Balsamic vinegar: benefits and harms

There are more than ten varieties of vinegar, and all of them differ in some characteristics. Balsamic vinegar is one of the most valuable types, since it has a lot of useful properties, pronounced taste and a bright aroma. Few people know that balsamic vinegar is not just a fragrant seasoning for culinary dishes, but also a tool that is used for healing and skin and hair care.

What is balsamic vinegar and what is it made of

Balsamic vinegar is a solution of acids that are formed as a result of fermentation of grape juice. The product was originally from Italy, but the exact information on the creation of its recipe has not reached the present time. The first mention of the use of balsamic vinegar dates back to 1034 AD. For some time this product was distributed only in Italy, and the recipe was kept in the strictest confidence. Only very wealthy families could afford to use such vinegar. This is not surprising, because the technology is quite complicated.

Here's how to make real balsamic vinegar according to the classic recipe:

1. First, white grapes are used to produce wort (thick juice with pulp).
2. Then, using a special method, excess water is evaporated from it, boiling until thick.
3. The resulting caramel-grape syrup is poured into barrels of natural wood.
4. Defend at least 20-25 years.

Depending on which tree was used to make the barrels, the taste and aroma of balsamic vinegar differs. Most often barrels of the following types of wood are used in the creation of this product:

• oak;
• cherry;
• maple;
• clear
• mulberry tree (mulberry).

In the preparation of vinegar according to the classic recipe, several types of barrels are used at once. After the liquid is kept in a large barrel, for example, from oak, it is poured into a medium container made of other wood. A few years later, the product is poured into the smallest barrel of mulberry or cherry. When the vinegar is finally ripe, part of the barrel is Packed in bottles and sent for sale, and then a new portion of the fermentation syrup is poured into the remains.

Vinegar created according to this recipe is quite expensive, but it has amazing taste and pronounced useful properties. When they started to produce this product, it was used exclusively for medicinal purposes, therefore it was called "balsamic vinegar".

Kinds

There are many different varieties of sauces called balsamic vinegar, but in most cases it's just fake. There are only 2 types of this product that correspond to the recipe and production technology.

1. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale is a marking of high-quality balsamic vinegar, prepared according to traditional recipes and aged for at least 25 years according to all requirements.
2. There are other varieties of the product that have different labels, but the aging time is indicated on the bottles - from 12 to 15 years.

These species also differ in variety depending on the aging time. In addition, there is a variant of balsamic vinegar, which can often be found on supermarket shelves. It is relatively inexpensive, but this is because it has nothing to do with a traditional product.It is sold under the label Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

This is just the name, in fact, under this marking is sold wine sauce, which only vaguely resembles the aroma and taste of this product, and it is prepared not from grape juice, but from wine. A significant drawback of a fake with such a label is that it contains toxic dyes and aromatic additives, some of which can cause harm to the body.

What is different from usual

Balsamic vinegar is fundamentally different from ordinary table solution of acetic acid 9%. The first difference is color. Table vinegar is always completely transparent, it does not precipitate and looks like ordinary water. Balsamic vinegar is fundamentally different in color - it has a rich brown tint. Depending on the aging time, this product may be lighter or darker.

The second difference is the aroma. Everyone knows how ordinary vinegar smells - an unpleasant, harsh and sour aroma. But balsamic vinegar practically does not smell like acid, it gives a pronounced delicate fruity aroma. Depending on which tree was used to make the container in which the grape must was infused, the smell of balsamic vinegar will also differ.

The third difference is, of course, taste. They are incomparable. If ordinary table vinegar is only sour and burning to taste, then balsamic is many times more pleasant. It has a delicate, sweet-sour taste, with light notes of astringency. It is his gustatory qualities that can complement and reveal the taste of any dish, salad or snack. Balsamic vinegar is successfully used both for appetizers, side dishes and first courses, as well as for the preparation of some desserts.

What is different from wine

Wine vinegar also cannot be considered similar in taste or smell. What they have in common is that both options are made from grapes. But wine vinegar is a translucent liquid of dark or amber color, balsamic - thick and dark brown. In addition, there is a difference in taste - the wine product is more acidic, has a pungent smell, although it has fruity notes. The cooking technology is also significantly different - wine vinegar is an acid obtained by fermentation of wine.

Composition and calorie content

There are practically no vitamins in balsamic vinegar, but this does not make its composition less valuable. The fact is that for a long time, organic substances called vitamins decay. The product contains a ton of other substances that are no less beneficial for human health.

The main components of the product:

• zinc;
• magnesium;
• manganese;
• iron;
• iodine;
• potassium.

Vinegar also contains antioxidants, organic acids. They play a key role, as they have a significant effect on the body. In addition, it should be noted that the composition of vinegar includes complex compounds - polyphenols, which reduce the activity of cancer cells or prevent their appearance.

Vinegar contains no fats at all, proteins are present in a minimal, insignificant amount - 0.5 g per 100 g of product. But this type of vinegar is rich in carbohydrates - there are about 19.5 g per 100 g. But this is not a problem. The product has a low calorie content: 1 tablespoon contains no more than 15 kcal. For comparison: the same amount of olive oil contains about 100–120 kcal. 100 g of the product does not exceed 96 kcal, so people who control body weight can safely include this healthy and tasty supplement in their diet.

What is useful balsamic vinegar

The mass of useful properties of this product made it world famous long before the 20-21 centuries. In the old days, it was the basic medicine that every successful doctor of the Middle Ages had with him. Of course, today medicine has made a huge leap and no one cures the disease with food, but vinegar is still used as an auxiliary component.This is not surprising, because it has a wide range of useful properties and pronounced effectiveness.

For women

Balsamic vinegar contains special compounds - polyphenols. They help fight free radicals that can trigger the activation of premature aging processes. Balsamic vinegar is also useful in that it reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by 60% and protects against problems associated with the reproductive system.

For men

The antioxidants that make up the product protect the male body from common cancers that affect the organs of the reproductive system. This product contains substances that regulate hormonal metabolism and prevent diseases associated with testosterone deficiency. In addition, organic acids can stimulate the production of enzymes and gastric juice, which significantly helps the effective digestion and assimilation of food. This is extremely important, since according to statistics men are more susceptible to the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and at an early age.

During pregnancy

For pregnant women, balsamic vinegar can be a real salvation. The fact is that it has an antipyretic effect. It is used for compresses and rubbing in situations where taking drugs is contraindicated. In no case should you rub the belly of a pregnant woman, as this is a risk to the fetus.

Eating balsamic vinegar is also very beneficial for women during pregnancy. During this period, the body wastes a huge amount of minerals so that the child can actively develop. Balsamic vinegar in the diet is an ideal product to fill the deficiency of iron, magnesium, zinc.

There are no contraindications to the use of vinegar during pregnancy. But this applies only to those cases if the pregnancy proceeds normally, there are no threats or pathologies. Otherwise, consult a gynecologist. The use of this product in gestosis (late toxicosis) is strictly contraindicated. This can lead to impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver, serious edema and a threat to the health of the child.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a fairly long period in the life of a young mother. Therefore, it is difficult for 1–1.5, or even 2 years, to refrain from the usual products. In fact, balsamic vinegar is not prohibited during breastfeeding, but you need to enter it in the diet after 6-8 months, since it has a pronounced laxative effect.

Many women note that adding balsamic vinegar to the diet promotes lactation. Magnesium and antioxidants, which penetrate into breast milk, enter the baby’s body, due to which he improves sleep, increases resistance to infections. But before introducing balsamic vinegar into the diet of a nursing mother, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician.

For kids

The use of balsamic vinegar is not recommended for children under three years of age. But it can also be used for compresses and grinding at elevated temperatures. Children over six years of age can gradually introduce this product into the diet, but it is important to monitor the body's reaction. Not all children tolerate acid sauces equally well - this is due to the characteristics of the digestive system at different stages of development. Contraindications to the use of balsamic vinegar for children are the same as for adults.

When losing weight

Balsamic vinegar is successfully used for weight loss, and it can be used both externally and internally. Due to the high concentration of fruit acids, balsamic vinegar helps to accelerate metabolic processes, and also activates lipolysis (the breakdown of fats by the body in order to obtain energy). The most popular procedure that allows you to burn fat locally is a balsamic vinegar wrap. Step-by-step instruction:

1. Steam your skin - take a hot shower or bath.
2. Take a piece of clean cotton cloth and soak in balsamic vinegar diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1.
3. Wrap the problem area of ​​the body.
4. Cover everything tightly with cling film to create a greenhouse effect.
5. Do not remove the compress for 2 hours, and then unwind the film and fabric, take a shower.

The procedure must be repeated at least 2 times a week for one month. Before embarking on a course of wrapping, you need to test your skin for sensitivity - apply a small amount of vinegar to your wrist and leave for 20-30 minutes. If the skin does not turn red, then you can use a weight loss product.

Contraindications to the use of vinegar wraps are serious vascular diseases, high fever, critical days, as well as chronic and acute inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.

In addition to wraps, for weight loss, you can use salads with balsamic vinegar. Due to the fact that this sauce is absolutely free of fat, but at the same time has a viscous, viscous consistency, it can be used instead of traditional dressing, reducing calories. Also in the vegetable-protein diet, the addition of balsamic vinegar is especially useful, since it contributes to the easy digestion of vegetables and herbs, lean protein products of animal origin.

Application in traditional medicine

The use of balsamic vinegar in folk medicine is widespread, moreover, when it was just created, its main task was to treat various diseases. Due to the fact that the product in question has pronounced therapeutic properties, it is still actively used by proponents of alternative medicine as an adjuvant. There are at least 8 applications for balsamic vinegar in alternative medicine.

1. With diabetes, a small amount of balsamic vinegar is used - up to 20 ml per day. It is advisable to take in the morning or immediately after consuming carbohydrates. The product activates the breakdown of glucose and the processing of its molecules into energy.
2. Balsamic vinegar is successfully used to treat vascular diseases - rosacea, varicose veins (only in the early stages). It can be used independently for rubbing problem areas 1-2 times a day. Can be diluted in a 1: 1 ratio with cabbage juice and used for two-hour compresses.
3. Balsamic vinegar is used to normalize the functioning of the nervous system - with insomnia, anxiety disorders, memory impairment. Prepare a mixture of honey, ground nuts and balsamic vinegar. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
4. From ancient times to this day, balsamic vinegar has been used to treat skin diseases as part of homemade ointments, compresses. Compresses with this product help with boils, accelerate tissue regeneration. But vinegar should never be used with a bacterial rash!
5. With balsamic vinegar, you can extend your life and improve your heart. It contains potassium, which maintains the water-salt balance in the body, as well as magnesium, which prevents the aging of the heart muscle. For prevention, you need to take 1 tablespoon of the product per day, you can as part of other dishes.
6. For constipation and flatulence in folk medicine, balsamic vinegar is used - ½ teaspoon per 100 ml of water. You need to drink such a solution three times a day, but not longer than 10 days.
7. Balsamic vinegar is used for various dermatitis, and also helps eliminate itching from insect bites. When dermatitis is applied in a thin layer, like a cream, on pre-cleansed skin for literally 10-15 minutes. When insect bites you need to apply the product locally.
8. For cholecystitis or gallbladder diseases associated with stagnation of bile, you need to take ½ teaspoon of balsamic vinegar 10 minutes before eating. You need to do this before each meal so that the gallbladder can remove excess bile.

Traditional medicine is the knowledge accumulated over the centuries, which today is available to mankind through the observations of many generations. But not all unconventional methods work, sometimes they can cause harm to health. Therefore, before using any of the recipes, you should consult a doctor and adhere to its recommendations.

Balsamic vinegar in cosmetology

The use of balsamic vinegar for cosmetic purposes originated in Italy. To this day, this product is popular as an ingredient in homemade high-performance cosmetics. But this is not all - many manufacturers of elite care products also did not disregard the useful properties of the product. Today there are on sale whole lines of medical and everyday cosmetics created on the basis of this product. For those who do not want to spend time and money on the search and purchase of professional caring cosmetics, below are homemade beauty recipes.

For face

You can apply the product to all skin types. An exception is serious diseases, dermatitis, extensive inflammatory processes. But this is not a categorical contraindication, but temporary. Vinegar has the ability to whiten the skin, eliminate black spots and oily sheen, tighten, and improve complexion. Therefore, you can safely apply it to create the perfect face contour, cleansing and smoothing skin tone. There are 2 popular recipes that will save in any situation:

1. A brightening and evening skin tone mask is made from egg yolk and balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon). It must be applied evenly to the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wash off after 10-15 minutes. You can repeat 2-3 times a week, preferably in the evening.
2. The second option is a nourishing wrinkle mask. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar and the same amount of turmeric, add ½ teaspoon of olive oil, mix and apply along the massage lines. After 20 minutes, rinse the mixture with warm water and a cleanser so that the oil does not remain in the pores.

An important nuance - after each use of the product in the care of appearance, it is necessary to apply a cream that protects against ultraviolet rays, as the sensitivity of the skin increases.

For hair

The beneficial properties of balsamic vinegar can also be used in hair care - it is able to solve many problems. Due to the high content of minerals, antioxidants and organic acids, this type of vinegar can be used as a component for creating caring and healing products for hair.

1. A classic care mask suitable for all hair types - a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lime juice. Take all ingredients in equal proportions. The mixture is applied first to the hair roots, and then spread with a comb along the entire length. Wash off after 20-30 minutes.
2. If the hair does not grow well, a mixture of natural burdock oil and balsamic vinegar will help. In case of hair loss, ground red pepper can also be added to these ingredients. It stimulates the hair follicles, awakening them to growth.
3. To care for dyed hair, a balm is used, prepared on the basis of wine and balsamic vinegar. They need to be mixed in equal proportions, and then diluted with cold boiled water, also in a ratio of 1: 1. Apply balm to clean, damp hair, and after 3-5 minutes rinse with warm water.
4. For dandruff, such a remedy is used - 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of aloe juice, 5 drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply the mixture after shampooing for 20-30 minutes, repeating 2 times a week. Wash off with warm water.
5. If your hair quickly becomes oily and looks unkempt, resuscitating them is easy. You need to mix 1 tablespoon of wine, balsamic and apple vinegar. Dilute this mixture with 1 liter of warm water and use to rinse hair after applying shampoo.

Balsamic vinegar gives pronounced results, but for this it must be used regularly and make sure that there are no contraindications.If, after using the product, the scalp turns red, itching and rash begin, it is necessary to immediately stop using it and consult a doctor to eliminate the allergic reaction.

For body

Balsamic vinegar can become the main care product on a shelf in the bathroom, because it carefully cares for the skin of the body and is suitable for absolutely everyone who is not allergic to it. There are four popular recipes that Italians have long used and pass them on from generation to generation.

1. A mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey effectively helps against cellulite; a small amount of grated chili pepper can be added to it. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, using every night for a five-minute massage of problem areas. For 1 month you can get rid of cellulite and forget about it.
2. In order for the skin of the body to be silky, without roughness and goose pimples, it is necessary to periodically peel. The best body treatment is a mixture of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. You can add the prepared scrub with 2-3 drops of orange essential oil.
3. To soothe the skin after shaving or hair removal, you can prepare a restoring and cooling balm. You need to mix a spoonful of cucumber juice and balsamic vinegar, add 1 ml of medical alcohol and a couple of drops of menthol oil. Apply for 2-3 minutes, then rinse and use a moisturizer. Result - irritation passes 2-3 times faster.
4. Balsamic vinegar is a safe and effective skin care product for the feet. It can be added to water along with tea tree essential oil for excessive sweating of the legs. You can also make compresses to soften the skin of the feet during the pedicure.

The skin of the body with regular use of these products will become softer, a healthy glow will appear. The speed of cell regeneration will increase and it will be possible for many years to maintain freshness and elasticity.

How to use in cooking

In cooking, balsamic vinegar is used as the basis for sauces, dressing for salads. It goes well with such products:

• meat;
• mushrooms;
• a fish;
• vegetables;
• greens;
• fruit.

It is used in the preparation of snacks to reveal and emphasize the taste of the main products. Balsamic vinegar is also an ideal dressing for fresh vegetable salads and the base for pickles.

What can be replaced

The taste and smell of the product is unique, so it is difficult to replace it. But you can use a mixture of soy sauce with honey and wine vinegar. Mustard honey sauce with lime juice is also a great alternative. But any of the listed options will not be able to completely replace a natural, high-quality product.

Harm and contraindications

Not always using or consuming balsamic vinegar is beneficial. If you take it if there are contraindications, you can only make it worse for the body. Therefore, it is important to know under what conditions and diseases the use of this agent is categorically contraindicated.

1. All types of vinegar are strictly prohibited for peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, high acidity, gastritis and colitis in the acute stage, diarrhea, food infections and other disorders of the digestive tract.
2. This product should not be taken or used externally if it provokes the development of an allergic reaction or is poorly tolerated by the body.
3. It is forbidden to use balsamic vinegar for vein thrombosis in the last stages of development, since it significantly dilutes the blood and can lead to serious health problems.
4. You can not use the product for acute pancreatitis and cholecystitis, as it stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which can only aggravate the patient's condition. During the period of remission, this product can be introduced into the diet, but only with the permission of the attending physician.
5. It is not recommended to abuse the product for those who are diagnosed with type II diabetes. The fact is that this type of vinegar is extremely rich in carbohydrates and contains fructose, which can significantly increase blood sugar.
6. The use of balsamic vinegar for various bleeding, as well as inadequate blood coagulation, is contraindicated. It dilutes blood, cleanses blood vessels and can lead to increased bleeding, and this, in turn, is already dangerous not only for health but also for life.
7. The use of balsamic vinegar is contraindicated in cystitis, nephritis, or other diseases of the urinary system, especially in the acute stage. Acids can irritate inflamed mucous tissue, causing a worsening of the condition.

It is not recommended to abuse balsamic vinegar, even if there are no contraindications. In any case, this is a product rich in acids, so its excess can upset the balance in the body, leading to side effects.

In rare cases, after application or use of the product, such unpleasant symptoms can be observed:

• heaviness and abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• heartburn;
• decreased appetite;
• frequent urination.

A temporary contraindication is a sore throat, acute respiratory viral infection and colds. The fact is that acids irritate the mucous membrane and can lead to poor health. Vinegar abuse often leads to unpleasant symptoms in the throat. If this happens, it is better to refuse the use of the product, acidic and spicy foods for a week.

Healthy people who do not have contraindications can use balsamic vinegar at least daily. But it is especially useful in combination with fatty meat and fish dishes, with other protein foods of animal origin, which are difficult to absorb by the body.

How to choose and store balsamic vinegar

Today, it is quite difficult for anyone who does not live in Italy to purchase real balsamic vinegar and distinguish it from a fake. But still, knowing a few tricks, everyone will be able to cope with this task. So, tips for choosing and buying a quality product.

1. If you need to purchase a natural product, you should pay attention to options called Tradizionale and marked DOP.
2. It is important to pay attention to the country of manufacture - a high-quality product and to this day is made only in Italy.
3. If the package contains the inscription Aceto balzamico di Modena, and there is also the IGP marking - this is a sauce from the province of Modena, there is no doubt about its quality.
4. If the sauce says Condimento - this is not pure balsamic vinegar, but a product containing various flavoring additives.
5. It is worth paying attention to the variety. First grade product is the best option. The second and third grade is vinegar, which has a maturity of less than 20 years.
6. It is important to pay attention to the company logo - if it is not there, you should not buy such a product, most likely it is a fake.

And, of course, price is an indicator of quality. Good balsamic vinegar is quite expensive, so it is not sold in supermarkets and retail chains.

How to make balsamic vinegar at home

Only the most patient can prepare balsamic vinegar at home, because it will take at least 12 years. You need to purchase ripe white grapes and suitable containers - barrels made of natural wood. You can take juniper barrels, thuja, oak or cherry. Step-by-step instruction:

• mash grapes and strain the juice through a sieve;
• in a pressure cooker or in a pan, boil it over minimal heat;
• pour boiled thick substance into a wooden barrel and leave for fermentation.

If exposure is planned at 12 years, you need to pour the mixture into a smaller barrel every 4 years, cover and leave in a dark, dry place. After 12 years, you can send a small portion of the product to Italy, the homeland of balsamic vinegar. If it meets all the requirements, the manufacturer will receive a certificate confirming the quality of the product.

Interesting Facts

There is balsamic vinegar for more than 1000 years. Therefore, during this period he managed to acquire myths, errors, which are practically dispelled by modern science. In addition, in the history of the use of balsamic vinegar there are many interesting facts that are worthy of attention.

1. In ancient times, a barrel with balsamic vinegar was part of the dowry of every rich bride from high society.
2. In antiquity, every aristocrat, nobleman or simply rich person had his own personal recipe for vinegar, which was kept in the strictest confidence.
3. Previously, entire dynasties were engaged in the production of this product, and the equipment necessary for its manufacture, along with secrets and skills, was inherited.
4. In 2012, Chinese scientists conducted large-scale research and experiments involving animals. In the course of research, it was possible to find out that balsamic vinegar prolongs youth and reduces the risk of cancer. The same experiments involving people have not yet been conducted.
5. One of the Italian kings gave the ruler of a neighboring country a barrel of balsamic vinegar, and this was a decisive step in establishing relations. In addition, he thereby established among the rulers the tradition of giving each other gifts, which exists to this day.

As you can see, balsamic vinegar, although it is a rare product, but has pronounced beneficial properties, and can also be used to treat various diseases. The main thing is not to forget about the recommended norm and not to abuse it.

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