Essential Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar
Made from Trebbiano and/or Lambrusco grapes, balsamic vinegar is well known for its rich flavor and velvety black color.
Balsamic Vinegar is fermented in various types of wooden barrels, much like wine, and the taste of balsamic vinegar intensifies the longer it is aged.
The thicker and more intense the flavor becomes the less you want to utilize to supply a taste boost.
Balsamic vinegar offers a number of health benefits, though the serving size is small. The health benefits of balsamic vinegar are extensive and popular among health programs. Here are just a few reasons to use balsamic vinegar for its nutritional value.
Balsamic Vinegar Has Antioxidants that Assist Boost the Immune System
Balsamic vinegar is packed with antioxidants that help prevent chronic diseases and boosts the immune system. It also helps destroy free radicals in the body to protect the cells from destruction.
Balsamic Vinegar Helps Reduce Risk For Heart Attacks
At a 2010 study published at the "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology," findings state that polyphenols found in balsamic vinegar stop the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that blocks arteries that cause clogging and hardening. Since balsamic vinegar is also low in cholesterol, it can reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Beneficial For Blood Pressure
According to a study published in "Medscape General Medicine" in 2006, researchers found that balsamic vinegar reduced the hardening of arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. The vinegar is also low in sodium, which reduced blood pressure levels to enhance heart health.
As a result, balsamic vinegar also lowers and stabilizes blood pressure levels. Researchers at the study found that people who regularly consumed vinegar exhibited lower systolic blood pressure levels. However, further study on humans is required, as this analysis was initially animal-based.
Low Calories And Improves Metabolism For Weight Loss
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar offers only 10 calories. The vinegar also enhances metabolism since polyphenols found from the vinegar breaks protein down into smaller amino acids.
With balsamic vinegar, a little goes a long way. Use 1 tablespoon or less when adding balsamic vinegar to salad dressings, sauces or even soups. The same size serving also contains a minimal amount of fat and less than 3 grams each of carbohydrates, such as sugar.
Aside from its ability to enhance metabolism, balsamic vinegar also has the ability to curb the appetite. Since the vinegar also uses calories from grapes' sugar content, it is a great alternative to fatty dressings full of mayonnaise.
Stabilizes Blood Glucose
Balsamic vinegar is low on the glycemic index, which allows people to feel full for a longer period of time, according to Livestrong.
Studies show that eating three to four tablespoons of balsamic vinegar daily can also enhance insulin sensitivity, which can lead to better diabetes control.
Improves Digestion
Balsamic vinegar enhances digestion since it contains polyphenols, which encourage pepsin enzyme activity within the body. The digestive enzyme pepsin stimulates protein break down into amino acids to assist the intestines in absorbing the amino acids.
Good For Bone Health
The acetic and pepsin found in balsamic vinegar improves the absorption of minerals from the body such as calcium and magnesium. Balsamic vinegar is a reliable source for the two mentioned minerals that can help with the formation of strong and healthy bones.