Balsamic vinegar is a popular condiment used originally in the Mediterranean region. Italian farmers harvest and cultivate white grapes that are then pressed to form a juice that retains skin, seeds and stems of the grapes. The grape must is cooked and converted into a syrup and left to ferment for three weeks, though it takes about 12 years to fully mature.
In the process of making vinegar, alcohol is converted into something called acetic acid—one of the main science-backed, health-promoting compounds that has been found to help lower blood sugar, reduce fat storage, and suppress appetite, among other good stuff. That sour, biting flavor that accompanies vinegar, pickles, and even sourdough bread? That’s acetic acid.
The fermentation process and resulting probiotic bacteria in some varieties of vinegar such as raw, unfiltered vinegar has also been touted as a beneficial factor. It’s also been used medicinally and as an antibacterial agent, likely due to its acidity, and some studies have also explored the potential antioxidant benefits of vinegar.
It is common to find 25 to 50 years old balsamic vinegar bottles since the taste and health quotient is related to a long-drawn-out fermentation process, though the research on this assumption is lacking.
Twelve-year-old authentic balsamic vinegar is rare to find because it is limited quantity available in the market for the needs of the demanding customers. Before choosing your next product from the shelf, pay attention to the producers history, and try to learn more about the brand.
Let’s take a look of some of its health benefits:
For weight loss: According to studies, balsamic vinegar is a source of calcium, iron, manganese and potassium, which improve the body’s functioning and weight loss abilities. Low in calories, it also helps to curb the body’s appetite and prevents overeating, increasing the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty.
Helps blood circulation: The antioxidants presents in balsamic vinegar can help repair damage caused by free radicals, produced by the oxygen used in our body. Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, antioxidants that can protect the body from heart disease and cancer.
Improves immunity: The grapes that are used to make balsamic vinegar contain antioxidants that fight against cell damage, improve the body’s immune system and make blood platelets more flexible.
Regulates blood sugar: Balsamic vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity for diabetics, allowing for an easier regulation of blood sugar and reducing unpleasant side effects from diabetes.
Helps digestion: This vinegar is great for body’s digestion. It 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 also helps to improve the body’s metabolism.