Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar originally came from Italy. It is made from fermented grapes and generally is not made from wine. This vinegar has been used since at least 1046. Have you ever used it? Balsamic vinegar is low in calories and you don't need to use very much. It can be used in sauces, salad dressings and soups. Balsamic vinegar is low in fat and and calories. It has a wonderful flavor. This vinegar is  much more than just a condiment for food, it also has health benefits.





Balsamic vinegar has polyphenols and antioxidants that help to prevent heart disease and cancer. It has electrolytes and calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. This vinegar has flavonoids that are antioxidants. They help protect the  heart and brain and fight free radicals.


Some of the health benefits include lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, immune system support, weight loss, and controlling blood sugar. The vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity. These health benefits are mainly in the realm of folklore, though some studies have been done on vinegar and insulin sensitivity that look promising.

Some folks are concerned about balsamic vinegar vs. apple cider vinegar. Both kinds of vinegar have health benefits. It is not a matter of which one has the most benefits but which one do you prefer as far as taste goes.

Here is a basic recipe for vinaigrette salad dressing.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
salt
fresh-ground pepper
Optional ingredients: minced garlic, fresh herbs, honey 

Combine ingredients in a jar. Close the jar with a lid. Shake with vigor. Taste it and adjust the seasonings according to how it tastes. Use on your salad. 




http://www.livestrong.com/article/87969-balsamic-vinegar-health-benefits/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/422722-balsamic-vinegar-nutrition-information/
http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetes-information-articles/general/934-5-benefits-of-balsamic-vinegar
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/01/22/vinegar-diabetes.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/

Be sure and check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
valerielull923@gmail.com