If it's found that you have high blood pressure, or hypertension, the first course of action is to lower it. After going to a doctor, you'd likely be prescribed ACE inhibitors or diuretics to manage the condition. If you have mild hypertension, changing your diet and exercising regularly may be enough to limit its effects. Many people claim that apple cider vinegar lowers blood pressure, but evidence is minimal.
The Remedy
As prescribed by alternative health gurus, Deforrest Clinton Jarvis, M.D., and Earl Mindell, M.D., authors of "Folk Medicine" and "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar" respectively, the main remedy for treating a variety of conditions involves combining 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. You should drink this mixture before each meal to lower blood pressure, improve digestion and provide numerous other benefits, says Mindell and Jarvis.
Acetic Acid
The acetic acid in vinegar might be the reason behind some positive effects on blood pressure. According to a study conducted by the Central Research Institute in 2001 and referenced in a review on Medscape General Medicine, rats with high blood pressure that consumed vinegar saw a reduction in blood pressure. However, these results haven't been observed in humans yet.
Antioxidants
Another line of thinking behind why vinegar may have an effect on blood pressure is the presence of quercetin in the vinegar. Apples contain this antioxidant, which was observed in a study published in "The Journal of Nutrition" in 2007, that reduced blood pressure in people with mild cases of high blood pressure.
The Remedy in Practice
Drinking apple cider vinegar to lower blood pressure may seem like a quick fix. After all, the standard home remedy concoction only requires that you drink 2 tbsp. of apple vinegar in 1 cup of water before each meal, according to Mindell. Making dietary changes and adding exercise to your routine seems to be the most common treatment for this disease. If you have high blood pressure, you should see a doctor for the best course of treatment.
References
- "Folk Medicine;" Dr. D.C. Jarvis; 1958
- "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar"; Dr. Earl Mindell; 2002
- American Heart Association; Prevention and Treatment of High Blood Pressure; May 2011
- Medscape General Medicine; Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston Ph.D., et. al.; May 2006
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Quercetin Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects; Randi L. Edwards, et. al.; November 2007
