So what’s new?
Nothing really. Foodies are extolling
the virtues of “switchel” the trendy new drink made with vinegar. New – if that’s how you describe Galen’s writings in
the second century – when he recommended a mixture of vinegar, honey and water
for tired individuals!
The late
endocrinologist, Dr. Robert Greenblatt wrote a wonderful book, “Search the
Scriptures” in which he viewed biblical characters through medical eyes. In the
story of Ruth, he noted that Boaz told her to dip her bread in vinegar – and that
this was satisfying. Greenblatt wrote that vinegar of biblical days was soured wine. (Maybe it wasn't delicious – but at
least it was refreshing.) He described wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar as rich
in potassium and asked: “could it be that the ancients unknowingly replenished
potassium stores by its ingestion?”
For centuries, vinegar
added to water (occasionally some sweetener, too) was a common “farmers/field
hand” drink (thirst quenching and replenishing energy); vinegar/water was known as a thirst quencher in many arid countries.
Fast forward
to today’s “switchel”: vinegar dressed
up with ginger, sugar, maple syrup, molasses, lemon juice, spices, soda water and
more. And commercial manufacturers are touting the health benefits. (Oh yes - you can still get your potassium from bananas,
potatoes - sweet and white -, watermelon, beets and more!)
Cheers!
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