Vinegar has a long history of use for medicinal, as well as culinary purposes. Apple-cider vinegar is the type most people use for health conditions including high blood pressure. Although this substance may have certain medicinal properties, you should consult your doctor before using any alternative or complementary medicines to treat health problems.
High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading includes both your systolic and your diastolic pressures. A blood pressure reading below 120/80 is normal for most people, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when your systolic reading consistently remains above 140. Your diet plays an important role in helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Too much sodium in your diet can increase your risk of developing this disease. Vinegar has minimal sodium, making it a culinary seasoning you can use without increasing your salt intake.
Vinegar
Vinegar comes from fermenting various foods, including beets, potatoes, whey, grains, sorghum, coconut and berries. Apples are the main ingredient in apple cider vinegar.
Properties
Although more studies are necessary to confirm the potential medicinal benefits of vinegar, many people use it as a treatment for conditions such as eczema, bee stings, diaper rash, leg cramps, arthritis and acne. The pectin in the apples may improve heart health by lowering your blood pressure, according to the Medicinal Botanicals Program at Mountain State University. Pectin is the soluble fiber in apples that helps to absorb cholesterol in the digestive tract.
Precautions
High blood pressure seldom causes symptoms in its early stages, making it important to have regular blood pressure tests, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Avoid using unproven herbal therapies in place of prescription medications without first seeking your doctor's approval. Although vinegar is safe for most people, it is not a standard or customary method for controlling blood pressure.
