All food contains all of the nutrients we need to be healthy, it is necessary to eat various foods in sufficient amounts. A good diet will include many different foods, and sufficient in quantity and quality to meet an individual’s need for food energy and other micro nutrients.

Cranberries

Cucumbers

Cured Meats

Dates

Eggplants

VINEGAR

Typical serving size:

Varies according to recipe

HOW IT HARMS

Allergies

WHAT IT HEALS

Weight loss For centuries, vinegar was a by-product of wine- and beer-making
The name even comes from the French word vinaigre, which means “sour wine
” Apple cider and wine remain the most popular basic ingredients, but almost any product that produces alcoholic fermentation can be used to make vinegar
In fact, vinegar can be produced from any high-sugar or high-starch food that can be fermented, as evidenced by the dozens of varieties available today
Although many people have accorded various healing powers to vinegar over the years—rapid weight loss to relief from

Allergies

—It does, however, provide a low-sodium, low-calorie flavoring
All vinegars are 4 to 14% acetic acid
Vinegar can be transformed into a flavored or gourmet vinegar simply by adding various herbs, spices, or fruits—for example, dill, tarragon, lemon balm, mint, or garlic
These and many other varieties are widely available, or you can make your own by adding fresh herbs or fruit to distilled, cider, or wine vinegars

Health Benefits

Aids in weight loss
Vinegar is virtually devoid of calories, so it’s an ideal alternative to fatty salad dressings
To reduce its acid bite, the vinegar can be mixed with orange juice or fruit syrup and a little oil

Health Risks

Allergies

reaction
People who are allergic to molds may react to vinegar as well as to foods preserved with it
Symptoms include a tingling or itching sensation around the mouth and possibly hives

Allergies

Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to a smoothie

Sprinkle red wine vinegar on grilled vegetables

Make a spritzer with rice wine vinegar, sparkling water, and mint

Buying Tip

s

Consider the intended use before purchasing any vinegar
Inexpensive white vinegar will work best if you’re making pickles
A mellow sherry vinegar would be ideal blended with olive oil as a vinaigrette for mixed green salad
Choose Japanese rice wine for making sushi

Seek out a shop that offers samples of different vinegars before buying

Some shops now sell bulk vinegars, which allows you to buy small amounts of a variety of types

Storing Tips

Stored in a cool dark cabinet, unopened vinegar will keep indefinitely

After opening, it can be kept for up to 6 months

QUICK TIP:

Beat exhaustion Apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve that tired feeling
Next time you’re feeling beat, add 1 or 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or water