Balsamic Vinegar Diet

Balsamic vinegar, a thick, viscous liquid traditionally made in only two small regions of Italy, has exploded onto the American market over the past 30 years, according to "Cooks Illustrated Magazine." If you're interested in losing weight, adding balsamic vinegar to your diet can help, as long as you take some precautions.

History

Vinegar diets are nothing new. In fact, Lord Byron, a 19th century nobleman, used vinegar to control his appetite, according to Dr J.H. Baron, a surgeon working at the Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London. However, Byron was not exactly a paragon of sound nutritional theory; Baron reports that this troubled English nobleman, who also used laxatives and vomiting to keep his weight dangerously low, probably suffered from an eating disorder.

Possible Effect on Hunger

Byron's relationship with food may have been unhealthy, but he may have been onto something when he used vinegar to keep hunger under control. The acetic acid in vinegar may slow the passage of food out of the stomach, as well as keep high-carbohydrate foods from causing a spike in you blood-sugar levels, both of which help you stay full, reports "Good Housekeeping" magazine.

Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is one of the best foods for dieters because it imparts flavor without calories. Good-quality balsamic vinegar has a rich, complex flavor, with hints of caramel, smoke, honey and raisin, and an aroma like fine port wine, according to the March 2007 issue of "Cooks Illustrated Magazine." That's quite a bang for your calorie buck when you consider that 1 tbsp. vinegar contains a mere 20 calories according to Fat Secret.

Considerations

While balsamic vinegar makes a great addition to your low-calorie diet, use caution with "balsamic vinegar diets." Vinegar is highly acidic, and drinking too much can irritate your throat, as well as interact with certain medications, according to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky. Talk to your doctor about your medications and whether or not they are compatible with vinegar consumption.

Warning

Use caution in following "balsamic vinegar" diets that instruct you to live on smoothies or salads. If you don't get enough calories, your body goes into starvation mode, slowing your metabolism and hampering your weight loss.