The Unexpected Benefit Of Adding A Splash Of Red Wine Vinegar To Your Diet Daily
Move over, apple cider vinegar – there's another vinegar in town that's also chock full of health benefits. If you're a fan of smooth, yet sour kinds of vinegar, meet red wine vinegar. It's created by fermenting red wine and aging it before bottling to produce a mellow and slightly acidic flavor (via Healthline). Because its flavor is versatile, it's found in various recipes, salad dressings, and even beverages. But that's not the only reason why this beloved vinegar is a common health aid.
According to SF Gate, drinking vinegar may potentially help slow down the process of aging by reducing wrinkles, since it contains an antioxidant called anthocyanins. These special antioxidants are what give various fruits and veggies their bright colors, from reds to bluish purples (per Food & Nutrition Research). They can also improve neurological and visual health, contain strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and can offer protection against some diseases.
When it comes to lowering blood sugar levels, adding a splash of red-wine vinegar to dishes may help. This is because vinegar has the ability to lower the glycemic index of foods. In fact, one review published in Nutrients explains that a low-glycemic index diet is more efficient in managing fasting blood glucose levels than a high-glycemic index diet. Healthline shares that red wine vinegar may also support heart health, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol.
Is red wine vinegar good for your gut?
Fermented foods (i.e. sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi) are notorious for their gut health benefits. Red wine vinegar wins a spot on this list, since it's also considered to be a fermented food. Not only do these foods contain beneficial bacteria, but red wine vinegar specifically contains acetic acid, which may aid in weight loss efforts. It supports weight loss by bolstering fat-burning efforts, improving satiety, and reducing the storage of fat (per Healthline).
One study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry tested this by observing three groups of obese adults' vinegar intake for 12 weeks. Group one drank 15 milliliters (mL), and group two drank 30 mL of vinegar. Group three was the control group. The researchers discovered that both groups who drank vinegar significantly reduced body fat mass and waist circumference.
Beyond drinking vinegar for its fat loss benefits, this sour beverage may also aid digestion. According to SF Gate, when you drink vinegar between meals or during meals, it may increase fullness and lower blood sugar spikes when your body breaks down carbohydrates.
While it's generally safe to use, consuming too much of it can lead to digestive woes and damage tooth enamel. For that reason, it's best to start off slow. Common ways to ingest vinegar include adding a swig of it to water, in marinades, or in salad dressings.