Balsamics, Olives, and Other Healthy Oils
Balsamics are vinegars made from an aromatic mixture of different herbs, spices and fruits. They are the most common flavorings for snacks and drinks. There are many types of balsamic vinegar including: traditional balsamic, sweet and sour, white balsamic, and more. You can also find them in other food categories like ice cream, marmalade and even flavored lip balms. Many companies produce the popular balsamics because they add a unique flavor that is not found in other vinegars or sugars.
The oils and vinegars contain a chemical compound called “resveratrol”, which makes them more palatable and adds to their flavor. There have been studies that suggest the presence of resveratrol in wine, but not in oils. They are thought to act as a natural preservative in meats and also prevent premature aging of various foods. They provide moderate protection against various diseases and increase lifespan. The flavor of the product depends on the way it is added to the food.
Many people like using extra virgin olive oils and balsamic instead of regular grape seed oil, coconut oil or palm oil because these have additional health benefits. Virgin olive oils contain high levels of good unsaturated fats, vitamin E and essential fatty acids. They are considered “clean” fat and provide good health by increasing your HDL cholesterol level (healthy blood vessels) and lowering your LDL cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oils are rich in protein, calcium, fiber, magnesium and potassium. They are especially good if you are trying to lose weight because they are a good source of both of those things. Many people use extra virgin olive oils for salads, grilled chicken and fish, while others add it to their yogurt, cereal or oatmeal for a snack.
The great taste in many canned goods is from the vegetable oils and emulsified fats added. However, these are not really good for you. If you want to get the full flavor, you’ll need to use fresh extra virgin olive oils. Those that you find in the can may not be real olive oils and you can judge this by looking at the label.
You can’t go wrong with chicken wings either. Chicken wings are always tasty whether they are marinated grilled or plain fried. If you don’t want to use olive oil, just substitute with some quality balsamic or some good hot sauce for an added kick. Most people love the flavor of freshly ground black pepper on their chicken wings, which makes them a favorite of many people.
Last, but certainly not least, you can’t go wrong with bread crumbs. I like to use a combination of both balsamic vinegar and olive oil on breads for a delicious taste. In fact, you may enjoy this as a side dish instead of a meal or as a snack. Bread crumbs are easy to make and are usually cheaper than buying groceries, especially if you buy Italian bread online.
