Balsamic Vinegar And Health

Vinegar is a liquid byproduct of the fermentation of ethanol, or grain alcohol. The name for this culinary liquid was inspired by the French word "vinaigre," which combines "vin," meaning wine, and "aigre," meaning sour. The tartness of the "sour wine" depends on the source of alcohol -- wine, apple cider or beer, the latter of which yields malt vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is made from the pressed juice of white grapes, which is then aged in wood casks. Aside from enjoying a splash over salad, your health might benefit from a regular dose of balsamic vinegar.

Grades

The balsamic vinegar in the supermarket is usually 12 years old or less, and it consists of concentrated grape juice and caramel coloring. In contrast, balsamic vinegar sold in specialty markets may carry the seal of the European Protected Denomination to designate authenticity in terms of geographic origin. These vinegars involve a complex transfer of vinegar of varying ages to and from casks constructed of different woods, and they are aged up to 100 years.

Antimicrobial Properties

Vinegar has antimicrobial properties due to its acetic acid content, which is higher in balsamic vinegar than in most other varieties. Aside from enhancing flavor, vinegar is combined with other foods as a preservative. According to a study published in the May 2007 issue of the "Journal of Food Protection," vinegar is effective against E. coli, salmonella, listeria and other food-borne pathogens.

Antioxidant Effects

In a study published in 2010 in the "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology," scientists at Ochanomizu University in Japan described the antioxidant properties of polyphenols found in balsamic vinegar as "dramatic." Specifically, the vinegar compounds significantly inhibited the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL cholesterol. Without this intervention, LDL molecules may become trapped in the endothelium layer of arterial walls, oxidize and contribute to the formation of macrophage foam cells, the first indication of the onset of atherosclerosis. In addition, balsamic vinegar consumption resulted in reduced intracellular triglycerides and total cholesterol levels.

Glucose Metabolism

According to Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., lead author of a study published in January 2004 in "Diabetes Care," vinegar may be an effective anti-diabetic therapy. In this study, which involved people with insulin sensitivity or resistance and type 2 diabetes, the researchers found that adding a small amount of vinegar to a meal lowered the glycemic index of carbohydrates consumed as effectively as the anti-diabetic medications acarbose and metformin.

Safety Considerations

Although balsamic vinegar is a healthy addition to a balanced diet, it is not a substitution for conventional treatment of diabetes or high cholesterol. Check with your doctor if you have a history of gastrointestinal or esophageal disorders, which may be aggravated by vinegar consumption.