Balsamic vinegar generally comes from white grape juice that has been cooked and fermented in a vat. Interestingly, this fermentation process can take months to years. No wonder the price of this one vinegar is quite expensive than other types of vinegar.

In 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar contains about 5 calories and various nutrients, such as acetic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Balsamic vinegar also contains various compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

From this content, there are many benefits of balsamic vinegar that you should not miss. The following are among them:

Balsamic vinegar has long been used in traditional medicine to aid digestion. The benefits of balsamic vinegar are thought to come from the abundant acetic acid content in it.

The acetic acid in balsamic vinegar is formed by the fermentation of good bacteria or probiotics. In the body, these bacteria are able to maintain the health of the digestive system, especially the intestines.

What's more, the antimicrobial effect of balsamic vinegar is also able to reduce the risk of Salmonella bacterial infection in the digestive system which can cause typhoid fever.

Not only to nourish the digestive system, the probiotics in balsamic vinegar can also reduce excessive appetite and make you feel full longer. That is why balsamic vinegar is suitable for consumption if you are on a diet program.

In addition, unlike other flavor enhancers, such as butter or mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar is fat-free and low in calories, so consuming it on a regular basis will not increase your weight significantly.

Consuming balsamic vinegar is known to reduce total cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and increase good cholesterol (HDL). This effect makes balsamic vinegar as a healthy food flavoring.

However, this benefit still needs to be investigated further. Therefore, you are still advised to have a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain weight to lower cholesterol.

Balsamic vinegar has good antidiabetic and antiglycemic effects. This means that balsamic vinegar can reduce the absorption of sugar from other foods. Using balsamic vinegar as a condiment can make food friendlier for diabetics.

Balsamic vinegar also has an antihypertensive effect. The benefits of balsamic vinegar are supported by several studies that prove that the acetic acid content in it can reduce the activity of renin and aldosterone enzymes, which are blood pressure-enhancing enzymes.

With these properties, balsamic vinegar can be used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, as well as reduce the risk of diseases related to hypertension, such as heart failure and stroke.

Balsamic vinegar can also be used as a topical acne medication thanks to its acetic acid content, as well as its strong antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. In addition, regular consumption of balsamic vinegar is also thought to make the skin look cleaner and brighter.

You can find balsamic vinegar at certain grocery stores, and it is usually packaged in dark glass bottles. You should store this vinegar in a cool and dry place, and away from exposure to heat or sunlight.

You can get the benefits of balsamic vinegar in various ways, including:

Despite the many benefits of balsamic vinegar, you still need to pay attention to the dosage. Stop consuming balsamic vinegar immediately if you feel heartburn or have stomach problems.

Another thing you need to remember is that you should consult with your doctor first if you want to use balsamic vinegar as a treatment for the health problems you are suffering from, especially if you are currently taking certain medications.