Having high blood pressure can be seriously hazardous to your health. While standard medical treatments are what you should utilize to control this disease, some believe apple cider vinegar holds the key to natural blood pressure control. Some research backs up this claim, but you should never substitute home remedies for the advice of a qualified medical professional.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure refers to how much force is used to pump the blood through the arteries and the rest of your body. High blood pressure is characterized by a measurement of 120/80 mmHg, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Many people with high blood pressure or hypertension have no symptoms yet all the while their arteries are being damaged by the excess pressure.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Cholesterol
Apple cider vinegar may play a role in reducing cholesterol, which can help to prevent high blood pressure or improve it. According to a study conducted by Howard University and published in "The Journal of Nutrition," in 1989, pectin--an apple enzyme--in apple cider vinegar binds with cholesterol and helps to flush it out of the body. Clearer arteries that are free of cholesterol or plaque can lower blood pressure over time.
Blood Pressure Effects
Apple cider vinegar may also have a direct effect on blood pressure. According to a study conducted by the Central Research Institute and published in "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry," in 2001, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helped to lower the blood pressure of rats that had elevated initial blood pressure readings.
Don't Substitute Vinegar for Treatment
Despite these promising studies regarding the effect of vinegar on blood pressure, you shouldn't use it in place of proper medication. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, you can reduce high blood pressure through lifestyle changes like eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, losing weight if you need to, and practicing stress reducing tactics like meditation. Medication may also be required for severe cases like beta-blockers, diuretics, and ace-inhibitors.
References
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; High Blood Pressure; April 2011
- "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry"; Antihypertensive Effects of Aetic Acid and Vinegar on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; S Kondo et.al.; Dec 2001
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Effects of Dietary Fish Oil or Pectin on Blood Pressure and Lipid Metabolism in the DOCA-Salt Hypertensive Rat; V. Bond et.al; May 1989
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; How is High Blood Pressure Treated?;
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