High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when our blood pressure readings are consistently 140 over 90, or higher, over a number of weeks. This condition happens due to the high amounts of cholesterol in the blood that causes fat buildup in the arteries, thus putting extra strain on our heart and blood vessels and making our heart work harder to increases blood flow and provide nutrients to the entire body. Over time, this condition increases our risk of heart diseases, kidney diseases, heart attack, stroke, and even some forms of dementia.
Some of the main causes of high blood pressure are as follows:
- Consuming too much salt
- Not eating enough fruit and vegetables
- Being overweight
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Drinking too much alcohol
Some studies suggest that the consumption of apple cider vinegar may help manage blood pressure.
Apple juice vinegar or ACV has been touted for a long time as one of nature’s best and cheap fix to most health conditions. It’s filled with raw enzymes and beneficial bacteria from the fermentation process it goes through during its creation. Aside from its key component acetic acid which gives vinegar its distinctive taste and smell, ACV also contains citric, lactic, and malic acids. It has been used to treat many health ailments and as a disinfectant and natural preservative.
According to one study, consumption of ACV on a regular basis can help increase calcium uptake which decreases the release of renin. Decreasing the activity of the renin-angiotensin system can help lower down blood pressure. Due to this, experts believed that adding ACV in our diet can help us control our blood pressure.
An observational study from Harvard showed that women who ate salad dressings with vinegar had a reduced risk of heart disease.
In an animal study involving mice fed with high cholesterol diet then treated with ACV or a placebo, results revealed that the treated mice had significantly lower cholesterol levels than the control group.
Other Health Benefits of ACV
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Level
In a 2017 study, scientists have found that vinegar intake with a meal can help decrease fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin after the meal. Thanks to its acetic acid content which block enzymes that help us digest starch thereby resulting in a smaller blood sugar response after starchy meals such as pasta or bread.
Helps Reduce Free Radicals In The Body
ACV fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress which takes out important tissues and cell membranes. Free radicals can cause all sorts of problems such as immune diseases, arthritis, and even emphysema.
Can Help Us Lose Weight
Studies show that vinegar can increase satiety and help us eat fewer calories thus leading to actual pounds lost on the scale.
In a study involving 175 obese people, ACV consumption leads to weight loss:
15 mL (1 tablespoon): Lost 2.6 pounds, or 1.2 kilograms.
30 mL (2 tablespoons): Lost 3.7 pounds, or 1.7 kilograms.
Helps Reduce Cancer Risk
Experts believed that ACV help could shrink and kill cancerous cells.
Rebecca Lee, RN, a New York City nurse and founder of RemediesForMe.com, says that:
“Apple cider vinegar is an alkalizing food that restores the alkaline/acid balance of our body. This is important because cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment.”
May Kill Many Types of Harmful Bacteria
ACV has powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus in our digestive tract. Its acetic content can help kill pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, as well as harmful microbes and viruses.
Start adding apple cider vinegar into your daily diet. We can have it on our salad, marinades, vinaigrettes, and sauces.
