Apple cider vinegar seems to come up in discussions of home remedies for just about every condition: From arthritis to constipation, apple cider vinegar can supposedly help. Some even believe it can help your arteries. While only small studies have been conducted so far, there is some evidence to indicate apple cider vinegar plays a role in lowering cholesterol, which could improve arterial health and prevent heart disease.
Arteries
The arteries are the main passageways for the blood in the body, carrying oxygen to all of your vital organs. When you have high cholesterol, these arteries can become clogged with plaque, which narrows the passage for blood, causing high blood pressure. This can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Apple cider vinegar might be able to lower bad cholesterol. According to a study by the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and published in 2009 in "Lipids in Health and Disease," apple cider vinegar reduced the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood of rabbits. It is not yet known if these results can be duplicated in humans.
Raises Good Cholesterol
Apple cider vinegar also might be able to increase good cholesterol. According to a study published in December 2008 in the "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences," vinegar caused an increase in HDL or good cholesterol in the blood of rats. High HDL cholesterol helps to maintain lower LDL cholesterol levels. As with the other study, however, these results do not necessarily translate to humans.
Considerations
Even though some early studies show promising results for the potential role of apple cider vinegar in lowering cholesterol, which is good for the arteries, there is no solid evidence that drinking vinegar will provide these benefits to humans. Likewise, many side effects can occur when you drink vinegar, like throat irritation, ulcers and drug interactions, says MayoClinic.com, so see a doctor for the proper course of treatment if you have high cholesterol.
References
- "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences"; Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Lipid Profile in Normal and Diabetic Rats; F. Shishehbor, et al; December 2008
- "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
- Mayo Clinic; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- The Franklin Institute: The Human Heart; Arteries
Member Comments