Although alternative health practitioners swear by it, vinegar’s effect on cholesterol is still unclear. Preliminary evidence suggests its benefit, but research is so limited that it’s unwise to suggest taking vinegar as the sole treatment for high cholesterol. Rather, a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medications are often best. Talk to your doctor before taking vinegar to improve this or any other medical condition.
Evidence
A study published in the May 2006 “British Journal of Nutrition” found that vinegar could potentially prove beneficial in lowering cholesterol. The acetic acid in vinegar appears to inhibit the ability of the liver to convert glucose into fatty acids. Because cholesterol is a fatty acid, impeding the conversion of glucose may help to improve cholesterol levels. On top of this, the acetic acid stimulates greater fecal bile acid excretion, which may eliminate additional cholesterol from the body. Results, however, were only seen in animal subjects. More research is needed to determine if vinegar can provide similar benefits in humans.
Diet
Instead of self-prescribing vinegar to treat high cholesterol, look for ways to better your lifestyle. In fact, lifestyle changes are key to managing this condition. Start off by reducing the amount of saturated fat, trans fat and dietary cholesterol in your diet. Keep saturated fat to no more than 10 percent of your daily calories, and try to eliminate trans fat entirely. Keep your cholesterol intake to fewer than 300 mg a day. As you limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol, eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you’re overweight or obese, work to lose the excess pounds. Even just 5 lbs. of weight loss can improve cholesterol levels, explains MayoClinic.com. Work with a doctor or dietitian to come up with a diet to best suit your needs.
Medications
If lifestyle changes fail to improve cholesterol, or your cholesterol levels are fairly high, a medication may be in order. A number of medications are used to manage this condition; your doctor can determine which ones to recommend based on your age, weight, health and potential complications. Statins are, by far, the most popular drug used to lower cholesterol, but you may benefit from cholesterol absorption inhibitors or bile-acid-binding resins.
Warning
While there’s nothing wrong with drinking vinegar, it is highly acidic, which can lead to health problems. This is especially true if you’re consuming large quantities. Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist writing for MayoClinic.com, explains that vinegar can irritate the throat and adversely interact with prescription medications, such as insulin and diuretics. Always talk to your doctor before taking vinegar — or any other alternative remedy, for that matter.
References
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol; June 2011
- “The British Journal of Nutrition”; Dietary Acetic Acid Reduces Serum Cholesterol and Triacylglycerols in Rats Fed a Cholesterol-Rich Diet; T. Fushimi, et al.; May 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 22, 2010
