Sandhya Raghavan
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Written By: Sandhya Raghavan | Published : November 28, 2017 1:25 PM IST
In India, vinegar or acetic acid is only associated with pickle-making and, occasionally, with stain removing. But the uses of vinegar in other parts of the world have been more diverse, especially in Italy, where the grape-based balsamic vinegar has been used for a variety of culinary purposes. From salad dressings to meat marinades to soups and sauces, a smidgen of this tart-tasting vinegar adds a robust burst of flavour in foods. Balsamic vinegar tastes nothing like its regular white counterpart, which we use so extensively in India. It has a deep, wine-like flavour with sweet and sour undertones, making it a versatile ingredient for both desserts as well as savouries. These days, most Indian markets stock bottles of balsamic vinegar. You must have spotted a few yourself, and if you are wondering whether to buy it or not, here are four healthy reasons why you SHOULD!
Balsamic vinegar lowers blood pressure
If you constantly battle with high BP, don't think twice before picking up a bottle from the supermarket. A 2006 study conducted by the Arizona University published their findings about the antihypertensive effects of vinegar in Medscape General Medicine.1 Another 2010 study researched the effects of balsamic vinegar on arteriosclerosis and discovered that it prevents the hardening of arteries, helping in normalising blood pressure.2 Do you know the causes of high blood pressure?
Balsamic vinegar lowers cholesterol
Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenol antioxidants, which fights plaque formation caused by oxidation of LDL cholesterol, resulting in a condition known as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis. The study showed that the antioxidants in the grape-based vinegar prevented the oxidation process and stopped foam cell formation, which causes plaque deposits inside the arteries. So, people suffering from high cholesterol levels would benefit from including balsamic vinegar in their diet. 2
Balsamic vinegar fights diabetes, obesity
Balsamic vinegar is low in calories and a single serving contains as little as 10 calories. This makes it a better salad dressing that fatty cream-based ones such as thousand island dressing or ranch. Research reveals that the vinegar may also help against beta cell dysfunction, which causes type 2 diabetes and obesity in human beings.3Inspire your child to go from fat to fit: Tips to tackle childhood obesity
Balsamic vinegar fights free radicals
Thanks to its powerful polyphenol antioxidants, balsamic vinegar is an excellent free radical scavenger, protecting you from their damaging effects. Antioxidants also help in lowering risks of inflammation, keeping the heart and immune system healthy, and preventing mood disorders and cancers.
If these qualities weren't enough, balsamic vinegar is also very quite delicious and can be had on its own not just as an ingredient. Mix a tablespoon of good quality olive oil with a teaspoonful of balsamic vinegar. Use this with hors d'oeuvre as a healthy dip for breads or bread sticks. You could also dissolve a few teaspoons of the vinegar in water and enjoy it like a drink.
References:
1.Johnston, C. S., & Gaas, C. A. (2006). Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect. Medscape General Medicine, 8(2), 61.
2.Iizuka, M., Tani, M., Kishimoto, Y., Saita, E., Toyozaki, M., & Kondo, K. (2010). Inhibitory effects of balsamic vinegar on LDL oxidation and lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 56(6), 421-427.
3.Seok, H., Lee, J. Y., Park, E. M., Park, S. E., Lee, J. H., Lim, S., Cha, B. S. (2012). Balsamic Vinegar Improves High Fat-Induced Beta Cell Dysfunction via Beta Cell ABCA1. Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, 36(4), 275 279. https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2012.36.4.275
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