Balsamic vinegar is a tasty topping that can help you to lose weight. That’s because vinegar with its acidic properties slows down the body’s ability to absorb sugar. To keep starchy foods from converting to sugar, eat foods like pasta or rice with balsamic vinegar. Not only will this provide belly-busting benefits, it will also make you feel fuller after eating these foods.

Pasta and other starches break down and convert to sugar in the body. When you toss in a little vinegar, you actually slow the process of breakdown and conversion, thereby keeping your tummy fuller longer, staving hunger from coming on too quickly.

When sugar levels drop too quickly, hunger sets in. When sugar levels are kept stabilized, you won’t feel the strong urges to satisfy your hunger with something sweet. The same solution to hunger comes from eating more often. I suggest eating five to six smaller meals each day rather than the traditional three large meals. This keeps sugar levels from dropping off too sharply, which tends to make women hungrier between meals.

Balsamic Vinegar is made from pressed grapes and has a tart, yet sweet flavor. It contains Omega 3 fatty acids that protect against heart disease. It’s interesting to note that a study done at Harvard University found that women who consumed one to two tablespoons of vinegar a day cut their risk for heart disease in half.

To add some zing to your rice or pasta, try adding a couple of tablespoons of vinegar for best results. A great alternative to sauces or gravies, balsamic vinegar is low in calories and saturated fat. It’s also great on vegetables, tomatoes or low fat cheeses.

Balsamic vinegar can liven up a pasta salad and has an aromatic smell that enhances the appetite. I like the corkscrew pasta with carrots, bell peppers and green onions, chopped finely and then tossed with two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Be creative and find ways to add balsamic vinegar to your foods daily. Your heart and your waistline will benefit from this healthy way of eating.