Is Balsamic Vinegar Good for You?

Balsamic vinegar is a pantry staple we use when preparing marinades, salad dressings, or enjoying with oil for dipping yummy bread. However, it shines on its own for a multitude of reasons. With its distinct dark brown color and rich flavor, it adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Not to mention the immense health benefits associated with balsamic vinegar that your body will thank you for later.

If you need any more convincing, continue reading to find out how incorporating balsamic vinegar into your diet can seriously benefit your health.

Improve Digestion

Unfortunately, some of our favorite foods aren’t so easy on our stomachs (hello, dairy products!), but balsamic vinegar has been proven to actually help with digestion. A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that the acetic acid in balsamic vinegar contains probiotic bacteria, which not only helps improve digestion but also it promotes good gut health.

Lower Blood Pressure

The acetic acid in balsamic vinegar has also been shown to lower blood pressure. A study published in the journal Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry confirmed this when studying the blood pressure levels in rats. The rats that consumed balsamic vinegar experienced lower levels of blood pressure compared to those that did not. Adding a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to a healthy salad for lunch is a much more delicious way of keeping your blood pressure under control than pills and supplements.

Reduce Cholesterol

Reducing cholesterol typically consists of cutting out any foods that contain a lot of sodium. But, consuming balsamic vinegar can lower your cholesterol without feeling like you’re missing out. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology found that consuming balsamic vinegar inhibited the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol that forms when there’s a buildup in your arteries. Maintaining “good” cholesterol in your diet and eating habits is beneficial for your health — and can also reduce your risk of getting covid-19.

Like many other varieties of vinegar, you should enjoy it in small doses like a tablespoon or two at a time. An aged variety like Colavita Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Buy on Amazon, $11.99) contains 25 calories and zero grams of trans fat per one tablespoon serving. That’s the right amount to drizzle over your favorite Caprese salad and get all of the health benefits that come along with it.