Cider vinegar has been used to treat all sorts of medical conditions including rashes, fungus, dandruff, heartburn and digestive problems, according to Dr. J.C. Jarvis, author of "Folk Medicine." While many of these claims have not been tested, there is some evidence indicating cider vinegar can control or lower cholesterol.
About Cholesterol
The word "cholesterol" actually refers to two different things: LDL cholesterol, which is considered bad, and HDL cholesterol, which is good, according to the Mayo Clinic. You need both to function properly and ensure the nutrients you need are spread throughout your body. Too much LDL cholesterol, however, can cause heart disease and clogged arteries, so it's important to maintain the appropriate balance between the two forms.
Blocks Cholesterol Absorption
According to a study conducted at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2009 and reported in "Lipid in Health and Disease," vinegar can decrease LDL cholesterol. In the study, rabbits that were fed vinegar experienced a drop in LDL cholesterol because cholesterol was no longer being absorbed as much into the blood. More research must be done to connect these findings to humans, however.
Increases Good Cholesterol
Furthermore, cider vinegar may help to increase the good cholesterol or HDL. According to a study published in the "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences," rats that consumed vinegar saw an increase in the amount of HDL cholesterol in the blood as well as a decrease in LDL. This combination is essential for the prevention of heart disease.
Side Effects
Consuming cider vinegar is not without its side effects. In fact, drinking it often could cause throat irritation and digestive problems, and it may even erode the enamel on your teeth, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you wish to incorporate cider vinegar into your diet with the aim of lowering your cholesterol, see your doctor first for a proper course of treatment.
References
- "Folk Medicine"; D.C. Jarvis, MD; 1958
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Acute Effects of Vinegar Intake on Some Biochemical Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits; Mahbubeh Setorki et al.; 2010
- "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences"; Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Lipid Profile in Normal and Diabetic Rats; F. Shishehbor, et al; Dec, 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- Mayo Clinic; High Cholesterol; June 2011
