OXOS

mineral salts and trace elements lost through sweat. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of our suggestions on how to use vinegar (of organic and biodynamic origin), not only in the kitchen, but also for children suffering from:

- stomach pains: to relieve colitis, mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a cup of natural mineral water with the addition of 30 drops of calendula oil. Gently massage the abdomen with this solution (it has a calming effect and relieves intestinal spasms);

- bleeding gums: to treat bleeding gums, small ulcers, mouth sores and to help keep teeth white, we recommend rinsing with water and vinegar (a spoonful of vinegar diluted in a glass of water). To increase the resistance of teeth to decay and to improve oral hygiene, drink a glass of water before meals with two teaspoons of vinegar and a teaspoon of honey;

- ear inflammation: the child should drink a little vinegar diluted in a glass of water, perhaps sweetened with a little honey;

- sore throat: a little vinegar diluted in a glass of water and then used for gargling;

- colds: to treat colds, sinusitis, and cold-related headaches in a natural way, fill a container with equal parts of water and vinegar, and bring slowly to the boil. The child should repeatedly breathe in the vapours that are generated;

- insect bites: apply vinegar directly to the bite;

- constipation: the child should drink a little vinegar diluted in a glass of water, perhaps sweetened with a little honey. Vinegar has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effect on the gut flora, making it particularly useful in cases of constipation;

- cough: the child should drink a little vinegar diluted in a glass of water, perhaps sweetened with a little honey. This preparation dissolves bronchial catarrh and calms coughing.

To boost children’s mineral levels after intense physical activity as well as their immune defences, prepare a drink made with two teaspoons of vinegar, a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of pollen in a glass of water. Children should drink this before meals (do not sweeten it too much and do not give it to children immediately before eating, since this may affect their appetite).

And how should expecting mums use vinegar in their diet?

Vinegar has been used since ancient times, and is already mentioned in the Bible; Hippocrates (460-370 BC) used it as a medicine and in the Middle Ages it was used to protect against the plague. When you are expecting a baby, you need to change your lifestyle, and pay careful attention to what you eat. In most cases, a varied and tasty diet can be followed during pregnancy, as long as small precautions are taken. Pregnant women should focus on the best way to facilitate the correct development of their unborn child, but also ensure that they themselves stay healthy. From personal experience, vinegar can help relieve the sense of nausea that often accompanies various stages of pregnancy. In the morning, I added a spoonful of our organic, biodynamic wine vinegar to a glass of water at room temperature, with a teaspoon of quality honey, and a pinch of salt, and would sip it at intervals during the morning. Since vinegar has natural antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties, it helps protect mother and baby from oxidative stress.

Vinegar is rich in mineral salts and very low in calories. It tends to slow down digestion and make us feel fuller because it stimulates gastric secretions. Some sources also show that the acetic acid contained in vinegar can reduce blood pressure and control blood sugar levels. Its antioxidant properties also make it a valuable ally in the fight against cell ageing. In any case, the draining, deflating and slimming action of vinegar can be traced back to its origin: wine vinegar comes from the fermentation of wine by the bacteria of the Acetobacter strain, which are 90% similar to the bacteria present in our gut. For this reason, once it comes into contact with the gut flora, vinegar acts as a disinfectant. Furthermore, the presence in vinegar of mineral salts – in particular potassium – helps combat water retention.

And what about newborn babies? Can they be given vinegar, and if so, how?

Vinegar can be used in moderation and according to personal tastes. Those made from wine and apples produced and grown using organic and biodynamic methods are particularly suitable for infants. An important issue is salt, which should be avoided at least in the first year of life. Ideally, it should be used as little as possible (with preference in any case given to unrefined varieties), and replaced with the addition of small quantities of vinegar or lemon juice to baby food.

And as babies grow, becoming toddlers and then children, even before they reach adolescence, what can we do to encourage them to appreciate vinegars?

There is no way to make children appreciate vinegar, but certainly using quality vinegar as an ingredient in cooking helps a lot. It shouldn’t be forced on children, but used correctly to season dishes, just like olive oil. Children are especially receptive to quality.

Are there tasting courses suitable for children, as there are for oils?

To date, there are unfortunately no tasting courses designed for children.