The Bold, Flavorful, and Healthy Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a popular ingredient in salad dressings, marinades, and other foods. It is has a distinctive flavor that is described as bold, tart, and complex. It is a very dark, concentrated, and intensely flavored vinegar originating in Modena, Italy some 900 years ago, made wholly or partially from grape juice. It is simmered to make a concentrate, allowed to ferment, mature for a minimum of 12 years in barrels of progressively decreasing size, made from different woods in order to impart different flavors. The result is a dark, rich and syrupy vinegar to be used very sparingly.
It contains very few calories, is low in sugar, and is fat-free. There are potential health benefits associated with balsamic vinegar. It still needs more research to understand the benefits, but you can feel good about making balsamic vinegar a part of a healthful diet. Here are some health benefits of this popular vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar helps regulate blood sugar when taken as part of a meal. One review found that balsamic vinegar has an antiglycemic impact when consumed, meaning a person’s blood sugar will spike less drastically after a meal. Balsamic vinegar may help lower cholesterol due to its antioxidants that help block toxic cells in the body that can raise cholesterol levels.
Acetic acid in balsamic vinegar contains strains of probiotics that aid digestion. It can help promote good gut health and digestion while supporting overall immune function. The probiotics can also help make a person feel full longer. Some research indicates that people may consume fewer calories throughout the day when they add vinegar to their morning meal.
Other health claims have been made for balsamic. Some research suggested that regularly adding balsamic vinegar to foods could help reduce high blood pressure over time. It can also treat congestion by adding a few drops of vinegar to steaming water and breathe in the vapor. It can help reduce acid reflux or heartburn. It may promote blood circulation as balsamic vinegar is derived from grapes that may help prevent cardiac disease by preventing platelet build-up in blood vessels.
A Little Goes a Long Way in Bothell
Discover fine Tuscan dining in Bothell at Amaro’s and sample some of our flavorful classics, laced with just the right dub of balsamic vinegar to taste. Come dine at Amaro Bistro in Bothell this week!