What are the benefits and effects of white vinegar?

Sep 23, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My skin is inflamed, and my mom suggested using white vinegar for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Is that okay? What are the benefits and effects of white vinegar?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

White vinegar is a common seasoning. Besides adding sourness to food, it also has the following functions and benefits:

In daily life, white vinegar can be used as a cleaner to remove stains and scale; as a natural preservative to extend the freshness of food; and to regulate soil pH, promoting plant growth. White vinegar has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth, preventing food spoilage, and relieving mild skin inflammation to some extent. Regular consumption of white vinegar helps promote the body's metabolism, thus facilitating the elimination of toxins and other metabolic wastes, effectively relieving fatigue.

White vinegar can aid digestion, stimulate gastric acid secretion, help digest food, and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. However, excessive or improper use of white vinegar, such as drinking highly concentrated vinegar directly, may cause oral and esophageal damage, electrolyte imbalance, and other health problems. White vinegar also helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, providing some auxiliary therapeutic benefits for patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

In addition, white vinegar has beautifying and skin-nourishing effects, softening the cuticle, lightening pigmentation spots, and making the skin smoother and more delicate.