The hardening of your arteries is known as atherosclerosis, and it is a slow-progressing disease caused by the accumulation of plaque along your artery walls. Plaque is constructed of substances such as calcium, fat and cholesterol, and as these compounds build up, your arteries become narrowed and blood flow is restricted. This narrowing causes artery walls to become inflexible and hard. Treating atherosclerosis must be done by a doctor as this condition can become life-threatening. Along with prescription medications, supplements may help to naturally break away plaque. In preliminary studies, vinegar has shown promising results, yet scientists are undecided about its true effectiveness for treating hardened arteries. Don't try to self-treat any condition with vinegar without your doctor's approval.
Vinegar Active Compounds
Because vinegar may be made from any source with sugar such as fruit, its active compounds may vary. However, an ingredient found in all versions of vinegar is acetic acid, and researchers believe this compound is responsible for vinegar's health benefits. Other trace compounds found in the majority of vinegar forms include riboflavin, mineral salts and vitamin B-1.
Scientific Evidence
A study published in the January 2010 issue of the "Lipids in Health and Disease" journal found vinegar may have significant effects on biochemical actions that cause atherosclerosis. This study, performed on rabbits, discovered that after consuming vinegar, the animals' LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, was reduced. LDL cholesterol is known to play a role in the formation of plaque on artery walls. Scientists are unsure as to why vinegar reduces LDL cholesterol, but it is suggested the flavonoid compounds in vinegar may inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Vinegar may indirectly affect hardened arteries by potentially reducing high blood pressure. A study published in the December 2001 issue of "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry" journal found hypertensive rats experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure after being given vinegar. Evidence suggests acetic acid is responsible for this benefit. Further research is required to determine the true effectiveness of vinegar on humans, and whether it may prevent or treat hardened arteries.
Recommended Intake
There is no scientific data regarding suggested intake of vinegar for hardened arteries. David L. Katz, M.D., writes in "O, The Oprah Magazine" that 1 to 3 tbsp. of vinegar per day is generally considered safe. Studies regarding the cholesterol-lowering benefits of vinegar suggest consuming this solution post-meal to help prevent the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.
Safety Considerations
Do not begin a vinegar supplementation routine without first discussing the safety and risks with your physician. Due to its high acidic content, if you have stomach ulcers, do not take vinegar. If you are on medications or have certain medical conditions, do not take vinegar unless you have your doctor's consent. Side effects associated with vinegar include throat irritation and heartburn.
References
- The Vinegar Institute: Frequently Asked Questions
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Atherosclerosis; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2008
- "Lipids In Health and Disease" Journal; Acute Effects of Vinegar Intake on Some Biochemical Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits; S. Mahbubeh, et al.; January 2010
- "O, The Oprah Magazine"; Is Vinegar An Appetite Suppressant?; David L. Katz, M.D.; January 2007
- "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry" Journal; Antihypertensive Effects of Acetic Acid and Vinegar on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; S. Kondo, et al.; December 2001
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