Apple cider vinegar tends to be referred to as a cure-all. It has been linked to skin care, digestive treatments and weight loss remedies. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to confirm these claims, just as there is no evidence vinegar can reduce the plaque in your arteries. It might reduce cholesterol, but it will not reduce plaque and should never be used as a substitute for treatment.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance naturally found in fatty foods and in the blood. If you have too much of it, however, you could find yourself at an increased risk of heart disease. The cholesterol can solidify in the arteries and form plaque. Over time, this blocks the path of blood, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. says MayoClinic.com.
Apple Cider Vinegar
As you may have guessed, apple cider vinegar is made from apples. The liquid from crushed apples is extracted and allowed to ferment into alcohol. After this, it ferments further into acetic acid, which is the main ingredient in vinegar that's supposed to carry health benefits, according to "The Vinegar Institute."
Function
Even though apple cider vinegar can't break up or reduce the plaque in your arteries, it may be able to reduce high cholesterol to prevent the plaque from forming. According to a study published in 2009 in "Lipids in Health and Disease," rabbits that ate vinegar as a part of their diet experienced a reduction in cholesterol. This test has not been duplicated on people.
How to Reduce Plaque
Apple cider vinegar should never be used as a substitute for standard arterial plaque and high cholesterol treatments. According to the Medical University of South Carolina, taking medications as you're prescribed, exercising regularly, and eating plenty of dark green vegetables can reduce cholesterol and plaque.
References
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Acute Effects of Vinegar Intake on Some Biochemical Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits; Mahbubeh Setorki, et al.; 2010
- Medical University of South Carolina; The Catalyst; Ways to Lower Cholesterol; Janet Carter; July 2009
- "The Vinegar Institute"; Frequently Asked Questions
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol; June 2011
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