Table of contents:
- Various benefits of balsamic vinegar that are not to be missed
- 1. Helps lower cholesterol
- 2. Good for the digestive system
- 3. Low in calories
- 4. Controlling blood sugar levels
- 6. Stabilize blood pressure
- 7. Maintain healthy skin
Balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinegar is a fermented grape juice that has long been popular in the culinary world. Balsamic vinegar is reddish brown in color and tends to be dark and has a pungent, sour aroma. Even so, this type of vinegar has a fresh, sour taste so it is perfect as a salad dressing and a natural acidic flavor enhancer for soups. Check out the various health benefits of balsamic vinegar in this article.
Various benefits of balsamic vinegar that are not to be missed
1. Helps lower cholesterol
Balsamic vinegar is the right choice for those of you who want to maintain or lower cholesterol levels. The antioxidants contained in balsamic vinegar play a role in fighting free radicals that are toxic to the body.
Not only that, in a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, researchers found that the polyphenols in balsamic vinegar can reduce the ability of bad LDL cholesterol to damage the body.
2. Good for the digestive system
The main active compound in balsamic vinegar is acetic acid, which contains probiotic bacterial strains. The strongest evidence shows that probiotics can maintain a healthy digestive system, strengthen the immune system, and fight infections that can cause diarrhea.
3. Low in calories
According to data from the USDA National Nutrition for Reference Standards, balsamic vinegar contains only 5 calories per teaspoon. This calorie content is known to be much lower than olive oil which has 45 calories per one teaspoon. If you are planning to lose weight, this type of vinegar can be a great choice for reducing the calories in your diet.
4. Controlling blood sugar levels
Another benefit of balsamic vinegar is to control blood sugar. The reason is, this type of vinegar is one of the foods that is classified as having a low glycemic value which can stabilize blood sugar.
For those of you who have diabetes, adding balsamic vinegar in food can be the right choice to help you avoid blood sugar spikes that occur after eating.
However, also pay attention to the portion of your meal because after all this type of vinegar contains sugar. So, if you don't pay attention to the portion you eat, it will certainly make your blood sugar rise.
6. Stabilize blood pressure
Research by researchers from Arizona State University published in the Journal of Medscape General Medicine states that balsamic vinegar is beneficial for heart health. Balsamic vinegar is reported to be able to reduce atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, and stabilize your blood pressure.
Researchers explained that regular consumption of vinegar has also been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by as much as 20 mmHg. Systolic pressure is a number on top of your blood pressure and measures blood pressure during a heartbeat.
It is important to note, however, that this study was conducted on mice. So, while balsamic vinegar is beneficial for blood pressure in humans, more research needs to be done.
7. Maintain healthy skin
Balsamic vinegar contains acetic acid and antimicrobial compounds, as well as antioxidants that are good for treating and maintaining healthy skin. But because of their dark color and strong smell, you might not like rubbing them directly on your face.
Instead, you can consume balsamic vinegar as part of your regular diet so that it makes your skin look cleaner and brighter.
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