Can apple cider vinegar improve your blood pressure?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a third of the U.S. population suffers from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Some studies suggest that the consumption of apple cider vinegar may help manage blood pressure.

ACV has been a remedy for numerous ailments, like sore throat. In ancient times, the Greek doctor Hippocrates used ACV to treat wounds. While not many studies are available about the effect of ACV on people, numerous animal studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may lower blood pressure. (Related: Apple cider vinegar for acne? Folk remedy actually works better than chemicals.)

The effect of apple cider vinegar on blood pressure

High amounts of cholesterol in the blood can cause fat buildup in the arteries. When this occurs, the heart needs to work harder to increase blood flow and provide nutrients to the entire body. This condition is commonly referred to as high blood pressure.

Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition studied the effect of ACV on mice fed with a high cholesterol diet. To investigate, the researchers treated mice with either ACV or a placebo. The results of the study showed that the treated mice had significantly lower cholesterol levels than the control group.

In another study published in the journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, researchers looked at the effect of ACV on rats with high blood pressure. The result of their experiment revealed that long-term treatment of ACV in mice helped lower blood pressure. Moreover, it also decreased the activity of an enzyme called renin. The researchers believed that the reduction of renin caused a decrease in blood pressure.

The Holistic Health Expert of Disabled World, Brenda Skidmore, said that apple cider vinegar could help manage and treat various illnesses, including high blood pressure, because of its ability to maintain pH balance in the body. Moreover, ACV can loosen fat and phlegm deposits in the body and improve circulation.

How to make apple cider vinegar at home

ACV is a product of a two-step fermentation process. Apples are combined with yeast to convert sugar into alcohol. Then, it is exposed to air to encourage the growth of acetobacter. These bacteria will then convert alcohol into acetic acid.

ACV is easy to make at home. All you need are apples, sugar, and water. Apples contain naturally occurring yeast in their skin that will jump-start the fermentation process.

Ingredients:

• 3 whole apples or scraps from 6 apples (peels and cores)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a large glass jar, combine sugar and water. Mix thoroughly until all sugar granules are dissolved.
2. Cut apples into 1-inch thick slices, then put in the jar.
3. Cover the jar with a paper towel or any clean fabric to keep insects away.
4. Place the jar in a warm place for 2 weeks. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
5. Strain the mixture to discard apple scraps.
6. Pour the liquid back into the container and continue fermenting for 4 more weeks.
7. Once done, transfer to a bottle and put a cap on to stop fermentation.

To learn more about the medicinal wonders of apple cider vinegar, visit Food.news.

Sources include:

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

TandFOnline.com

Healthline.com

HelloGlow.com