegar. Material safety data sheet, Harper College, 2009.

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