When it comes to home remedies, it would seem there's nothing vinegar can't cure. In many of these instances, there's no scientific evidence linking vinegar with its supposed effects on a given ailment. The same goes for the notion that vinegar can clean the arteries or reduce cholesterol levels. This just isn't true. You should always consult with a doctor if you suspect you have high cholesterol.
About Arteries
The arteries are the pathways through which your body moves blood to the major parts of your body. When you have too much LDL, or bad, cholesterol in your blood, it can attach to the walls of the arteries and block the passage of the blood, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
Vinegar for Cholesterol
Vinegar can't clean out your arteries, but researchers have looked at the possibility that it may prove to be able to decrease LDL cholesterol. According to a 2009 study published in "Lipids in Health and Disease," rabbits that consumed vinegar showed a decreased in LDL and an increase in HDL, or good, cholesterol, which is the optimal combination for preventing heart disease and the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries. Additional study is required to figure out vinegar's effect on humans.
Treat High Cholesterol With Diet
Though drinking vinegar can't clean out your arteries, eating a diet that's good for your heart can over time. In fact, according to MayoClinic.com, eating heart-healthy foods can have as much of an effect on your cholesterol level as taking statin medication. A heart-healthy diet includes monounsaturated fats, whole grains, fish, fruits, vegetables and low-fat or non-fat dairy.
Treat High Cholesterol With Exercise
Another way you can treat high cholesterol and eventually clean out your arteries is through regular exercise. According to MayoClinic.com, you should exercise between 30 and 60 minutes per day. Biking riding, brisk walking and swimming are excellent examples of cardiovascular routines that can burn fat, help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol.
References
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Acute Effects of Vinegar Intake on Some Biochemical Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits; Mahbubeh Setorki et al.; Jan. 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol; Lifestyle and Home Remedies; June 2011
- The Franklin Institute;:The Human Heart: Arteries
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