What Are the Benefits of Eating Balsamic Vinegar?

There are many varieties of balsamic vinegar.

Drizzle balsamic vinegar over just about any type of food to add depth of flavor and a zing without adding calories. Balsamic vinegar is a delicious, low-calorie addition to any meal.

History

Fresh tomato and basil salad with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kristen

Balsamic vinegar originated in Modena, Italy, in the 11th century. During the Middle Ages, it was thought to be an effective treatment for the black plague and other maladies.

Antioxidants

Fresh lettuce with aged balsamic vinegar is a lovely combination. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tim Parkinson

Drizzle balsamic vinegar over leafy greens and receive the health benefits of an antioxidant-rich salad. Balsamic vinegar, made from grape juice, is chock-full of antioxidants. Combine with leafy greens for a nutritional powerhouse. Lighten up or omit the oil to cut the fat.

Drink to your Health

Fresh fruit marries beautifully with balsamic. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Lauren "Lolly" Weinhold

The antioxidants in balsamic vinegar protect against cancer, heart disease, obesity and even Alzheimer's disease. Fight diabetes with balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar may help increase insulin sensitivity when consumed with meals. Balsamic vinegar also aids in the absorption of minerals---a natural digestive aid.

Healthy Recipes

Drizzle balsamic over grilled meats and vegetables. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Rexipe Rexipe

Marinate meat and vegetable skewers in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, herbs and olive oil and grill. Lightly sauté sliced red cabbage, fennel and onions with balsamic and olive oil. Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, feta cheese crumbles, walnuts and fresh spinach or arugula leaves for a fantastic warm dinner salad. For dessert, drizzle balsamic glaze over fresh strawberries, figs or other seasonal fruit. The acidity in balsamic vinegar brings out the fruit's sweetness.

Tips

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of lost in translation) (Gordana Adamovic-Mladenovic

Make your own balsamic glaze, perfect for grilled vegetables, drizzled on a steak before serving or as a sauce for fresh strawberries. Buy an inexpensive bottle of balsamic vinegar. Pour into a saucepan and reduce to a syrupy glaze. Cool and pour back into the bottle. This is a terrific and cost-effective option for the home cook.

References

• Modena Balsamic Vinegar
• Mount Sinai Research
• Live Science

Resources

• Balsamic Vinegar Basics
• Grilled Fruit with Balsamic Vinegar