Vinegar is the result of yeast fermenting the sugars in a carbohydrate source like grapes, and then bacteria being added to the result to create acetic acid. The bitter taste of vinegar is not only useful in culinary applications, but Hippocrates reportedly used it in 420 B.C. to heal wounds. Since that time, the medicinal uses of vinegar have grown into an expansive folklore, according to registered dietitian Carol S. Johnston.
Salt Replacement
High-sodium diets are a known cause of hypertension and carefully monitoring your salt intake could help to lower your blood pressure. Vinegar can aid in changing your diet, and is a great low-sodium replacement for creamy salad dressings or other sauces. One 1999 study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that participants who ate oil and vinegar salad dressings five to six times a week had less of a chance for fatal ischemic heart disease.
Acetic Acid
The most profound blood pressure benefits of vinegar may come from its acetic acid content. Johnston reports that S. Kondo, et al., and S. Honsho, et al., in 2001 and 2005, respectively, showed that the acetic acid in vinegar may help regulate the function of your renin-angiotensin system. Your rennin-angiotensin system helps produce hormones in your body that control vasodilatation and your blood pressure over the long term.
Weight Control
The American Heart Association recommends maintaining a healthy weight as one of the best ways to control your blood pressure, and vinegar may aid in this respect as well. Matthew Kadey, R.D. states in a 2010 "Vegetarian Times" article that simply adding 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar to a meal with carbohydrates has been shown to reduce after meal blood glucose by 20 percent.
Traditional Medications
Though vinegar may have some benefits for you if you have high blood pressure, anyone with a blood pressure higher than 140/90 will likely need prescribed medication to treat the problem. Your doctor will likely recommend using medication in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Ask her if adding vinegar to your regular diet can benefit your heart condition.
References
- Medscape General Medicine; Vinegar--Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., R.D. and Cindy A. Gaas, B.S.; May 2006
- "Vegetarian Times"; Healing Foods--Apple Cider Vinegar; Matthew G. Kadey, R.D.; October 2010
- Harvard Medical School; Ten Ways to Beat High Blood Pressure with Food; October 2010
- American Heart Association: Prevention and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
