Balsamic vinegar is made from white Trebbiano grapes in the northern Italian region. The grapes have a high sugar content, and their unfermented juice is used to make the vinegar. The balsamic vinegar is aged for three or more years and has a dark, syrupy consistency with a strong and sometimes bitter flavor. Some of the balsamic vinegar that is available in the store is synthesized and includes high amounts of caramel and sugar. However, true and natural balsamic vinegar is available as well and offers rewarding health benefits.
Weight Loss
Balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute for salad dressing or marinades. When used in place of other dressings or marinades that are more fattening, it results in a lower calorie intake. Balsamic vinegar also works to suppress the body's appetite and increase the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty, which can contribute to weight loss by preventing overeating. According to Nutrition Data, balsamic vinegar is a source of calcium, iron, manganese and potassium, which improve the body's functioning and weight loss abilities.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants work to repair damage caused by free radicals, which are products produced by the oxygen used in our body. Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, antioxidants that can protect the body from heart disease and cancer. The grapes that are used to make balsamic vinegar also contain antioxidants that fight against cell damage, improve the body's immune system and make blood platelets more flexible, thus preventing heart or circulation problems.
Digestive System and Diabetes
The digestive system can benefit greatly from balsamic vinegar. The vinegar boosts the activity of pepsin, an enzyme that breaks protein down into smaller amino acids that can be more easily absorbed by the body. Pepsin helps to improve the body's metabolism as well. Balsamic vinegar can also improve insulin sensitivity for diabetics, allowing for an easier regulation of blood sugar and reducing unpleasant side effects from diabetes.
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