Balsamic Vinegar Health Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin, and More
Balsamic vinegar is a deep brown vinegar that's made from unfermented grape juice. It is famous for having distinctive, bold, complex flavors and a tart 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 folks feel that balsamic vinegar is great for you all by itself. It's been suggested that balsamic vinegar can bring about weight loss, reduced cholesterol, and even a luminous complexion.
It helps lower cholesterol
Of all of the benefits of balsamic vinegar, this one is perhaps the very well-documented. Balsamic vinegar is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain 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 itselfTrusted Source against clogged arteries.
It aids in healthy digestion
The main active compound in balsamic vinegar is acetic acidTrusted Source, which contains strains of probiotic bacteria. These enzymes don't just preserve food -- they can also enable healthy digestion and enhance gut health.
There's also positive immune system benefits to having these healthy bacteria called gut biome. The probiotic compounds in acetic acid might be part of the reason some people swear balsamic vinegar makes them feel full.
It encourages weight loss
The vinegar family is known for its anti-obesity characteristics, and balsamic vinegar is no exception. As stated above, balsamic vinegar contains probiotic chemicals that help you feel fuller, more.
Contrary to other flavoring agents like butter and mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar is fat-free. Even though it isn't a magic weight loss potion, there's reason to believeTrusted Source that incorporating balsamic vinegar into your diet plan will allow you to reach your weight loss goals.
It's diabetes-friendly
Balsamic vinegar is an anti-glycemicTrusted Source. At a 2006 review, studies even indicatedTrusted Source that after swallowing vinegar, individuals with insulin resistance undergo 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 beneath investigationTrusted Source 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 a Trusted Source to maintain your blood platelets from aggregating, which may prevent cardiac diseases. This may be part of the reason 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 a blood pressure, also. A laboratory study from 2001 revealed that rats with hypertension had improved blood pressure after swallowing vinegar during a lengthy period of time. By consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar as a dressing or marinade, you're not just making your food more flavorful -- you're helping your heart health, also.
It can improve your skin
Other types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, may appeal more as topical acne remedies because the odor of balsamic vinegar is quite pungent. The dark, stain-prone color of balsamic vinegar might also put you off from applying it straight 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.
Risks and side effects
The risks of balsamic vinegar are low compared to the potential health benefits, according to one review of the literatureTrusted Source.
If you drink raw balsamic vinegar, your throat may become inflamed and your esophagus might be damaged. There are instances where drinking vinegar can cause stomach pain or hurt the lining of the stomach. Be careful to monitor how much vinegar you're consuming. Stop using balsamic vinegar right away if you feel it is contributing to heartburn or gastric issues.