The Prophet’s Advice regarding Vinegar

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is an example for us in everything, including nutrition. Following the prophetic legacy, we gain many benefits in this life and the hereafter.They say that vinegar was among the products which the Messenger of Allah liked most of all.

It was narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “What a blessed condiment vinegar is.” He also said that a household that has vinegar will never be hungry. It is also reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) loved vinegar more than fruits, grapes or watermelon. Vinegar is made by fermenting the juice of sweet fruits and grains such as barley, apple and grape. During the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) vinegar was usually made from grapes and dates.

The companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) used vinegar not only for food, but to treat parasites as well. Once he advised a person to drink vinegar as it kills germs and parasites in a stomach. He also said that the best way to treat nausea is to have vinegar with bread. Vinegar is used not only as an antiseptic, but as a treatment of diabetes. Moreover it reduces hunger, kills intestinal parasites and helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

According to studies, a small amount of vinegar added to food or taken with food lowers the glycemic index of carbohydrates in both healthy and diabetic patients. No wonder smart Japanese drink a large amount of vinegar with food in order to improve the functions of the whole body and rehabilitate a person’s internal organs. That is why the Japanese have the highest life expectancy relative to other people on the Earth.

Ibn Sina wrote in his famous book Al-Qanoon fit Tibb (the Canon of Medicine), that vinegar is a powerful clotting agent. If poured on an external wound, it will stop the bleeding and prevent swelling. It aids digestion and is an expectorant. It helps with whitlows (inflammation of the tissues of a finger or toe) and carbuncles (a kind of skin inflammation). It acts quickly on burns. When mixed with oil and applied to the head, it helps with headaches caused by heat.

It strengthens gums. It is an appetizer and aids digestion. Studies also show that consuming vinegar brings a feeling of fullness, thus reducing the amount of food intake. Even a single use of vinegar may reduce food intake throughout a day. Let us remember how during hard times the only thing that saved Ali Ibn Abu Talib and his wife Fatima (may Allah be pleased with them) from hunger was vinegar and olive oil. Olive oil was used because of its nutritional value, while vinegar reduced hunger pains.

Water with vinegar is a wonderful organic drink that improves digestion, as well as speeds up metabolism and splits calories, that helps to lose one’s weight. I advise you to include vinegar in your diet, and your body will surely be grateful to you!

Another important tip for girls - regular and proper use of apple cider vinegar makes the skin beautiful and evens out face tone.

Speaking about the benefits of vinegar, we mean only natural organic vinegar made at home. Remember that cider vinegar will not have the same effect on everyone. Some may benefit from it and some may not. A very few people may be allergic to vinegar. Nevertheless vinegar is beneficial for most people. Did not the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) say, “Vinegar is a good dip.”

SAIDA IBRAGIMOVA