Vinegar may help treat inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine due to its acidity, don't miss these facts from researchers.

Many would argue that its main purpose is to give a dash of flavour to a plate of chips.

But vinegar could also help treat a painful condition of the digestive system, according to researchers.

Scientists have found that both vinegar and its main component, acetic acid, significantly reduced symptoms of ulcerative colitis when given to mice.

Scientists have found that both vinegar and its main component, acetic acid, significantly reduced symptoms of ulcerative colitis when given to mice

The condition, in which the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and can develop ulcers, is thought to be linked to levels of certain bacteria in the gut.

Now Chinese researchers have found that giving vinegar to mice with colitis-like symptoms increases levels of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria bacteria, which previous studies have shown to be beneficial.

Their report in the Journal Of Agricultural And Food Chemistry added that the treatment also lowered levels of potentially damaging proteins.

The scientists say that further work is needed to establish the effect of vinegar on ulcerative colitis in humans

The scientists say that further work is needed to establish the effect of vinegar on ulcerative colitis in humans.

It is thought that about 145,000 people in the UK suffer from the condition, which is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25.

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