Balsamic Vinegar is a deep brown vinegar that’s made from
unfermented grape juice. It’s known for having distinctive, bold,
complex flavors and a smooth aftertaste. Real balsamic vinegar is
aged in barrels for months or even years, and it can be quite
expensive. Balsamic vinegar has become a popular ingredient in food
preparations, especially salad dressings and marinades. People use it
as a low-fat additive and part of a heart-healthy diet.
Some people believe that balsamic vinegar is good for you all by
itself. It’s been suggested that balsamic vinegar can contribute to
weight loss, low cholesterol, and even a glowing complexion.
It helps lower cholesterol
Of all of the benefits of balsamic vinegar, this one is perhaps
the most
well-documented. Balsamic vinegar is an excellent choice for
those looking to maintain or lower their cholesterol levels. The
antioxidants found in balsamic vinegar target the “scavenger cells”
that are toxic to your body and inflate your LDL (unhealthy
cholesterol) levels. By consuming balsamic vinegar as a dressing or
glaze, you can consume enough to help
your body protect itself against clogged arteries.
It aids in healthy digestion
The main active compound in balsamic
vinegar is acetic
acid, which contains strains of probiotic bacteria. These
probiotics don’t just preserve food — they can also enable
healthy digestion and improve gut health. There’s also positive
immune system benefits to having these healthy bacteria called gut
biome. The probiotic compounds in acetic acid could be part of the
reason some people swear balsamic vinegar makes them feel full.
It supports weight loss
The vinegar family
is known for its
anti-obesity characteristics, and balsamic vinegar is no
exception. As mentioned above, balsamic vinegar contains probiotic
compounds that help you feel fuller, longer. Unlike other flavoring
agents like butter and mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar is fat-free.
Though it isn’t a magic weight loss potion, there’s reason
to believe that incorporating balsamic vinegar into your
diet will help you reach your weight loss goals.
It’s diabetes-friendly
Balsamic vinegar is
an anti-glycemic. In a 2006 review, studies even
indicated that after consuming vinegar, people with insulin
resistance experience a blood sugar plateau for up to five hours.
Using balsamic vinegar as a condiment can make your meals
more diabetes-friendly,
and help you avoid blood sugar spikes that happen after eating.
It improves blood circulation
Balsamic vinegar
contains polyphenols, which are under
investigation for how they help your cardiovascular system.
You might not think about it often, but balsamic vinegar is a fruit
product because it’s made from grapes. Grapes have
been found to keep your blood platelets from aggregating,
which may prevent cardiac diseases. This might be part of the reason
why Mediterranean cultures have been using balsamic vinegar for
centuries as a “healing” and “anti-aging” ingredient.
It may help with hypertension
Balsamic vinegar’s
benefits for your cardiovascular system extend to your blood
pressure, too. A laboratory study from 2001 revealed that
rats with hypertension had
better blood pressure after consuming vinegar over a long period of
time. By consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar as a dressing
or marinade, you’re not only making your food more delicious —
you’re helping your heart health, too.
It can improve your skin
Other types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, might appeal
more as topical acne remedies because the smell of balsamic vinegar
is quite pungent. The dark, stain-prone color of balsamic vinegar
might also put you off from applying it directly to your face. But
balsamic vinegar contains both acetic acid and antimicrobial
compounds, as well as antioxidants. Consuming balsamic vinegar as
part of your regular diet might make your skin look clearer and your
complexion brighter.
