A recent study released in Japan has found that drinking two tablespoons of vinegar daily can help lower blood pressure. This is undoubtedly a simple and feasible method for patients with hypertension. The study was presented at this year's annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science. Researchers from the Amino Up Chemical Company Central Institute in Japan reported that among the 175 participants aged 25 to 60 who were tested, they were divided into three groups: one group drank 2 large tablespoons of vinegar (30 ml) daily, another drank 1 large tablespoon (15 ml), and the third group did not drink vinegar. The results showed that the first group not only saw a decrease in blood pressure but also a significant reduction in visceral fat and body weight, and a noticeable decrease in waist circumference.
Drinking two tablespoons of vinegar daily can reduce fat and lower blood pressure
According to Sun Mengli, Chief Dietitian at the Nutrition Department of Peking University First Hospital, the benefits of drinking vinegar for patients with hypertension are very significant, based on the results of this Japanese study. Although no relevant trials have been conducted in China, the effect of vinegar in softening blood vessels is well-known. This may be because the saponins in vinegar can remove a type of fat adhering to the artery walls, reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby softening the blood vessels. Sun Mengli pointed out that to ensure the aforementioned effects of vinegar, it is best to consume it directly, for example, one tablespoon in the morning and one in the evening. Cooking methods such as heating can diminish this effect; for instance, in dishes like "vinegar-fried shredded potatoes" or "sweet and sour fish," although vinegar is used, its effectiveness is reduced after being heated at high temperatures.
“Although vinegar has the above benefits, it is not suitable for everyone, especially for patients with stomach diseases,” Sun Mengli emphasized. One should pay attention to adverse reactions such as acid reflux after drinking vinegar. People with ulcers or excessive stomach acid are not suitable for drinking vinegar to avoid aggravating stomach irritation. When starting to drink vinegar, one should do so gradually, beginning with a small amount each day and adjusting the quantity based on the body's tolerance.