A part from being used in salads, there are other ways to use vinegar, like; to clean your microwave; remove grease; remove mould, mildew, and mineral deposits; clean carpeting; as a furniture polish; remove stains on clothing, to name a few. As part of a meal, vinegar is said to have many benefits, for example, it helps reduce the spikes in blood sugar and insulin and it appears to work well for people who are insulin resistant.

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy. People have used it for centuries in cooking and treatment. The main active ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid, which nutritionists say is responsible for vinegar’s health benefits. Acetic acid gives vinegar its strong smell and flavour.

Emmy Ntamanga, a nutritionist in Kigali, says vinegar has been established to help in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

He explains that this is so because vinegar contains acetic acid that contains strains of probiotics that may help aid with digestion and promote good gut health.

He adds that vinegar, which may be produced from a variety of materials; apples or grapes (wine or cider vinegar); malted barley or oats (malt vinegar); and industrial alcohol (distilled white vinegar), helps lower one’s cholesterol levels, noting that the antioxidants in vinegar help block toxic cells in the body that can raise cholesterol levels.

Vinegar, he says, can also help improve one’s skin, noting the acetic acid and antioxidants in vinegar may help improve a person’s complexion overtime, making the skin clear and bright at the same time.

Vinegar has also been considered for its impact on blood pressure and blood sugar levels. 

It has been shown to help reduce atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. With this effect, it may help lower blood pressure levels and stabilise them at normal levels.

Ntamanga says consuming vinegar may help manage diabetes type 2. However, he notes that people without diabetes can also benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels in the normal range, as some researchers believe that high blood sugar levels are a major cause of various chronic diseases.

Studies show that the fruit that is used to make champagne vinegar contains antioxidants that may fight against cell damage, improve the body’s immune system and make blood platelets more flexible.

Also, studies show that vinegar could help people lose weight, as it’s believed to increase feelings of fullness. This can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.

Nutritionists recommend going for raw, unpasteurised vinegar made from fresh, high-quality fruit.