Did you know that vinegar can be your heart’s best friend?.
While vinegar may not sound like a tasty or refreshing drink, when diluted with water, it becomes an inexpensive and simple way to keep your heart healthy and maintain a balanced cholesterol level.
What is vinegar?
Vinegar is a sour-tasting liquid that is made by fermenting alcoholic liquids like wine, cider, or beer to produce acetic acid. This acid is what gives vinegar its sharp taste and strong smell.
Apple cider vinegar, which is made from apples, is one of the most popular types of vinegar, and the health benefits of apple cider vinegar are well-known across the world.
The Benefits of vinegar for heart health
Recent scientific studies show that vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, has several health benefits that can help protect your heart. Here are some ways in which you can benefit from vinegar:.
Vinegar Can Help Lower Cholesterol:
High levels of LDL cholesterol are known to increase the risk of heart disease. Studies have found that vinegar can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, thus promoting heart health.
Vinegar Can Help Regulate Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure is another risk factor for heart disease. According to a study conducted on rats, vinegar has the ability to increase the production of an enzyme that helps relax the blood vessels, causing the blood pressure to drop.
Vinegar Can Help Improve Insulin Sensitivity:
Research has shown that vinegar can help improve insulin sensitivity, which means that it can help regulate the blood sugar levels in the body.
By improving insulin sensitivity, vinegar can reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease.
How to Take Vinegar for Heart Health
Are you looking for an easy way to include vinegar in your diet? Here are some ways you can take vinegar:.
Mix Vinegar with Water:
Dilute vinegar in water to make it easier to drink. The usual ratio is 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to 8-12 ounces of water.
Add Vinegar to Salads:
Add vinegar to your salad dressings. Apple cider vinegar makes a great salad dressing when mixed with olive oil, mustard, honey, and salt and pepper.
Use Vinegar in your cooking:
Vinegar can be added to soups, stews, and sauces for a tangy flavor.
Take a Shot of Vinegar:
If you are brave enough, you can take a shot of pure vinegar, but make sure to dilute it with water to avoid any potential harm to your throat.
Conclusion
One of the best things about vinegar is that it is affordable, easily accessible, and can be found in almost every household. Incorporating vinegar into your diet may be one of the best things you can do for your heart health.
Always remember to dilute the vinegar to avoid any potential damage to your throat or mouth, and consult with your doctor before adding vinegar to your diet if you have any underlying health issues.