Introduction: 5 Vinegar Mysteries Solved!
Vinegar (Acetic acid) is a sour liquid found in many homes. It has also been touted for centuries as a wonder drug, and ultimate cleaning product.
But does it actually work? We will test 5 common vinegar theories and put them to the test.
Step 1: Theory 1: Polishing Chrome
Our first theory is that vinegar polishes chrome fixtures.
RESULT: It works, it cleans it up nicely and doesn't leave a streak, HURRAY!
Step 2: Theory 2: Cutting Grease
Next a common conception is that vinegar is a good grease cutter.
RESULTS: The grease after being soaked in vinegar came right off. I tried a bit of vinegar with some oil dropped right in and it, and the oil broke down pretty well.
Step 3: Theory 3: Disinfecting Cutting Boards
Some sources have suggested that cleaning a cutting board with vinegar will disinfect it.
RESULT: Inconclusive because i can't see bacteria, but it cleaned off the stains on the board and left it looking cleaner.
Step 4: Theory 4: Killing Weeds
Killing weeds comes up as another use of vinegar, so i decided to try it on some undesirables in my back yard.
RESULT: Adding a strong acid to a plant should kill it, but i won't know for a few days if it worked as well as i hoped.
Step 5: Theory 5: Drinking Vinegar for Health
I've read that drinking vinegar can help with muscle cramps and encourage weight loss. I thought why not try it out for myself.
RESULT: Vinegar tastes horrible, see picture #2
Hope you enjoyed finding out how vinegar can help you solve more of life's problems!
149 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Vinegar is very bad for your teeth. I suggest you don't drink any.
9 years ago on Introduction
Apple Cider vinegar is also awesome killing bacterials, so it eliminates undesirable smells -such like female smells-.
9 years ago on Introduction
Its not common white distilled household vinegar for health benefits is actually apple cider vinegar that should be used, yes it does help with muscle cramps and can help promote weight loss and a lot of other stuff too. Here's a web site i found to explain a lot more about its uses and benefits; http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/
10 years ago
Never has worked on my weeds
10 years ago on Step 5
I love sipping vinegar. If you drink it, it tastes horrible. But sip it and it's fine.
10 years ago on Introduction
I get rid of hiccups by drinking vinegar
11 years ago on Introduction
Apple Cider vinegar is also awesome for allergies - it's loaded with antihistamines. Do a small shot once a day - it's worth it.
a 1:1 ratio of Vinegar and Water is also awesome if you have pet rats or other caged animals. Cleans up the pee (and the smell) a treat.
13 years ago on Step 5
read somewhere about vinager for treating heartburn...
jesus christ
I don't recommend it...
...unless I was doing it wrong, I dunno
Reply 12 years ago on Step 5
apple cider vinegar worked for my heartburn. Which type of vinegar did you use?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I use one teaspoon in a couple of swallows of water and the cider vinegar works well. Tried it straight once as suggested, did not go down.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
One teaspon in a full cup of water. Sip and enjoy. NEVER straight up!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
It works very well. My oldest son was diagnosed with G.E.R.D. at the age of 18; the same diagnosis that precipitated his father's diagnosis of terminal esophageal cancer. He was on prescription meds that did nothing to relieve his heartburn for over a year when I came across an article on natural healing; which suggested 1 teaspoonful upon onset of symptoms. It stopped the heartburn in its tracks. He is required to have testing on a regular basis (the physician uses a scope to view his esophagus) to make sure he is not growing anything that should not be there. He has had a clean bill of health every year, and he is now 27 years old.
According to what I have read, prescription meds only cause the stomach to create more acid in response to the medication stopping the creation of stomach acid; a sort of paradoxical reaction. The vinegar neutralizes the stomach acid, leaving the body to regulate the release of acid; another paradox., considering that vinegar is dilute acid. All I can say is for my son, and my second husband; the remedy works.
Reply 13 years ago on Step 5
Unless you can explain how vinegar (acetic acid) can neutralize stomach acid, I believe this is a very bad idea.
Many of these "healthful" tips seem to be based on the non scientific creedo that something that tastes bad *must* be "good for what ails ya"
I'd recommend listening to your MD, they have studied many years of SCIENTIFIC proven treatments, not some old wives tale.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Many wives tales turn out to be effective, and are a basis for medical research & progress today. (example - an old "wives tale" is to chew willow bark - willow bark contains ASA - same ingredient found in aspirin)
As a child we were given vinegar & dill - pickle juice if it was available, for stomach ailments. Always seemed to work for me. Even if it doesn't work for all, the benefits surely outweight the taste!
"Stave off high blood sugar and other Alzheimer's risk factors with a daily dose of vinegar. According to researchers, there is evidence that vinegar sinks risk factors that may lead to memory decline and dementia -- namely, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, diabetes and prediabetes, and weight gain. While vinegar does not confront Alzheimer's directly, studies at Arizona State University have found that vinegar can curb appetite and food intake, helping prevent weight gain and obesity. Swedish investigators agree. In one study, downing two or three tablespoons of vinegar with white bread cut expected rises in insulin and blood sugar by about 25 percent. Pour on the vinegar -- add it to salad dressings, eat it by the spoonful, even mix it into a glass of drinking water. Any type of vinegar works because it's the acidity that counts.
--Source: AOL Health and "100 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER'S AND AGE-RELATED MEMORY LOSS" by Jean Carper. Copyright © 2010
Reply 13 years ago on Step 5
I am not a chemical engineer. If you don't want to use it, don't. I am however, a nurse and I can tell you vinegar will not hurt you; unless you drink a lot of it; at which point you will vomit. The remedy has been run past our family physician, and he has no qualms about it.
Everyone needs to be responsible for what they put into their own body. I am not telling anyone to do it; just passing on that it works for my son and husband.
Furthermore, most medications are nothing more than chemicals created by big pharmaceutical companies looking to make a big profit at the expense of the consumer. They merely treat symptoms while creating others. And take note, many FDA approved meds kill and injure thousands of people every year. If I had my choice, and I do, I would rather put a food product in my body than a foreign, and non-independently tested chemical. Nuf said.
Reply 13 years ago on Step 5
Yes, a mild acid will dilute a more potent acid. Same theory as drinking milk (which is also technically a weak acid) for heartburn.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I forgot to mention, it needs to be white distilled vinegar, undiluted.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
about a teaspoon and drink an 8oz glass of water i use all the time ....... only every once in a while .........NOT EVERYDAY baking soda as well in a full 8oz glass of water will help .. Burping Frenzy Dont lie down .
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
dandilions work better
13 years ago on Introduction
drinking vinegar is a great way to dissolve teeth.