Lemon juice and vinegar both are weak acids. Benefits like being free of calories, proteins and fibres and acting as an excellent preservative for the natural source are expected. They both enjoy the similarities of being natural cleansers helping to remove various stubborn stains, and on the other hand, both possess anti-bacterial properties. Both being weak acids can be used for various purposes, including an addition to foods. Although they have low pH, both are weak. Our body has natural buffering agents, which are self-sufficient to neutralize these acids and prevent ill effects. However, excess use or direct consumption can destroy tooth enamel.
the pH of lemon and vinegar
pH is the term used to explain the acidity and basicity of any substance. pH is measured on a scale of 1-14. Where seven serves as neutral. Those with low pH are acidic substances, whereas those with higher pH are essential substances. Lemon and vinegar are acidic, with a pH between 2-3 for lemons and 3-4 for vinegar. These acids turn the universal indicator red, proving their acidic nature. Lemons contain citric acid, a weak acid, and ascorbic acid, generally known as vitamin C. Vinegar is acetic acid, a member of the weak acids family.
Both being weak acids still sail in different boats as citric acid has more efficiency to liberate hydrogen ions leading to the higher strength of citric acid than that of acetic acid. Lemon juice is more potent than an acidic measure of vinegar, and it acts as a better cleaning agent than vinegar.
Talking about vinegar, although it’s a weaker acid than that lemon juice, it still carries some benefits over it. It possesses a longer duration of life than that lemons. Moreover, it is easy to store. The problem with lemon juice is that lemon juice can deteriorate with an increment in time. The use of vinegar also reduces the chances of any sticky leftovers, as in lemons.
Health impacts
Despite complex storage, lemons have many health benefits. It serves as a good source of essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc. Lemon has active antioxidant potential and is a source of Vitamin c, which is helpful for skin, connective tissue, bones, etc. It helps in boosting the metabolism of our body. The citric acid present in lemons is a bleaching agent that is helpful for the skin as a cosmetic agent. It is beneficial in maintaining the pulse and helpful for patients with hypertension. Citric acid is a prime component of Krebs’s cycle, therefore improving the body’s metabolizing property. The presence of ascorbic acid helps in curing digestion issues. Therefore help you lose extra calories and keep you stay hydrated.
Vinegar is marketed in stores by different names. Its prevalent form is flooding markets in the name of apple cider vinegar. It claims to have health impacts. Its use by today’s generation to reduce weight and curb appetite is increasing day by day. However, it is not valid for everyone. One should consult his physician before adding it to their daily routine.
Finally, both lemon juice and vinegar serve as a food additive, cleaner, weight management therapy, preservative, etc. Lemon being higher in pH, can provide better results than vinegar due to its additional effects on health and hydration.
