Oil Vs. Vinegar
Oil and vinegar are two staples every good cook must have in the kitchen. They are flavorful and useful ingredients on their own, and they are especially delicious when mixed together. Oil and vinegar both come in many varieties and are full of health benefits. Oil is basic and vinegar is acidic, so the two flavors complement each other. They're also useful for uses other than cooking.
Oils
The three types of oils are essential oil, mineral oil and organic oil. Essential oil is used in products such as perfumes and lotions. Mineral oil is used in everyday products like gasoline, diesel and parafin waxes. Essential oils and mineral oils are not edible. Organic oils are delicious, nutritious, and a must-have for any cook.
Health Benefits of Organic Oil
Organic oils come from dozens of sources, but some of the most common are olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil and canola oil. Although edible oils tend to be high in fat, they are considered extremely healthy because of their high content of monounsaturated fat (also known as "good fat"), and their ability to lower cholesterol and shield against heart disease. Olive oil is considered the healthiest of all the edible oils, and is widely used in French, Italian and other Mediterranean cooking.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic liquid derived from fermented ethanol. Its name comes from the French for "sour wine." Different types of vinegar refer to different sources of ethanol for the vinegar, and they include wine vinegar, rice vinegar, fruit vinegar, and balsamic vinegar (from grapes). Vinegar has a sharp and pungent taste, and unlike oil, it is rarely used as the basis for recipes. It is instead best used as a garnish or sauce. Vinegar is also an essential part of pickling, and is common in many salad dressings.
Vinegar Around the House
While non-edible oils can be used to heat your home and fuel your car, when vinegar is used outside of the kitchen it is most often as a cleaning agent. Vinegar, especially white vinegar, is a cheap and safe alternative to cleaning chemicals, and is especially popular with people who believe in an organic lifestyle or do not want to expose their family to the harsh chemicals in many modern cleaning products. Remember that vinegar is highly acidic, so should be diluted with water before being applied to any surface. Vinegar can also be used as a natural pesticide in the garden.
The Health Benefits of Vinegar
Unlike oil, which is known to help prevent disease and promote good health, vinegar's medicinal benefits are not entirely proven. Many believe that it can lower cholesterol and promote a healthy heart and that vinegar can fight infection and even promote a feeling of fullness and, in turn, promote weight loss. While there is no scientific data to back up these statements, vinegar is by no means unsafe or unhealthy. Rather, its medicinal benefits are similar to those of many homeopathic drugs and foods--there is a strong following of people who believe in them, and the best way to decide if the claims are true is to try it.
In the Mix
Oil and vinegar are two highly versatile substances that are have uses both in and out of the kitchen. Since they are both so healthy and diverse, one of the best ways to try them is to mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar together with herbs and spices in a basic vinaigrette. A vinaigrette is a delicious and low-fat salad dressing that is easy to make and will provide you with the health benefits of both oil and vinegar, as well as all of the taste.
Tags: balsamic vinegar, edible oils, Health Benefits, lower cholesterol, medicinal benefits