How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for High Blood Pressure
It is estimated that around one-third of all people in the US over 20 suffer from some form of high blood pressure (hypertension). With the many changes that are taking place in the lifestyle of people, this figure is set to increase, but according to research you may be able to control and even lower high blood pressure by consuming apple cider vinegar (ACV).
What is high blood pressure?
When your heart beats, it pumps blood throughout your body to give it the oxygen and energy it needs. As the blood moves, it pushes against the sides of the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the strength of your blood pushing against the sides of your blood vessels. If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries (and your heart) and this may lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Lowering High Blood Pressure
Fortunately, high blood pressure can be controlled. A number of studies have been carried out which show how you can use vinegar to control blood pressure. I am going to look at what these studies have uncovered.
I’ve already mentioned the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar such as: controlling diabetes, removal of warts, treating arthritis, and even for washing your face and hair.
ACV contains vitamins B1, B2, and B6 as well as vitamin C. It also contains small amounts of some trace minerals in it like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium.2 However, it is the amount of acetic acid in ACV which has the most beneficial health benefits for the reduction of high blood pressure.
When we take ACV into the body either by eating or drinking, it has an alkaline effect in our bodies (while ACV is acidic, once ingested and metabolized it has an alkaline effect on the body). A healthy body should have a slightly alkaline pH balance, and usually Western diets cause the body to be more acidic. Therefore, ACV can restore the alkaline balance that the body should have.
Some research has been carried out on the health benefits of ACV. Two studies, in particular, focused on how the acetic acid found in ACV can help to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).
Apple Cider Vinegar to Control High Blood Pressure – The Research
Apple Cider Vinegar for high blood pressure – research #1
A study published in the journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry looked at the effect that vinegar has on blood pressure if it is introduced to your diet. The results of the research showed that consumption of acetic acid (which is found in apple cider vinegar) caused a significant reduction in hypertension (high blood pressure).3The research found that the acetic acid reduced blood pressure by lowering the renin activity. Renin is an enzyme which helps regulate blood pressure.
The study confirmed that under laboratory conditions, acetic acid reduces hypertension and that it could be useful in the prevention of this condition.
There is still much research to be done into the effects of acetic acid in controlling blood pressure, but the initial results are very promising.
Apple Cider Vinegar for controlling high blood pressure (by lowering cholesterol) – research #2
Another study looked at how acetic acid (found in ACV) can be effective in reducing cholesterol.4Although this study focused on cholesterol, it is a well-documented fact in medical journals that high levels of cholesterol are associated with hypertension. When there is too much bad cholesterol in the blood, the arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium and this means that the heart has to work harder to pump the blood. This results in high blood pressure.5,6
This study was carried out in a controlled environment on 3 groups of rats. The results were published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
At the end of the study, the group which had acetic acid in the diet showed significantly lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with atherosclerosis – thickening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup.7
You can also implement other effective ways to reduce your cholesterol levels and combine it with the consumption of ACV.
To fully get the health benefits of ACV, it is very import to use the right kind.
The best kind of ACV is the type that has been the least processed. You should look for apple cider vinegar in its purest, unadulterated form. This means that it should be unfiltered, unprocessed, and unpasteurized. This is sometimes called raw vinegar. There should be no added flavors or chemicals in it. If possible, always buy ACV which is certified organic.
The best ACV also has the “mother” of the vinegar in it. You should make sure that there is some cloudy sediment floating around in the bottle or at the bottom of the bottle. Don’t worry, this isn’t anything nasty, it is actually full of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. This is where all the ‘good stuff’ is. Some people also like to make their own natural ACV and that way they know exactly what is in it. For more information, read my article on how to make your own apple cider vinegar.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Diet
To enjoy all the health benefits of ACV, it is important that you regularly use it in your diet. ACV is actually a very versatile product which has many uses in food and drink.The simplest way to incorporate ACV into your daily diet is to add 1 to 2 tablespoons to a large glass of water or other beverage. You could also add some pure natural honey to it for sweetness. The combination of ACV and honey has numerous health benefits.
You can also try some of my ACV detox drinks. These are refreshing drinks which will help not only reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, but also get rid of nasty toxins from your body.
There are a few words of warning when using ACV, or any other vinegar. Care should be taken never to drink vinegar without diluting it. Drinking ACV neat can cause damage to your tooth enamel and burn your throat. You also shouldn’t consume ACV in excessive amounts as long-term use of high dosage might lead to low potassium and weak bones.
Apple cider vinegar may interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease, so if you’re planning to use it on a daily basis make sure to consult your doctor to avoid interactions with the medicines you’re taking.
Using ACV is also one of the 70 habits featured in the e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.
High Blood Pressure – Things to Consider
You have to understand that ACV should be used only as part of a well-balanced nutritious diet.Our hectic lifestyles do much to increase blood pressure and ACV alone won’t reduce it. Doctors advise that healthy blood pressure can be achieved by adopting a healthier lifestyle. This means cutting out smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress properly and getting regular exercise.
However, regularly using ACV in your diet may be helpful in reducing high blood pressure and help you enjoy great health.
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