Even though apple cider vinegar is cited as a home remedy for many conditions, it should never be used as a substitute for treatment of high blood pressure. Limited research has shown vinegar to have some effect on blood pressure, but these results are not enough to warrant using it as a main course of treatment. If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations.
About Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from crushed apples. The liquid is drained away and fermented by adding sugar and yeast. Over time, this forms alcohol and after an even greater length of time, it forms acetic acid, according to "The Vinegar Institute." Vinegar is used in home remedies for allergies, arthritis and high blood pressure, but evidence showing it can help with these conditions is considerably lacking.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a condition that causes the blood to rush through the blood vessels with too much force. This elevated pressure weakens the arteries, leaving you susceptible to heart disease, heart attack, stroke and other dangerous conditions, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Antioxidant Effects
For treating high blood pressure, an antioxidant in apple cider vinegar might do the trick. According to a study published in 2007 in the "Journal of Nutrition," quercetin, an antioxidant in vinegar, was fed to participants for four weeks. During that time, they experienced a drop in blood pressure. Only those with mild high blood pressure were tested, however.
Blood Thinning Effects
Apple cider vinegar may imitate the effects of some blood thinning medications prescribed to those with high blood pressure. According to a study published in 2001 in the journal, "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry," rats with high blood pressure were given vinegar as a part of their diets. Over time, these rats showed a reduction in blood pressure levels due to thinned blood. The researchers believed these results occurred due to the acetic acid present in vinegar.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; What is High Blood Pressure?; April 2011
- "The Vinegar Institute"; Frequently Asked Questions
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Quercetin Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects; Randi L. Edwards et al.; November 2007
- "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry"; Antihypertensive Effects of Aetic Acid and Vinegar on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; S Kondo et.al.; Dec 2001
