Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Pressure: Does It Work? – Healthline

Regularly consuming apple cider vinegar may help lower blood pressure, but more research is needed. Always discuss the use of natural remedies or alternative treatments with your doctor.
There’s a good chance that you or someone you know has had experiences with high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls, sort of like water in a pipe when you turn on a faucet. The blood is pushed from your heart to other parts of your body. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain just how common high blood pressure is:
Apple cider vinegar is seen as a popular “cure all” for many illnesses and conditions. These include stomach upset, high cholesterol, and sore throats. It’s true that this treatment dates back thousands of years. The ancient Greek doctor Hippocrates used apple cider vinegar for wound care, and in the 10th century it was used with sulfur as a hand wash during autopsies to help prevent infection.
Studies show that apple cider vinegar may play a role in keeping your blood pressure low. However, it should be used alongside other treatments and lifestyle changes as well. It’s not a “cure-all,” but it may help.
Researchers have only started looking into how vinegar may help lower blood pressure. Most of their studies have been conducted on animals and not people. While more research needs to be done, some studies show that apple cider vinegar may be useful.
Apple cider vinegar mostly contains acetic acid. In one study, rats with high blood pressure were given vinegar over a long period of time. The study showed that the rats had a decrease in blood pressure and in an enzyme called renin. The researchers believe that the lowered renin activity caused the lowered blood pressure. A similar study showed that the acetic acid might also help with calcium absorption.
Lowering blood glucose may help lower blood pressure as well. The prescription medication Metformin, used for lowering glucose in those with diabetes, lowered blood pressure in a recent study. Because vinegar also helped lower blood glucose in rats in another study, some believe apple cider vinegar might help lower blood pressure in this way. However, more research is needed for a clear connection between the two.
High blood pressure and obesity often go hand in hand. Using apple cider vinegar in place of high-fat and high-salt dressings and oils may be a helpful change you can make to your diet. Lowering your salt intake can help you both manage your blood pressure and trim your waistline. This method works best when used with an overall healthy diet that includes potassium-rich foods like spinach and avocados.
A 2012 study with 19 participants showed that consuming apple cider vinegar over eight weeks led to lower cholesterol. High blood cholesterol and high blood pressure often work together to accelerate heart disease. They can damage the blood vessels and your heart more quickly. When you consume apple cider vinegar, you may be able to lower both cholesterol and blood pressure at the same time.
So, how do you make apple cider vinegar part of your diet? You may want to aim for about 3 teaspoons per day, and at concentrations of 3–9 percent. The vinegar can of course be very hard to handle all by itself, but you can mix it with other flavors to make it go down easy. Here are some ideas:
There are other dietary measures you will want to take to help your blood pressure as well. Many of these other measures have been studied more thoroughly. Check labels to make sure the sodium levels aren’t too high. Choose low-sodium options when you can, such as with chicken broth and soy sauce. Make foods from scratch to control how much salt is added, such as with soups and hamburger patties.
If you’re working with a doctor to control your blood pressure, it’s important to continue to follow their advice. Keep taking any prescribed medications and follow any recommended routines. Apple cider vinegar may play a role in lowering blood pressure, but more studies are needed. However, there don’t appear to be any risks involved with using apple cider vinegar in moderation.
Last medically reviewed on May 29, 2018
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jun 25, 2023
Written By
Ana Gotter
Edited By
Nizam Khan (TechSpace)
May 29, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Share this article
Foods that are rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help lower blood pressure. Take a look at our list and see which ones you'd like to add…
If left untreated, high blood pressure may lead to heart failure. We show you how to lower your blood pressure using diet, supplements, exercise, and…
Can you lower your blood pressure, eliminate hypertension, and improve heart health with essential oils? We’ll tell you what the research says about…
The prevalence of stroke has increased for young adults (18-44) and mid-life (45-64) by up to 15% in the U.S. But the risk has not increased for…
Not sure what a heart-healthy diet looks like? This guide has you covered.
Managing your blood pressure can help reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Learn…
Not sure what to cook for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? These five recipes are delicious and heart-healthy options.
Find out if you may be a good candidate for statins, and what you can expect.
Not sure which foods are best for managing high blood pressure? Here's a guide to what you need to know.
Hypertension medications are associated with a lower risk of uterine fibroids in people with high blood pressure. The report adds to growing evidence…
OUR BRANDS

source