While vinegar has long been touted in folk medicine for its benefits in treating arthritis, viruses, and even jellyfish stings, a new study supports the long-standing claim that acetic acid (found in vinegar), can help fend off weight gain. 

Japanese scientists at the Central Research Institute in Tokyo, released the details of their study in the July 8 issue of American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. In a nutshell, they found supporting evidence that acetic acid can help deter the accumulation of body fat (in mice), even when the mice were fed a high-fat diet. This research adds evidence indicating that acetic acid triggers genes to produce proteins that break down fat. Sure, more research is needed to see if these results hold true for humans. But ummm...time for a quick pantry check.  

 Yep, red wine vinegar. Malt vinegar. White vinegar. I typically use these for marinades and salad dressings, but maybe I could up the ante by adding more to my diet? If it can help ward off the jiggly bits that seem to be accumulating here and there, why not? 

 Here's the catch. All vinegars are not created equally. You’ve got your wine vinegar, malt vinegar, apple cider vinegar, fruit, cane, rice…well, the list continues. The acetic acid concentration typically ranges from 4 to 8 percent by volume for table vinegar. Diluted concentrations of the acid are safe. It’s the concentration levels of acetic acid that need to be examined.

 Since varieties of acedic acid—at higher concentrations—are used in pesticides, paints, and adhesives, it's worth a second look. Injuries and irritations to the esophagus and nasal linings have been associated with inhaling or ingesting the acid at levels of more than 15%. Long-term heavy ingestion of vinegar may also cause low potassium levels and loss of bone density. Erosion of teeth enamel and perforation of the gastrointestinal lining can also occur if the concentration levels are too high.

 With this in mind, I think I’ll stick to the oil and vinegar salad dressing and a few pickles on my burger. No vinegar shakes or cider vinegar supplements for me. Moderation seems to be key, once again. As noted by Epicurus, “Be moderate in order to taste the joys of life in abundance.”