Is vinegar an acidic or alkaline food?
Feb 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, although vinegar tastes acidic, the substances produced after its metabolism in the human body are alkaline, making vinegar an alkaline-forming food. Despite its sour taste, vinegar, after digestion, absorption, and metabolism in the human body, ultimately generates alkaline substances, and thus is classified as an alkaline food. Consuming vinegar in moderation is beneficial to the body and can help maintain acid-base balance.
Under normal circumstances, although vinegar tastes acidic, the substances produced after its metabolism in the human body are alkaline; therefore, vinegar is classified as an alkaline food. A detailed explanation is as follows:
The acidity or alkalinity of food is not categorized based on taste, but rather according to the metabolic products generated after consumption. Although vinegar tastes acidic, after digestion, absorption, and metabolism in the human body, it ultimately produces alkaline substances, thus being classified as an alkaline food.
Vinegar's primary component is acetic acid, and it also contains small amounts of amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, vitamins B1, B2, and other nutrients. Within the human body, acetic acid is oxidized into carbon dioxide and water, while releasing energy. During this process, acetic acid reacts with carbonate salts in the body, generating carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide is expelled from the body through respiration, while the remaining components form carbonate salts, which are alkaline and help maintain the body's acid-base balance.
Therefore, moderate vinegar consumption is beneficial to the human body, as it can help maintain acid-base balance, promote metabolism, and enhance immunity. However, excessive vinegar consumption may irritate the gastric mucosa and cause discomfort; thus, moderate consumption is recommended.
