Why One Needs To Use Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a popular condiment used originally in the Mediterranean area. Italian farmers harvest and cultivate white grapes that are then pressed to form a juice that retains skin, seeds and stems of the grapes. The grape must is cooked and converted into a syrup and left to ferment for 3 weeks, though it takes about 12 years to fully mature.
In the practice of making vinegar, alcohol is converted to something called acetic acid--one of the main science-backed, health-promoting compounds that has been found to help lower blood sugar, decrease fat storage, and suppress appetite, among other great stuff. That sour, biting flavor that accompanies vinegar, pickles, and even sourdough bread? That's acetic acid.
The fermentation process and consequent probiotic bacteria in some varieties of vinegar such as raw, unfiltered vinegar has also been touted as a beneficial factor. It's also been used medicinally and as an antibacterial agent, probably because of its acidity, and some studies have also researched the potential antioxidant benefits of vinegar.
It is normal to find 25 to 50 years old balsamic vinegar bottles since the taste and health quotient is related to a long-drawn-out fermentation process, though the research on this assumption is lacking.
Twelve-year-old authentic balsamic vinegar is rare to find because it is limited quantity available on the market for the requirements of the demanding customers. Before choosing your next product from the shelf, pay attention to the producers history, and try to learn more about the brand.
Let us take a peek of some of its health benefits:
For weight loss: According to research, balsamic vinegar is a source of calcium, iron, manganese and potassium, which enhance the human body's functioning and weight loss abilities. Low in calories, it also helps to suppress the body's appetite and prevents overeating, increasing the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty.
Helps blood circulation: The antioxidants gifts in balsamic vinegar can help repair damage caused by free radicals, produced by the oxygen utilized in our entire body. Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, antioxidants that can protect the body from heart disease and cancer.
Improves immunity: The grapes that are used to make balsamic vinegar contain antioxidants that fight against cell damage, improve the body's immune system and make blood platelets more flexible.
Regulates blood sugar: Balsamic vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity for diabetics, allowing for an easier regulation of blood sugar and reducing unpleasant side effects from diabetes.
Helps digestion: This vinegar is great for body's digestion. It boosts the activity of pepsin, an enzyme that breaks protein down to smaller amino acids that can be more easily absorbed by the body. Pepsin also helps to enhance the body's metabolism.