Apple Cider Vinegar vs White Vinegar- Differences and Uses

The use of the word vinegar has been used a lot lately – and for good reason there are many benefits from using it.  When you are searching the terms “apple cider vinegar” and “white vinegar” have probably appeared.  On Daily Detox we have 5 posts on apple cider vinegar.

Perhaps you were looking for how to fix an ailment or wanting to know how to remove unwelcome smells around your home or just the benefits.  

It is easy to get confused but don’t be even though both have the word vinegar in their name that are not swappable one for the other.

Read Our Ultimate Weight Loss GuideTop 10 Diets in the US and How to Use a Food Journal

The difference between White Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is

  • White Vinegar often made without fermentation and is more acidic. It is best used in the home for cleaning and cooking.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar is produced by fermenting apples and contains acetic acid and other antioxidants. It is widely used in traditional medicine. Although it is not used now in medical practice it used to be

Which is more acidic apple cider vinegar or white vinegar?

White Vinegar

White Vinegar is really white whereas most other types are other colors or at least off-white or even yellow.
White vinegar is often called distilled or spirit vinegar is clear.  Normal white vinegar contains an acidity of 4 percent to 7 percent acetic acid and 93 percent to 96 percent water.
It is manufactured by the fermentation of grain alcohol. It’s taste is quite strong and certainly bitter.
Uses include sterilizing, poaching eggs, pickling vegetables or even fruit, and baking. In addition, White vinegar has antimicrobial properties.  It is also often used as a cleaner and disinfectant around the home.

stronger apple cider vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is made by squashing apples, then filtering off the remaining liquid. The next step is a multi-step fermentation process.
Apple cider vinegar is yellow and if it is a good one it will be cloudy as it contains the mother.
Its acidity is 5% to 6% acetic acid and 95% to 94% water. It.
Use in the kitchen includes salad dressings, marinades, and more. We also cover later on some of its helping factors such as adding it to your diet will help with a variety of conditions such as weight loss, heart health, and kidneys and more and also has benefits for men – just like the the amazing moringa benefits for men.

For cleaning vinegar is safe for grown people, pets and kids. This makes it the perfect choice for cleaning indoors.

Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect

The Medicinal Uses of in Vinegar Recent scientific investigations clearly show the antimicrobial properties of vinegar, but it is mainly used in the purpose of food preparation. Many scientists advise against using vinegar preparations for treating wounds.   It was found that concentrations nontoxic to fibroblasts and keratinocytes (≤ 0.0025%), acetic acid solutions were ineffective at inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli and other bacteria found in the skin and wounds.
Similarly, experts advise not using vinegar as a household disinfectant because chemical disinfectants are more effective. However, if undiluted vinegar may be used effectively for cleaning dentures, and, unlike bleach solutions, vinegar residues left on dentures were not associated with mucosal damage.  In popular media, vinegar is commonly recommended for treating nail fungus, head lice, and warts. 

 I am going to give you some top hacks for using both White Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar – so please read on.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural, healthy, affordable remedy.  From treating skin complaints to aiding weight loss to improve blood sugar levels and treating fungal infections, 

Now, I’m sure you’ll agree if you have tried cleaning with White Vinegar you know how well it works as a cheap, non-toxic alternative to chemical household products. It really is a great way to detox your home setting.

Read on for a great kitchen cleaning hack if you have a Blender.

For me, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the real star.  

But first…

HISTORY: Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar folklore starts 5000 years ago in Babylonia and was said to have been first used as a food preservative. Later it was used by Cleopatra in part of her love potion formula.

Our American forefathers and also medical practitioners in the 18th century also used it to treat croup, stomachache, and many more ailments.

Not to mention the beauty hacks some of these we will cover. 

If you would like to read more there is a section available via the Online Archive of American Folk Medicine.

The Real Difference Between Apple Cider Vinegar and White Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has more nutritional value because of the added bonus of fruit in it.

It can also be used as a dressing, marinade, and for vinaigrettes and as discussed it can be added to your diet to help with a variety of conditions such as weight loss, heart health, and dandruff.

But what are the difference between apple cider vinegar vs white vinegar? And can you substitute one for the other?

I am going to give you lots of tips on how to use apple cider vinegar. From treating skin complaints to aiding weight loss to improve blood sugar levels and treating fungal infections, apple cider vinegar is a natural, healthy, affordable remedy.

And then I’ll leave a few ideas on cleaning with white vinegar.

Question: What is it that makes vinegar useful or beneficial?

Answer: Acetic Acid

What is acetic acid and how does it work?

Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar contain acetic acid (1). And acetic acid is actually good for your health! We hear so much about the acid/alkaline balance needed for “optimal health”, but it can get confusing. We tend to think of acid as bad and alkaline as good. Not 100% accurate.

Time to change your thinking.

Natural acids help the body to create “alkaline environments” in the body.

Think about it for a minute.

From citrus fruits, we get ascorbic and citric acid. We are told to make sure we take in essential fatty acids, to regenerate and repair cell structures. And of course don’t forget amino acids, the catalysts and building blocks(2) of the body.

But back to vinegar. Is all vinegar healthy? Can you use any vinegar for the same purposes? What are the differences between white vinegar and apple cider vinegar?

Various Vinegar Varieties

The definition of vinegar is “a sour-tasting liquid” in an impure, dilute acetic acid.

But not all vinegar is created equal! The process that leads to vinegar is one of fermentation. Acetic acid bacteria (Acetobacter) feed off the ethanol produced by the breakdown of sugars during fermentation, resulting in acetic acid.

Various Vinegar Varieties

This acetic acid is not the vinegar it is just the main constituent of vinegar, along with water. It is the type of fruit used that determines the nutritional value and the distinct flavor of each kind of vinegar.

What to Substitute for Any Kind of Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is sweet and sour, balsamic vinegar adds a rich, low-acid flavor to dressings, glazes, and sauces.

For 1 tablespoon of Balsamic vinegar , substitute 1 tablespoon of either brown rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar.

You can also make a Balsamic vinegar (and Mirin) substitute from apple cider or red wine vinegar and either sugar or honey.

Difference Between Cider Vinegar & Distilled Vinegar

Some kinds of vinegar are left much longer than others an example is Balsamic vinegar, made from grapes, which can be fermented for up to  25 years, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?

Try substituting for Balsamic From Balsamic vinegar to red wine vinegar, there are many different types of kinds of vinegar in grocery stores.

Balsamic vinegar is slightly tangy, with a mellow sweetness that becomes more defined with age.

Vinegar Substitutes That Could Save Your Recipes

Malt vinegar is made from malted barley and is mild and a bit sweet, making it a good choice for substitutes. But,, when substituting Malt vinegar for a stronger type such as white vinegar, you may decide to add a bit more than called for in the recipe.

In Asia coconut is often used. Grapes, apples and sugar cane are also ubiquitous vinegar ingredients. Malt vinegar is made from barley. Fruit vinegar is becoming popular, and these will produce vinegar with a slightly different nutritional profile.

Traditionally vinegar was fermented slowly and this produced vinegar that contained a mother culture. It was then aged in wooden barrels. The wood of the barrels also added to that specific vinegar’s flavor.

Apple Cider Vinegar aged in wooden barrels

Nowadays we get commercially produced vinegar that is distilled, and in some countries, this will be labeled non-brewed. The methods used are much faster thus creating bottles of vinegar that are still full of acetic acid but devoid of any notable nutritional value.

NOTE: It is important to note that white distilled vinegar can be used much like apple cider vinegar, but always dilute with water. The other white vinegar, the “spirit” vinegar, is much stronger and, even diluted, is better left for household cleaning.

What are the nutritional differences between Apple Cider vinegar and White spirit vinegar?

Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is available, and these will contain nutrients like potassium and sometimes B vitamins. Calcium, phosphorous, iron, and magnesium will also be present (4).

The percentage of acetic acid should never be higher than 5% if using in the kitchen as a dressing or taking internally for medicinal purposes.

White spirit vinegar has virtually no nutritional value, but because of the acetic acid, it still has benefits like lowering blood sugar levels and aiding digestion. It will always have concentrations of acetic acid between 5 and 20%.

Can we substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar and vice versa?

White spirit or distilled vinegar is ideal for household cleaning, pickling condiments, and preserving meat. White spirit vinegar is more concentrated than white distilled vinegar and has a higher acetic acid level. This makes it ideal for a low cost, a nontoxic cleaning agent.

Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for white vinegar in an emergency but not on a regular basis. This is because the acidity in apple cider vinegar is lower so it will be less efficient in both its cleaning power and when used to pickle or preserve food (56).

It is also okay to add white vinegar to a salad dressing instead of using apple cider vinegar, but it is better to use a dash of vinegar with a lower acetic acid level. So here apple cider is better. And healthier!

So yes you can substitute but only in emergencies and not on a regular basis.

Why? Because too much acetic acid will create leaching of vital nutrients from the body and you could end up with conditions like osteoporosis due to extreme potassium deficiency.

Keep the white spirit vinegar for cleaning. If you pickle instead use a brown spirit or distilled version instead of the white.

Apple cider vinegar is a better option to take internally. Choose organic, raw options like this one to get the most health benefits out of it.

People may choose to take pills over liquid apple cider vinegar if they don’t like the vinegar’s strong taste or smell.

The amount of apple cider vinegar in the pills varies by brand, but typically one capsule contains about 500 mg, which is equivalent to two liquid teaspoons (10 ml).

Apple Cider Vinegar vs. White Vinegar

Beauty Treatments

Apple Cider vinegar (ACV) is always the better option here. Apple cider vinegar contains antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and pH balancing properties (7).

Skin treatments:

  • Face: Dilute 1 part ACV to 10 parts water. Apply with cotton wool as a toner. The acetic acid restores pH levels, tightens pores and stimulates circulation.
  • Feet: To deodorise and soothe tired, smelly feet, Dilute 1 part ACV to 4 parts water. Soak feet in the basin of a solution, the ACV will kill bacteria (8) and fungus, resulting in fresh smelling, healthy feet – free from fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
  • Body: Add 1 cup of ACV to a bath and soak away your stresses. The acetic acid restores pH balance to the skin.
  • Bruises: Soak undiluted ACV in cotton wool and apply to bruise for an hour. Swelling will be reduced, and improved circulation means bruising will disappear faster.
  • Sunburn: Mix 1 part ACV to 10 parts water and apply to affected areas with a washcloth, alternatively soak entire body in a bath, using 1 cup ACV.
  • Mosquito bites: Dip cotton wool into undiluted ACV and apply to bites. Itching will be reduced as will swelling.
  • Hair treatments: Mix 1 part ACV to 1 part water. Massage into scalp to prevent dandruff build up. It will restore the pH of the scalp, thus forming a protective acid mantle that will protect from over oily conditions as well as dandruff build up.
  • Hair Rinse: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 5 parts water. You can cut down your shampoo usage by rinsing your hair with this mix. Again it is the Acetic acid that helps keep the hair to its natural state. At the same time it will also help remove and nasty build up of impurities from hair spray or waxes.  The acetic acid will assist in getting them out of your hair.

Apple cider vinegar for taking off Belly Fat

Apple cider vinegar is disinfecting and detoxifying. Taken internally it reduces inflammation from within. It restores pH levels in the body and aids digestion.

These actions improve circulation and stimulate the body to remove toxins and digest fats. It also benefits the stomach and intestines, by destroying harmful bacteria in the gut (9).

It stabilises blood sugar levels, which in turn leaves us feeling more energised for longer and satiates the appetite, curbing cravings and aiding people on weight loss programs.

All these factors work together to aid weight reduction and taking off body fat(10). By improving digestion, gut flora and circulation the body’s metabolism will improve, and an efficient metabolism is a key to weight loss.

By reducing inflammatory conditions as well as restoring pH levels, the body’s immune system can work faster to boost immunity, protecting the body from fungal and bacterial infections.

Apple cider vinegar can also help with bone density.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Detoxing:

Weight loss occurs when the body is brought into a clean state. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar not only cleans the skin on the outside but also cleanses the internal organs, removing harmful fatty acids and the toxic buildup that causes a sluggish metabolism.

A healthy gut is the first step to a healthy you, and the antibacterial action of apple cider vinegar will remove waste from intestines and stomach. Restored acid/base levels mean joint pain decreases as well as inflammation. This improves circulation which improves the liver’s ability to process and redistribute nutrients around the body and remove the waste efficiently.

  • A Synergistic Effect on Entire Body: As you can see from the info above the effects of apple cider vinegar on health is holistic.

Because of these properties, Apple Cider Vinegar may also –

Lower Blood Sugar Levels: This may improve insulin sensitivity and therefore be beneficial in preventing diabetes (11).

Lower Cholesterol: Improving cardiovascular health and preventing cardiovascular disease and its precursor, atherosclerosis (12).

Lowers Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is very dangerous, putting undue strain on the heart and therefore the entire body. Normal blood pressure indicates a healthy body.

Candida: Candida is a fungal disease that is the result of an overproduction of yeast in the body due to inadequate diet. Once candida starts to grow, it thrives in moist conditions and feeds on sugar. Cutting out sugar is always the right place to start. This will slow down the growth rate of a candida infection.

Candida can appear in the gut and if left untreated can develop into candidiasis, which leads to multiple arrays of symptoms, from tiredness and headaches to much more severe symptoms.

Taking 2 – 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, neat or mixed with water, on a daily basis can restore the pH in the stomach as well as killing off fungal infections, like candida.

And what about white vinegar for cleaning?

Versatile Vinegar Household Hacks

White vinegar diluted with water is a fantastic, non-toxic general household cleaner. Often it is used with baking soda, it froths up and fizzes, great for cleaning toilets, tiled surfaces, kitchen sinks, and windows.

•    Use it to kill black mold by applying with a spray bottle, diluted with water.

•    Spray clothing for wrinkle-free fabric.

•    Add to cut flowers to keep them fresher for longer.

•    Remove stains from pots and pans.

•    My final tip – I used White Vinegar to clean my blender container. I have a Vitamix blender that is quite old and the plastic bowl was quite discolored. After 2 soakings overnight and light scrubbing it came up almost like new.  It was cheaper than buying a new glass one.

The Verdict

Apple cider vinegar in an organic, raw, unfiltered form is a health product for your inner and outer body.

White spirit vinegar is best used for cleaning.

We also have a recipe for ACV.

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Top Best Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar in 2024

  • It assists in controlling the blood sugar level
  • It is anti-bacterial and can help to prevent infection
  • In weight loss by altering the way the gut bacteria processes the fats
  • It can help in the reduction of blood pressure
  • It helps to reduce high cholesterol level
  • It assists in regulating body PH
  • It acts in detoxification of the body
  • It helps cardiovascular health
  • It treats and reduces dandruff
  • It soothes the affected area in acne
  • It calms insect bite when applied to the affected area
  • It reduces sunburn severity when applied to the affected area
  • It assists in with a clear skin
  • It helps to assist in dyspepsia or indigestion
  • It can remove parasite infection
  • It helps reduce leg cramps
  • It assist in reducing the process of aging
  • It helps in hair health and shine

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