Vinegar is a key ingredient in numerous home remedies. Every type of vinegar has been cited as a cure for a medical ailment, but without medical evidence. Some even believe vinegar to help with blood pressure. While limited research shows vinegar may have an effect on blood pressure, it is not enough to encourage people to forego standard treatment. If you have high blood pressure, see a doctor for a proper treatment plan.
About Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often a precursor to heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney problems, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. When a person has high blood pressure, it's because the blood is forced through the arteries with too much pressure, causing the arteries to stretch out and weaken.
Apple Cider Vinegar as Blood Thinner
Apple cider vinegar might work as a blood thinner and aid in reducing blood pressure, according to an article by Beth Fontenot in "Nutrition Forum." Fontenot cites a study published in "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry" in 2001 that showed the acetic acid in vinegar to lower blood pressure in hypertensive rats, due to the acid's ability to thin the blood. Thinner blood requires less force to move through the arteries.
Red Wine Vinegar and Blood Vessels
Drinking red wine vinegar might help to restore the blood vessels, lower cholesterol and prevent inflammation that can worsen blood pressure and heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. This is because red wine vinegar contains resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant derived from red grapes. The research that showed these results has only been conducted on mice and similar results have not been measured in humans, meaning red wine vinegar is not an appropriate blood pressure treatment substitute.
Proper Treatment
Even though vinegar has shown some promise in preliminary trials in helping to lower blood pressure, there isn't enough evidence to constitute using it in lieu of traditional care. According to MayoClinic.com, standard blood pressure treatment includes eating a low-sodium diet, reducing your caloric intake, losing weight, not smoking and exercising regularly.
References
- "Nutrition Forum"; The Sour Truth About Apple Cider Vinegar - Evaluation of Therapeutic Use; Beth Fontenot; Nov-Dec 1997
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; High Blood Pressure; April 2011
- MayoClinic.com; High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Treatment and Drugs; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good For Your Heart?; March 2011
- "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry"; Antihypertensive Effects of Aetic Acid and Vinegar on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; S Kondo et.al.; Dec 2001
