Our balsamic condiment is an aromatic, thick, dark, syrup-like aged type of vinegar, prepared by the reduction of cooked grapes. Balsamic vinegar, though popularly referred to as wine vinegar is not made from wine but is prepared from grape pressings, whose fermentation process has been hindered.
The best balsamic vinegar is prepared in the hills of Modena, Italy, where unique and flavorful balsamic vinegar is formed. This vinegar is known to be a cut above the other types of vinegar. Unlike the sharp taste of vinegar, balsamic vinegar has a rich, sweet flavor. You need to taste it to believe it!
Italians have been relishing balsamic vinegar for centuries, however, the American palate has been able to savor this only in the past two decades. Today balsamic vinegar is one of the most popular condiments available in American grocery stores and is used in various sauces, marinades, salad dressings, dips, desserts, etc. It's a great addition to many recipes like our Maple Balsamic Carrots and Sweet Potatoes.
The popularity surge of this dark, syrup-like condiment is not only because of its remarkable taste, but balsamic vinegar's health benefits also play a major role in adding points to the popularity chart.
Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar
Like our Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, our balsamic has many healthy benefits, too. Balsamic vinegar retains most of the nutrients present in the parent grapes and comprises nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium in adequate amounts.
Thus, incorporating balsamic oil into the daily diet will benefit one immensely. Let us look at the different balsamic vinegar health benefits.
Antioxidant Properties
Oxidation reactions take place in the human body to produce energy and reduce the formation of cell-damaging free radicals as natural by-products.
Free radicals damage cell membranes and manifest themselves in terms of premature aging, and hardening of arterial walls. Antioxidants from balsamic vinegar destroy these free radicals and prevent cells from being destroyed.
Reduces Risks of Heart Attacks
Balsamic vinegar is low in saturated fat and is believed to reduce cholesterol. Moreover, since it is low in sodium, it enhances heart health and reduces high blood pressure.
Controls Diabetes
Research reveals that consumption of at least 5 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar a day enhances insulin sensitivity. The greater the insulin sensitivity, the better the diabetes control.
Assists Digestion
The polyphenols in balsamic vinegar stimulate the activity of pepsin enzyme in the body. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme, which helps break proteins into smaller units (amino acids).
Moreover, these polyphenols also assist the intestine in absorbing amino acids expeditiously. Efficient amino acid absorption enables the body to utilize it for cell building, repair, and other body maintenance work.
Conclusion
Besides these balsamic vinegar health benefits, this vinegar also reduces the frequency of headache inceptions, strengthens bones (calcium absorption), energizes the body, slows down the aging process, and prevents anemia.
It also helps in weight loss by suppressing one’s appetite. Authentic balsamic vinegar would have been aged for a minimum period of 3 years to a maximum period of 100 years. The longer the aging process, the finer the vinegar quality.
Check out our variety of balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy today.