Scientific research has revealed various benefits to vinegar, and these continue to be discovered. For instance, it has been shown that vinegar, because of its purifying nature, aids in the treatment of diarrhoea. Also, drinking a small amount of vinegar on a consistent basis assists in digestion, as it replenishes the digestive system and kills any parasites in the intestines. Vinegar is also considered a very good antibiotic, and has been proven to effectively treat infected gums and tooth cavities.
Long before modern medicinal research proved its benefits, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) heralded vinegar as a food that was preferable and good for us. In small amounts, it can be taken as a digestive cleansing agent, as an aid for those living with diabetes (it can increase sensitivity to insulin and facilitate its release into the body), and can be useful in many other ways. Again, Prophet Muhammad informed us hundreds of years ago about the goodness of vinegar before any tests or studies were conducted by medical professionals!
The Messenger of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was indeed correct in saying: “The best of condiments or condiment is vinegar.” This is merely one indication that what the Prophet (pbuh) told us was beneficial was indeed proven by science to be so, and anything he discouraged us from was scientifically shown to result in some kind of harm.
Is vinegar sunnah? As reported by Jabir: “I entered the house of the Prophet with him and there was some bread and vinegar. The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Eat; what a good condiment is vinegar.’” (Sunan an- Nasa’i 3796)
