High blood pressure isn't just a localized problem. It can put your overall health at risk. This condition is characterized by having too much force behind the blood as it moves through the arteries. According to MedlinePlus, blood pressure is usually reduced through a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. However, some feel a combination of vinegar and honey may be just the ticket for reducing elevated blood pressure.
Acetic Acid in Vinegar
The acetic acid contained within vinegar is thought to play a role in reducing blood pressure. According to a review published in "Medscape General Medicine" by Carol S. Johnston, PhD, rats with high blood pressure experienced an overall reduction in blood pressure when their diets contained vinegar. This has not been tested on humans as of 2011.
Quercetin in Vinegar
An antioxidant in apple cider vinegar may also play a role in reducing blood pressure. According to a study published in 2007 in the "Journal of Nutrition," participants who received the antioxidant quercetin showed a reduction in blood pressure. This study used just the component within vinegar and not vinegar itself, however.
Honey
Honey contains many nutritional properties and is even used for healing wounds. There is no medical evidence to link honey with reducing high blood pressure. However, according to Earl Mindell, MD, author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," honey can be added to vinegar tonics to improve the flavor and add nutrients.
Lack of Results
Even though the aforementioned studies show vinegar as having potential for reducing blood pressure, nothing concrete exists to decisively prove it one way or the other. Health Services at Columbia indicates drinking a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water will not help you lose weight even, which is often a suggestion if you have high blood pressure. According to MedlinePlus, the best way to reduce blood pressure is to lose weight if you need to, eat healthy foods, reduce your sodium intake, and exercise regularly.
References
- "Medscape General Medicine"; Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., et. al.; May 2006
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Quercetin Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects; Randi L. Edwards et al.; November 2007
- MedlinePlus; Blood Pressure; May 2010
- Health Services at Columbia; Go Ask Alice! Apple Cider Vinegar; August 2010
- "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar"; Earl Mindell, M.D.; 2002
