What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Take Apple Cider Vinegar (2025)

Apple cider vinegar for blood pressure is a popular home remedy, and it's also thought to help lower blood sugar, curb hunger, and promote weight loss. Research is limited in this area, but studies suggest the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could have some benefits for blood pressure and heart health, especially in combination with other healthy lifestyle habits.

However, if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's important to note that apple cider vinegar is not a replacement for traditional medical treatments, such as medication. Talk to your healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and how it might fit into your treatment plan.

What Science Says About Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Pressure

• In a small study, people with type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia (too many fats in the blood) were given 20 milliliters (mL) of apple cider vinegar (about 1 tablespoon) a day over eight weeks. The study subjects showed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels and markers for oxidative stress (inflammation and cell damage) compared to a control group. However, the effects on blood pressure weren't different between the groups.
• A 2016 study found that apple cider vinegar effectively lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats, and that vinegar paired with the blood pressure medication Procardia XL (nifedipine) had a better effect on blood pressure control than vinegar or nifedipine alone. If you plan to take apple cider vinegar with blood pressure medication, though, talk to your healthcare provider.

Researchers have also found that apple cider vinegar may help with controlling appetite, lowering cholesterol, and promoting weight loss.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Although scientists don't fully understand the mechanics, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help to lower blood sugar. One theory is that it may block the activity of an enzyme that converts starchy foods into glucose. This slows the release of blood sugar into the bloodstream. Therefore, taking apple cider vinegar before a carb-heavy meal may help prevent blood sugar spikes.

Apple cider vinegar may also help lower insulin levels and improve cells' response to this blood sugar-regulating hormone.

This can help improve insulin resistance (a condition where the body produces too much insulin and cells stop responding to the hormone) and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Lower Cholesterol

Apple cider vinegar also shows promise for lowering cholesterol levels. In a recent meta-analysis of nine studies, apple cider vinegar consumption was associated with significant reductions in overall levels of cholesterol.

Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar may help promote weight loss.

In one small study, a group of overweight participants were randomly assigned to follow a calorie-restricted diet for 12 weeks and consume 30 ml of apple cider per day; another group followed the same diet without vinegar. Those who consumed apple cider vinegar reported less hunger on the diet and they lost more weight, particularly visceral fat (unhealthy fat that forms in the belly).

How to Safely Take Apple Cider Vinegar

There are a few ways to take apple cider vinegar. Most experts recommend stirring 1-2 teaspoons in water and drinking it before a meal. You can add a few drops of honey to make it more palatable if it's too sour.

It's important to dilute apple cider vinegar when consuming it. If it is too concentrated, the acids can erode teeth enamel and may burn the throat or esophagus. As with any supplement, talk with your healthcare provider before adding apple cider vinegar to your diet to make sure it's the right decision for your health.

Side Effects

Apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe in reasonable quantities. However, the acetic acid in the liquid can be harmful in concentrated or large doses. Additionally, supplements and gummies made with apple cider vinegar are not regulated and should be used with caution.

Some side effects associated with consuming apple cider vinegar include the following:

• Throat burn
• Reduction of tooth enamel
• Delayed digestion
• Interaction with medication

Apple cider vinegar also contains very small amounts of potassium. People who seek to control their high blood pressure naturally should instead boost their levels with potassium-rich foods like sweet potatoes, bananas, and spinach.

Summary

Treating and preventing high blood pressure starts with making lifestyle adjustments, such as getting regular exercise and eating a nutrient-rich diet. Apple cider vinegar is an old remedy that contains acetic acid and other health-promoting compounds. It might be helpful in lowering blood pressure because it can help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and aid in weight loss, among other things.

Ultimately, however, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of apple cider vinegar for lowering blood pressure. In addition to medication and at-home remedies, creating and sustaining a healthy lifestyle is important to keep blood pressure under control.

Before you try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet, contact your healthcare provider to make sure it's the right decision for you.