How Balsamic Vinegar Can Boost Your Health

Leaning Ladder Aged Balsamic

Balsamic Vinegar is Tasty and Healthy!

Balsamic vinegar is becoming more and more of a staple in people’s kitchen.  The thick, aromatic vinegar is produced by reducing grapes and aging the pressed grape juice for 3-12 years.  At Leaning Ladder Premium Olive Oils and Vinegars, the balsamic vinegars are aged 12 years, with the exception of Traditional, which has been aged for 18 years.

Balsamic vinegar is extremely versatile in the kitchen, but did you know it also provides several health benefits?

1. Antioxidant — Balsamic vinegar contains the antioxidant polyphenols.  These fight cell damage in addition to boosting our immune system.  Antioxidants are thought to slow the aging process.  Bonus!
2. Weight Loss — Use in salad dressings rather than fatty acids like mayonnaise. One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is a mere 14 calories compared to 94 in one tablespoon of mayonnaise.  Balsamic vinegar also has been known to keep you fuller, longer.  Eat less = Lose weight.
3. Bone health — Balsamic vinegar contains acetic and pepsin, both of which help in the absorption of minerals into the body including magnesium and calcium. Both of those minerals are essential in bone health.
4. Controlling Diabetes — Research has indicated that consuming 3-4 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar daily can strengthen insulin sensitivity, which helps control diabetes.

How to Use More Balsamic Vinegar in Your Diet

1. Finish your soups and sauces with just a drizzle
2. Salad dressing. Mix one part vinegar to two parts olive oil.  Add a little Dijon mustard as an emulsifier for the dressing.  You can also add shallots, garlic and herbs for additional flavor.  Some of our favorite combinations include
   • Persian Lime Olive Oil with Serrano Honey Balsamic
   • Basil Oil and Strawberry Balsamic
   • Garlic Oil and Jalapeno Balsamic.
3. Reduced as a syrup for ice cream, pizza, fruit and vegetable.  Be sure to try reducing the following:
   • Espresso Balsamic and Cinnamon Pear Balsamic- Delicious on ice cream!
   • For pizza, try reducing Fig Balsamic for pizza with figs or Pineapple Balsamic for Hawaiian
   • Vegetables, especially root, sweet potatoes, and Brussel sprouts are yummy with a reduction of Maple Balsamic or Lemon Balsamic.
4. Make a Balsamic Butter Sauce for steaks or pork tenderloin. While meat is resting, prepare sauce.
   • 1 T extra virgin olive oil
   • 2 T butter
   • ½ small onion, minced
   • 2 T balsamic vinegar
   • 1 T flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped.

In a medium pan, add olive oil and butter.  Heat over medium heat.  When butter is melted, add onion and reduce heat to low and cook just until onion is softened.  Add balsamic vinegar and reduce slightly.  Poor over meat and garnish with chopped parsley.

Steak with balsamic vinegar butter

Cheers to your health!

Your friends,

Susan and Bridget