Latest News

July

Japanese Fad:  Drinking Vinegar – A story in t he Japan Times discusses a recent trend in Japan to consume vinegar drinks, in particular those made from fruit.  It is recommended to drink the vinegar with water or milk.  The article attributes this fad to people becoming "more health-conscious" and individuals have "learned about vinegar's benefits."  According to Takashi Tajiri, a professor of food administration at Kinki University's agriculture department, "I think people believe that drinking vinegar is more efficient than taking it by eating dishes in which it is used as a seasoning," he said. "When foods are heated, some of the (nutritional benefits) of vinegar are lost."

Source: Japan Times, http://japantimes.co.jp, July 2005

Use Vinegar as a Cleaner - The article "How safe are home cleaners?" featured in the Deccan Herald (Bangalore, India) and touts the use of vinegar as an alternative to commercial household cleaners that the article states are harmful.  The article notes, "Commonly available ingredients like vinegar, borax, baking soda, table salt, cornflour and one or two lemons make good cleaners and work best when fresh."  The cleaning "recipes" that use vinegar are noted below:

Brass or bronze polish
Ingredients: Lemon and baking soda or vinegar and salt and a soft cloth.

Recipe: Make a solution of lemon and baking powder or vinegar and salt. Rub the bronze or brassware with the solution. Once it dries up, wipe it out with the soft cloth.

Use:  Cleans up any brassware or bronze vessels.

Window cleaner
Ingredients: Two teaspoons of vinegar and one liter warm water. Or one teaspoon of vinegar and one liter of water and a soft cotton cloth.

Recipe: Sprinkle vinegar in warm water. Mix it well.

Use: Spray the solution on windows and wipe it with a soft cotton cloth. Never wash windows in direct sunlight. This causes the cleaner to dry quickly, causing unwanted streaks.

Toilet bowl cleaner
Ingredients: One fourth cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar.

Recipe: Sprinkle the vinegar and pour the baking soda into the toilet bowl and let it set for a few minutes.

Use: Scour the bowl with a toilet brush. This not only cleans, but deodorizes as well.

Multipurpose cleaner
Ingredients: One teaspoonful each of borax and washing soda, two teaspoons each of vinegar or lemon juice and liquid soap, two cups of hot water and a spray bottle.

Recipe: Combine all the ingredients and add hot water. Shake the spray bottle until all ingredients are dissolved and mixed.

Use: Spray onto the area you want to clean and wipe off with a sponge or cleaning rag.

Home Cleaners Demystified
Vinegar: It is an all purpose cleaner. Fill up a spray bottle with vinegar and water in equal parts and it will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is also a disinfectant and deodorizer. Always test it on an inconspicuous area. Never use on marble.

Source: Deccan Herald,
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul262005/ July 26, 2005