Have you ever wondered about the health benefits of malt vinegar?
While it’s true that this type of vinegar can offer some nutritional perks, drinking it straight can have some serious consequences.
From tooth enamel damage to gastrointestinal problems, consuming too much malt vinegar can be harmful to your body.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential side effects of drinking malt vinegar straight and offer some tips on how to consume it in a healthy way.
So, grab a bottle of malt vinegar and let’s dive in!
What Happens If You Drink Malt Vinegar Straight?
Malt vinegar is a popular type of vinegar that can be found on the same shelf as other varieties of vinegar in your local supermarket. However, drinking it straight can have some serious consequences.
Malt vinegar contains a high concentration of acetic acid, which can cause esophageal irritation, deterioration of tooth enamel, and other harmful effects if consumed by itself. It is important to note that malt vinegar is not intended to be ingested in significant amounts and can cause stomach distress resulting in nausea and vomiting.
In fact, vinegar is one of the 3 most common dietary causes of gastritis in the U.S. today, along with aspirin and alcohol. Vinegar interferes with digestion, and consequently the body receives less nourishment and impurities enter the bloodstream. Vinegar also promotes changes in the stomach lining cells, which can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Acetic acid – the main component of vinegar – is an irritant to the stomach and causes a loss of the protective mucus in the intestinal tract, setting the stage for ulcers, gastritis, vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin B12), and/or infection with Heliobacter pylori.
The consumption of malt vinegar is also now recognized as a factor in the development of cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Acetic acid stimulates the thyroid gland to pull phosphorous from the adrenal glands to negate the effects of acetic acid in the system. Depleted phosphorous results in impaired function of the adrenal glands. The use of malt vinegar has been shown to be harmful to the liver and to the kidneys. Malt vinegar is also an irritant to the central nervous system.
What Is Malt Vinegar And How Is It Made?
Malt vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from fermented barley grains known as malt. The process of making malt vinegar begins with the malting of barley grains, which involves soaking the grains in water until they begin to sprout. The sprouted grains are then dried and roasted to produce malt, which is then brewed into ale. The ale is further fermented with acetic acid bacteria to produce malt vinegar.
The resulting vinegar has a deep amber or reddish-brown color and a nutty, toasted flavor that comes from the malted barley and the bacterial processes that happen during fermentation. Malt vinegar is sweeter and milder than other types of vinegar, making it a popular condiment for foods like fish and chips.
To make malt vinegar at home, one can buy a six-pack of beer with no preservatives and a few ounces of mother from a wine supply store. The mother is then added to the warm, flat beer and left in a warm, dark place to ferment. As long as the mother is fed regularly, it will reproduce indefinitely, producing more vinegar than one could ever need.
Nutritional Benefits Of Malt Vinegar
While drinking malt vinegar straight is not recommended, using it in moderation as a condiment or ingredient can provide some nutritional benefits. Malt vinegar contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, and iron. It can also aid in calcium absorption, which is especially important for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.
Research has shown that malt vinegar may also have cognitive benefits. Studies have revealed that consuming malt vinegar in the correct way can cause a significant improvement in cognitive ability. Malt vinegar can increase the neurite growth in pheochromocytoma cells, which can improve cognitive function in the human brain.
Additionally, malt vinegar has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for digestive issues. The acetic acid in malt vinegar can help increase the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is necessary to help breakdown food and promote digestion. This can help to prevent indigestion and other digestive problems.
The Dangers Of Drinking Malt Vinegar Straight
Drinking malt vinegar straight can have serious consequences for your health. As mentioned earlier, malt vinegar contains a high concentration of acetic acid, which can cause esophageal irritation and deterioration of tooth enamel. Additionally, acetic acid is an irritant to the stomach and can cause a loss of the protective mucus in the intestinal tract, leading to ulcers, gastritis, vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin B12), and/or infection with Heliobacter pylori.
Regular consumption of malt vinegar has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Acetic acid also stimulates the thyroid gland to pull phosphorous from the adrenal glands, resulting in impaired function of the adrenal glands. This can lead to a range of health issues, including fatigue and weakness.
Furthermore, drinking malt vinegar straight can be harmful to the liver and kidneys. The central nervous system can also be affected by malt vinegar, leading to irritability and other unwanted symptoms.
Tooth Enamel Damage From Malt Vinegar
When it comes to tooth enamel, malt vinegar can be particularly harmful due to its high acidity. Tooth enamel is the protective layer covering the teeth that helps prevent decay and staining. However, when exposed to acid, the enamel can erode, leaving teeth susceptible to wear and tear, decay, and sensitivity.
Malt vinegar has a pH level of around 2.5, which is considerably acidic and can weaken tooth enamel when consumed in excessive amounts. A study conducted in 2014 found that dental erosion can be caused by consuming large amounts of vinegar. The study tested a variety of different kinds of vinegar with varying pH levels and found that after soaking for four hours, the researchers measured a 1 to 20 per cent loss of minerals in tooth enamel.
It is important to note that saliva is a natural buffer against acidity and can help protect tooth enamel. However, drinking malt vinegar straight can still cause damage to teeth, especially if consumed in large amounts or frequently.
To protect tooth enamel while still enjoying the flavor of malt vinegar, it is recommended to dilute it in water or use it sparingly as a condiment on food. It is also important to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing teeth, as brushing immediately after can further weaken the enamel.
Gastrointestinal Problems Caused By Malt Vinegar
Malt vinegar can cause a range of gastrointestinal problems if consumed in large amounts or in concentrated form. The high concentration of acetic acid in malt vinegar can irritate the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Furthermore, malt vinegar can interfere with digestion and reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This can lead to a range of vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production.
Drinking malt vinegar straight can also increase the risk of developing gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. This condition can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and indigestion. Over time, chronic gastritis can lead to more serious digestive problems such as ulcers and even stomach cancer.
In addition to these gastrointestinal problems, consuming too much malt vinegar can also affect other parts of the body. For example, malt vinegar has been shown to be harmful to the liver and kidneys, and can cause low potassium levels and lower bone density.
Healthy Ways To Consume Malt Vinegar
While consuming malt vinegar straight is not recommended, there are some healthy ways to incorporate it into your diet. One option is to use it as a flavorful addition to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. This can help you reap the potential health benefits of malt vinegar without overconsuming it.
Another way to consume malt vinegar is by diluting it with water. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of malt vinegar with 2-3 fluid ounces of water in a small glass. This will reduce the overall acidity of the drink and make it more palatable. You can also add a squirt of honey to offset the acidity and improve the taste.
If you are looking to boost your calcium intake, adding malt vinegar to your food can help your body properly utilize calcium ingested via non-dairy foods or as food supplements. Drinking a tonic of 1 tablespoon of malt vinegar added to an 8 oz. glass of water daily can also aid in calcium absorption.
It is important to note that while malt vinegar has potential health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation and not as a replacement for other healthy foods in your diet. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or consuming any new supplements or ingredients.
