5 Benefits and Uses of Coconut Vinegar

Medically Reviewed on 9/15/2022
5 Benefits and Uses of Coconut Vinegar
There are many special health advantages that coconut vinegar provides.

Coconut vinegar is used in some parts of the world and is similar to other types of fermented vinegar such as apple cider and balsamic vinegar. With a strong acidic flavor and a whiff of yeast, coconut vinegar is white and hazy in appearance.

When applied topically, coconut vinegar's antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities are claimed to cure diseases including acne and sunburn.

  • Being fermented, coconut vinegar is a natural source of probiotics that are beneficial for intestinal health.
  • Vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, vitamin B2, and riboflavin are all abundant in coconut vinegar.

5 health benefits of coconut vinegar

Five potential health advantages of coconut vinegar include:

  1. Positive effect on weight:
    • For anyone trying to lose weight, coconut vinegar is perfect. 
    • Acetic acid, which is present in coconut vinegar, a calorie, and sugar-free alternative, may help you feel fuller for longer, suppress your appetite, and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
    • Men who consumed either 15 or 30 mL of vinegar daily had considerably lower body weight, waist circumference, and lipid levels after 12 weeks than the placebo group, according to a 2009 study.
    • A study conducted on obese mice created by feeding them a high-fat diet reported the effectiveness of coconut vinegar in promoting weight loss. The body weight, fat-pad weight, and serum lipid profile can all be decreased by taking coconut vinegar orally.
  2. Fights infection:
    • Due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, coconut vinegar may help prevent infections.
    • Coconut vinegar is a source of probiotics, which are good bacteria for the gut because it is a fermentation product. This makes it a possible immune booster worthy to be included in your diet.
    • In addition to probiotics, coconut vinegar contains potassium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin C.
    • Coconut vinegar, like other types of vinegar, has natural antibacterial properties. This is explained by the presence of organic acids, especially acetic acid. Acetic acid may have a role in the prevention of diseases such as the flu or colds by penetrating microbial membranes and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
    • According to a study, rice vinegar can kill Escherichia coli on lettuce leaves. Researchers found that any vinegar with a minimum acetic acid content of five percent can significantly lower the number of bacterial populations. The potential of coconut vinegar to fight infections is comparable to that of apple cider vinegar although further research is needed to support these claims.
    • You can use coconut vinegar as a beverage in your diet by following the example below:
      • Blend three parts raw virgin honey and one part coconut vinegar.
      • Take one cup of the mixture after diluting it with water.
  3. Provides essential amino acids:
    • Nine necessary amino acids and eight nonessential amino acids are present in coconut vinegar. These amino acids are the building blocks that make up the structure of proteins.
    • Amino acids have a variety of regulatory roles in addition to being the building blocks of proteins, which include moderating numerous metabolic pathways, assisting in the manufacture of antibodies and oxygen-carrying hemoglobin, and serving as precursors to several hormones, nucleotides, and neurotransmitters.
    • Proteins made from amino acids are used to repair damaged tissue, produce antibodies to fight off infection, produce hormones to regulate metabolism, and act as neurotransmitters to carry signals throughout the brain.
    • You can consume 17 essential amino acids in one shot by drinking coconut vinegar.
  4. Provides digestive comfort:
    • Enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics included in coconut vinegar can help maintain the health of your digestive system.
    • By improving nutrient absorption, preserving a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, and aiding in the digestion process, these components can reduce stomach discomforts.
    • Natural bacteria in coconut vinegar can stimulate the neurons that regulate bowel movement in addition to helping the digestive system.
    • Probiotics are recognized to combat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and lactose intolerance.
    • Before introducing vinegar to their diet, people with heartburn or acid reflux should speak with their doctor.
    • Before meals, it is commonly advised to consume 15 to 30 mL of coconut vinegar with water for digestive health although there is no conclusive evidence to back up this claim.
  5. Has a low glycemic index:
    • The Glycemic index is a measure that rates foods on a scale of 0 to 100 based on how slowly or fast the blood sugar increases after consuming them. Low-glycemic-index foods are advised for reducing the risk of type II diabetes and improving blood sugar management. One such alternative is coconut vinegar, which has a very low glycemic index rating of 35.
    • Coconut vinegar consumption may help control blood sugar levels and, as some research implies, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
    • In insulin-resistant people, vinegar may improve postprandial insulin sensitivity, according to a study that was published in Diabetes Care.

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What are the other health benefits of coconut vinegar?

Regulates blood pressure

Potassium can be found in coconut vinegar.

Potassium is essential for preserving electrolyte balance and cell membrane health. It also plays a role in blood pressure by preventing an electrolyte imbalance. Additionally, it promotes heart health by reducing blood triglyceride levels

  • Although no single study has looked into the function of coconut vinegar, a study conducted on rats published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry has supported the administration of rice vinegar to hypertensive rats.
  • Researchers found that the level of blood pressure in the experimental group was significantly reduced by rice vinegar.
  • However, additional human research is required.

Add three tablespoons of coconut vinegar to a glass of water. Add it to drinks or drizzle some honey over it.

How to use coconut vinegar

  • The same principles that apply to apple cider vinegar also apply to coconut vinegar.
  • You may be able to get some of the health benefits of coconut vinegar by incorporating it in various ways into your diet.
  • You can use it to dress salads. You can include it in your regular dressings and dips made with avocado and yellow mustard.
  • Include it in your marinades or creamy sauce recipes.
  • Use it as a health tonic. Add one teaspoon of coconut vinegar to fruit juices, smoothies, tea, hot water, or smoothies. Given that it contains probiotics, this might assist in balancing your gut microbiome.
  • You can use coconut vinegar as a natural toner on skin that has already been washed. Apply a cotton ball soaked in a few drops of coconut vinegar to your face. This will eliminate all skin-related microorganisms and prevent acne.

Warning: Coconut vinegar should not be consumed straight because it can damage the esophagus and stain the tooth enamel. Before including it in your diet, speak with your doctor if you have any stomach problems. You should gradually incorporate vinegar into your diet.

What are the health risks of coconut vinegar consumption?

  • Coconut vinegar is generally considered safe but should need consideration.
  • The primary component of vinegar, acetic acid, irritates the stomach and reduces the protective mucus in the digestive tract, which can lead to gastritis, ulcers, vitamin deficiencies (particularly vitamin B12), and/or Heliobacter pylori infection. Along with alcohol and aspirin, vinegar is one of the top three dietary causes of gastritis in the United States today.
  • As a result of vinegar's interference with digestion, the body receives less nutrition, and pollutants enter the bloodstream.
  • Additionally, coconut vinegar encourages alterations in the cells that line the stomach, which can increase the risk of stomach cancer. The use of vinegar is now understood to contribute to the emergence of upper gastrointestinal cancer.
  • To neutralize the effects of acetic acid in the system, acetic acid induces the thyroid gland to remove phosphorus from the adrenal glands. Adrenal gland performance is hampered by phosphorus depletion.
  • It has been established that coconut vinegar use harms the kidneys and liver in addition to irritating the central nervous system.
  • Regular vinegar use might result in decreased bone density.
  • According to studies, coconut vinegar encourages the growth of Candida.
  • Tyramine is present in large quantities in fermented foods such as vinegar. Tyramine may be a factor in headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, urticaria, high blood pressure, and joint discomfort.

Summary

You won't regret putting vegan, gluten-free coconut vinegar in your kitchen cabinets. When you go shopping for the product, look for coconut vinegar made from sap. This is due to the fact that it has a higher nutritional value than vinegar made from coconut water.

There are many special health advantages that coconut vinegar provides.

If you take medicines or have a medical condition, you might want to get your doctor's approval. 

Adding one food to your diet won't make up for or replace other poor diet choices, so keep that in mind as well. For overall health, it is advised to consume a balanced, healthy diet.

Medically Reviewed on 9/15/2022
References
Image Source: iStock images

Novel Coconut Vinegar Attenuates Hepatic and Vascular Oxidative Stress in Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35356733/

Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/