HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Olive oil, according to a recent Oxford University study, contains essential fatty acids similar to that found in human milk. It is highly recommended for the elderly as it aids in the assimilation of minerals and vitamins. It stimulates bone mineralization, thus preventing calcium loss.

Results of a study of people living in southern Greece suggest that eating hearty amounts of olive oil and cooked vegetables may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil provides eight percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant.

An olive oil rich diet may also help to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by preventing insulin resistance and ensuring better blood sugar level control.

Polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats can lower blood cholesterol levels, which in turn can prevent arteriosclerosis.

According to a new study published in the November 2005 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology", phenolic compounds found in olive oil may help explain the cardiovascular health benefits associated with the Mediterranean Diet.

Phenolics are plant-based compounds believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticlotting properties that are found in higher concentrations of extra virgin olive oil.

In this study researchers found an improvement in the functioning of the thin lining of small blood vessels, and in the concentrations of certain components of blood serum, after study subjects consumed a polyphenol-rich meal.

Although more studies are needed to confirm these results these findings may help to explain some of the heart health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology Nov. 15, 2005.
From the American Medical Society.

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BALSAMIC VINEGAR BENEFITS

Balsamic vinegar health benefits comprise reduced risks of heart diseases, cancer and other infectious diseases. Moreover, balsamic vinegar decelerates the aging process, controls diabetes, assists in digestion, etc.

Originated from Italy, this condiment is an aromatic, thick, dark, syrup-like aged type of vinegar, prepared by the reduction of cooked grapes. Balsamic vinegar, though popularly referred to as wine vinegar is not made from wine, but is prepared from grape pressings, whose fermentation process has been hindered. The best balsamic vinegar is prepared in the hills of Modena, in Italy, where unique and flavorful balsamic vinegar is formed. This vinegar is known to be a cut above the other types of vinegar. Unlike the sharp taste of vinegar, balsamic vinegar has a rich, sweet flavor. You need to taste it to believe it!

Italians have been relishing balsamic vinegar for centuries, however, the American palate has been able to savor this only since the past two decades. Today balsamic vinegar is one of the most popular condiments available in American grocery stores and is used in various sauces, marinades, salad dressings, dips, desserts, etc. The popularity surge of this dark, syrup-like condiment is not only because of its remarkable taste, but balsamic vinegar health benefits also play a major role in adding points to the popularity chart.

Balsamic vinegar retains most of the nutrients present in the parent grapes and comprises nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium in adequate amounts. Thus, incorporating balsamic oil in the daily diet will benefit one immensely. Let us look at the different balsamic vinegar health benefits.

Antioxidant Properties
Oxidation reactions taking place in the human body to produce energy, conduce to formation of cell damaging free radicals as natural by-products. Free radicals damage cell membranes and manifest themselves in terms of premature aging, hardening of arterial walls and cancer. Antioxidants from balsamic vinegar destroy these free radicals and prevent cells from being destroyed.

Fights Cancer
The grape from which balsamic vinegar is formed is known to contain a bioflavonoid called quercetin, which has antioxidant properties. Along with vitamin C, this antioxidant strengthens the immune system to fight cancer and other infectious diseases and inflammations. Balsamic vinegar also contains polyphenols which are anticancer agents.

Reduces Risks of Heart Attacks
Balsamic vinegar is low in saturated fat and is believed to reduce cholesterol. Moreover, since it is low in sodium, it enhances heart health and reduces high blood pressure.

Controls Diabetes
Research reveals that consumption of at least 5 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar a day enhances insulin sensitivity. The greater the insulin sensitivity, the better the diabetes control.

Natural Pain Reliever
In ancient times, folk healers used this vinegar to relieve people of their body pain. Moreover, they also used balsamic vinegar to treat wounds and infections. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in the vinegar healed wounds.

Assists Digestion
The polyphenols in balsamic vinegar stimulate the activity of pepsin enzyme in the body. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme, which helps break proteins into smaller units
(amino acids). Moreover, these polyphenols also assist the intestine in absorbing amino acids expeditiously. Efficient amino acid absorption enables the body to utilize it for cell building, repair and other body maintenance work. Thus, balsamic vinegar aids the digestion process.

Read more on: Besides these balsamic vinegar health benefits, this vinegar also reduces the frequency of headache inceptions, strengthens bones (calcium absorption), energizes the body, slows down aging process and prevents anemia. It also helps in weight loss by suppressing one's appetite. Authentic balsamic vinegar would have been aged for a minimum period of 3 years to a maximum period of 100 years. The longer the aging process, finer the vinegar quality. However, commercially produced balsamic vinegar produced in a few hours is also available in the stores.

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