Originating from Italy, balsamic vinegar is a dark, strongly flavored vinegar made from Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes. Along with being a deliciously sour-sweet addition to many dishes, balsamic vinegar has several added health benefits too!
Balsamic Vinegar Health Benefits
Promotes Better Digestion
One of balsamic vinegar’s health benefits is that one of its active compounds is acetic acid, which contains a number of probiotics that aid in digestion. By keeping your gut healthy and digestive system running smoothly, acetic acid effectively promotes and supports a better immune function.
One fun fact to note: these same probiotics found in acetic acid are also responsible for keeping you fuller, longer! For more information on probiotics, read our article about what are prebiotics and probiotics.
Better Circulation
As I mentioned previously, balsamic vinegar is made from grapes. A number of studies have shown that the consumption of grapes aid in preventing heart disease and cardiac arrest. They do so by stopping platelets from building up in, and ultimately clogging, your blood vessels.
So, just by adding balsamic vinegar to your diet, you are lowering your risk of future cardiac problems. And, ultimately, improving your overall health.
Helps Weight Loss
Another balsamic vinegar health benefit that I briefly touched upon earlier is the fact that the probiotics in it help to prolong feelings of fullness. For those of you looking to lose weight, adding a little balsamic vinegar on top of whatever you’re eating may be a good idea if you’re looking to curb feelings of hunger.
What’s more, unlike a lot of other condiments/sauces/dressings, balsamic vinegar contains no fat! While it’s not a quick fix solution for weight loss, it can definitely help those looking to start their weight loss journey.
Controls Blood Sugar Levels
This next balsamic vinegar health benefit is one that is especially relevant to those of you who have diabetes and are looking to manage your blood sugar levels. Balsamic vinegar falls low on the glycemic index. Meaning it is broken down over a longer period of time, causing a gradual rise in your blood sugar levels, as opposed to a sudden spike.
Studies have even shown that the consumption of balsamic vinegar can help your body regulate blood sugar levels for up to 5 hours.
Improves Your Skin
Another balsamic vinegar health benefit is that it can help improve the appearance of your skin. The acetic acid I previously mentioned, along with its antioxidant properties, makes for a potent cure against blemishes. And, can even help over time with chronic skin problems like acne.
Along with clearing up spots, balsamic vinegar can also help to improve the radiance of your complexion and leave your skin looking bright and rejuvenated.
Lowers Cholesterol
Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, a kind of micronutrient found in plant-based foods. Studies have shown that the polyphenols found in balsamic vinegar help combat the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that blocks and eventually clogs up your arteries.
But by consuming balsamic vinegar alongside a balanced diet, you’ll be able to inhibit the oxidation of this harmful cholesterol, effectively minimizing the risk of arterial clogging!
Relieve Congestion
The final balsamic vinegar health benefit I will touch upon is that it can help to relieve congestion from colds. To lessen your congestion, try adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar to a bowl of hot water. Then, put your face close to the water and breathe in the vapors.
You should feel a noticeable difference afterwards. Also, if you’re someone who suffers from allergies, this tip might come in handy during allergy season. It’s an excellent way for you to relieve your congestion through a natural remedy instead of a chemical one.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a tremendous amount of balsamic vinegar health benefits. Even though we only mentioned 7, inside of those are nested tens of other health benefits. For a tasty condiment this is a no-brainer, so, when are you going to get yourself some?
If you’re looking for another tasty yet extremely healthy option, check out our article about the health benefits of plums.