At Primo, we are serious about two things: olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We have previously waxed poetic about the health benefits of olive oil, of which there are many. Now we want to turn your attention to the value of balsamic vinegar when it comes to your health and a well-rounded diet.
The question: Is balsamic vinegar good for you?
The short answer: yes!
If you have been looking for an easy way to have a healthy diet or just want to add some flavor to your favorite dishes, balsamic vinegar can be your secret weapon. It is made from unfermented grape juice and has distinct, bold, complex flavors with a tart aftertaste. It’s also jam-packed with nutritional value!
Balsamic vinegar is not just for salad dressings. If you only break out your bottle when it’s time to make a dressing, you are missing out! Balsamic vinegar can be used in a number of ways, including:
- Marinades
- To finish soups and sauces
- For braised dishes
- Reduced to a syrup
- In soda, cocktails, and mocktails!
Give This a Try: Speaking of mocktails, we love adding a tablespoon of our Cranberry Pear White Balsamic Vinegar to ice-cold sparkling water. We call it The Primotini! 🍸
No matter how you use it, balsamic vinegar has a number of health benefits that affect heart disease prevention, weight loss, skin health, and more. The following are just five of the many:
Diabetes Control
Your salad dressing can prevent blood sugar from spiking! It’s true, balsamic vinegar has a not-so-secret superpower when eaten as part of a meal.
Its properties keep blood sugar plateaued for hours after eating. This anti-glycemic impact is really important, especially for those with Type 2 Diabetes who are managing their blood sugar levels.
Bacteria Killer
The acetic acid in balsamic vinegar has an antimicrobial effect that can rid foods of bacteria. Think lettuce, arugula, and other produce that are known to carry bacteria like Salmonella. When you dress your veggies with balsamic vinegar, they not only make them taste better but make them safer to eat, too.
Don’t mess with balsamic vinegar!
Helps with Digestion
The aforementioned acetic acids also contain probiotics that can aid in digestion. They’re good for your gut health, too! Proper digestion allows your body to absorb the nutrients it needs from your food and drink. Your body uses those nutrients for energy, growth, cell repair, and more. A well-functioning digestive system is vital!
Improves Your Skin
While other types of vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar) can be applied topically to combat breakouts, balsamic vinegar improves your skin from the inside out. If you seek clear and glowing skin, add it to your diet.
The balsamic’s antimicrobial compounds, acetic acid, and antioxidants are fantastic for brightening your complexion and preventing acne.
Lowers Your Cholesterol
This health benefit of balsamic vinegar is its most well-known. It’s also well documented and backed up by a number of studies. The antioxidants in the vinegar will target what are known as “scavenger cells.” These cells are toxic to your body and increase your LDL cholesterol (that’s the bad kind of cholesterol).
This study is one of the many that demonstrates consuming balsamic vinegar helps your body protect itself and will prevent clogged arteries.
There you have it. balsamic vinegar is healthy, versatile, and comes in so many different varieties – especially when you are shopping at Primo!
Check out our selection and feel free to come to visit us at the store to try some samples. We want to help you find your favorite!
