Drinking vinegar probably sounds as disgusting to you as it did to me the first time I heard it, but as a resident of Japan, I found out it was quite a commonplace habit, with nearly 70% of the population having indulged at some point, and with nearly one in eight regular drinkers. Due to health and other benefits of drinking vinegar, it really is a good habit to get into, and one I heartily recommend, and I hope this short page can convince you of the benefits too.

Flavors of drinking vinegar
Mmm, yummy! There are many. many flavors of drinking vinegar, not just perhaps the apple vinegar many of us are familiar with. In Japan, some of the top flavours include black vinegar, the aforementioned apple vinegar, the strangely-named moromi (a by-product of sake fermentation) vinegar, plum vinegar, various aromatic vinegars, wine vinegar, shiso (perilla leaf) vinegar, lemon vinegar, permission vinegar and millet vinegar. I’ve mostly drunk black vinegar, but shiso vinegar has a most distinctive taste.

How to drink vinegar
Down the hatch! As well as the multitude of flavors, one can experiment with mixers for vinegar. Drinking it straight out of the bottle is not recommended as it is rather a strong acid, of course, but also that the taste is rather strong for the uninitiated. To be honest, I dislike vinegar on foods, but not just because I wish to take advantage of the health benefits of drinking vinegar, I really like the taste of drinking vinegar! The recommended way to drink vinegar is to dilute about 20 to 30 milliliters (one fluid ounce) with three parts water, the way favored by about two-thirds of Japanese drinkers, About a third drink it straight, and mixing with fruit juice, honey, or carbonated water were also popular ways to consume it. The vinegar I usually drink is premixed with honey, which adds a really mellow bottom note to the slightly sour top notes.

Health benefits of drinking vinegar
The following material is about apple cider vinegar. The health benefits of vinegar is not limited to this beverage. You may find similar benefits from coconut palm vinegar or red wine vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is made by crushing fresh, organically grown apples and allowing them to mature in wooden barrels. This boosts the natural fermentation qualities of the crushed apples, which differs from the refined and distilled vinegars found in supermarkets. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light. The mother can be used to add to other vinegar to hasten maturity for making more Apple Cider Vinegar. Natural vinegars that contain the mother have enzymes and minerals that other vinegars in grocery stores may not have due to over-processing, over-heating, and filtration. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase only Natural Apple Cider Vinegar, with an ideal acidity (pH) level of 5 to 7.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful natural cure for a number of ailments which usually require antibiotics and other medications that have a number of side effects. In particular, Apple Cider Vinegar has been known to:

• Reduce sinus infections and sore throats

• Balance high cholesterol

• Cure skin conditions such as acne

• Protect against food poisoning

• Fight allergies in both humans and animals

• Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise

• Strengthen the immune system

• Increase stamina

• Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss

• Improve digestion and cure constipation

• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout

• Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections

Other Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar
Weight Loss
While it is not known why, many people claim that Apple Cider Vinegar promotes weight loss. Some theories suggest that ACV helps to speed up the metabolism, while others suggest that it burns calories. A number of nutritionists also believe that combining Vitamin B6 and Lecithin with Apple Cider Vinegar is highly effective for weight loss. A suggested remedy is to mix 2 teaspoons of ACV mixed with a glass of water and drink this before every meal or sip it slowly throughout the day

To avoid bad Breath
Due to its acidic properties, Apple Cider Vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis.

Skin Problems and Infections
Acne
Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cure for acne. Please refer to our Acne Home Remedy page for more information on how to treat acne with Apple Cider Vinegar.

Age Spots
Apple Cider Vinegar contains sulfur that fights the effects of aging. As a result, it is often used as a Home Remedy for Age Spots.

Cellulite
Many women have found that Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce the appearance of Cellulite.

Stomach Problems
Constipation
Apple Cider Vinegar is frequently used as a natural cure for constipation. Please visit our Constipation Home Remedy for more information on how drinking Apple Cider Vinegar can help cure this common digestive problem.

Diarrhea
There are various causes for diarrhea, and although it should not be left untreated, it is often a natural way for the body to rid itself of harmful compounds and ingested materials. Apple Cider Vinegar is a fantastic natural remedy for diarrhea since the high pectin concentration acts as a protective coating which soothes the irritated lining of the colon.

Major Illnesses
Diabetes
Apple Cider Vinegar may help to control high blood sugar levels. Therefore it is often used as a natural treatment for Diabetes.

What are the Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?
There are no major known side effects of Apple Cider Vinegar when used in moderation. However, drinking vinegars, acids or even lemon juices on a regular basis can lead to a deterioration of dental enamel. This can give your teeth a yellowish look and make them more sensitive to heat and cold. To prevent this, the vinegar should always be diluted with water or a pinch of baking soda should be added in order to reduce the acidity level.