Is it true that vodka cleanses the lumen of blood vessels from cholesterol — what do scientists say?

Among fans of alcoholic beverages, there is an opinion that the periodic consumption of vodka is an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis.

They say that a small amount of alcohol in the blood helps to reduce cholesterol levels, and at the same time stimulates the process of cleansing blood vessels and splitting atherosclerotic plaques.

How true is this statement? What do doctors and scientists say about this? And exactly what amount of vodka can be called "useful" for the body?

Is it true that alcohol lowers cholesterol?

Ethyl alcohol, which forms the basis of all alcoholic beverages, is a powerful oxidizer of biological materials. And it really stimulates the process of splitting cholesterol , fats, atherosclerotic plaques (which are based on platelets, protein combinations, fats and cholesterol).

But at the same time it has a strong destructive effect on the liver, organic tissues. Also alcohol has a devastating effect on the heart.

When ingested, ethyl alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, which, in turn, is synthesized to acetic acid. These components are extremely toxic, which the body tries to get rid of as quickly as possible. Their "filtration" is exactly what the liver does, and it is on it that the main load from the process of assimilation of alcohol falls.

If we are talking about small dosages of such drinks (literally 10-15 milliliters), then there is practically no negative effect on the liver and the body as a whole. But if you drink 100 milliliters of some strong vodka, then this will definitely affect your well-being (in a negative way).

The research also confirms that the effect on the cardiovascular system is very dependent on the dosage.

So what conclusion can be drawn? Vodka really helps to clean blood vessels, but it can't be called useful anyway – it causes more harm. Therefore, it should not be taken as a medicinal product. But for the preparation of various kinds of tinctures, it is ideal – vodka is an excellent preservative.

3 facts about the effects of vodka

There are several key effects of vodka (and other alcoholic beverages with a high content of ethyl alcohol) on blood vessels and the circulatory system as a whole:

1. Stimulates the process of fat breakdown. But subsequently, fatty acids can accumulate in the liver or in the heart, thereby causing fatty degeneration.
2. Reduces the number and size of atherosclerotic plaques. But it must be borne in mind that dissolved toxins are excreted from the blood extremely slowly. And this also indirectly increases the load on the liver.
3. Helps to expand the lumen of blood vessels. And regular consumption of vodka can provoke thinning of the walls of the main blood arteries.

In total, there is a positive effect from vodka. But alcohol abuse also causes great harm to other organs of the circulatory system, including the liver. Also vodka harms the heart.

How to use it correctly?

To minimize the negative effects of alcohol on the circulatory system, the following rules should be followed:

1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages regularly , enabling the liver to completely remove ethyl alcohol derivatives (which are toxins) from the body.
2. Monitor the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys. If their work is disrupted, the removal of toxins from the blood will be significantly slowed down, respectively, the negative impact on the organs will only increase.
3. Optimal daily alcohol intake - up to 15 milliliters in alcohol equivalent, divided into 3 to 5 doses. At the same time, it is permissible to consume no more than 45 milliliters of ethyl per week.
4. Have a big snack. Alcohol intake or infusions based on it is carried out after eating. This will protect the gastric mucosa from damage.
5. Cannot be combined with smoking. After drinking alcohol, you should abstain from tobacco for the next 6 hours. Vodka helps to expand the lumen of blood vessels, while nicotine, on the contrary, narrows it. And in combination, it can provoke a hemorrhagic stroke.

And most importantly, you should first consult with your doctor.

6 recipes for medicinal tinctures based on it

Vodka is quite often used as an alcohol base for the preparation of various kinds of herbal infusions for artery cleansing. Ethyl alcohol acts as a preservative, that is, it prevents the oxidation of active components.

1. Garlic

Garlic tincture not only reduces cholesterol, but also normalizes the microflora of the entire food tract – this indirectly improves complex metabolism, prevents the accumulation of adipose tissue. It is prepared like this:

• Chop 3 garlic heads (about 60 grams) to a puree;
• Add 200 milliliters of vodka;
• Insist at room temperature for 3 days.

Take 2 teaspoons 3 times a day after meals. It is not recommended to wash it down or stir it with water. The course of treatment is 10 days.

We suggest you to familiarize yourself with this video:

2. Clover

This infusion significantly accelerates the elimination of toxins from the blood. But it must be borne in mind that it acts as a diuretic, therefore, in case of kidney failure or gallstone disease, it is categorically contraindicated. It is prepared like this:

• 2 cups of dried flowers (without leaves, pagons) of red clover pour 0.5 liters of vodka;
• Insist at room temperature for 2 weeks (caution against exposure to ultraviolet rays);
• Strain through several layers of gauze.

P take 20 milliliters 1 time a day after dinner. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

We recommend you to familiarize yourself with this video:

3. Cloves with lemon

This tincture is an excellent prevention of hemorrhagic vasculitis, and also stimulates the removal of toxins from the liver (including fat deposits). To prepare it, you will need:

• Grind 5 tablespoons of clove flowers to a powder state;
• Mix with the pulp of 3 medium lemons (without peel);
• Add 0.5 liters of vodka;
• Add 400 grams (2 cups) of sugar.

Sugar is recommended to be pre–ground to powder - so it will easily dissolve in vodka. Mix the whole mixture thoroughly with a mixer or blender at low speed. Insist for 2 weeks, then strain.

Take 3-4 times a day after meals, 1.5 teaspoons. The taste is quite disgusting, so you can mix the infusion with honey before use. The course of treatment is until the end of the infusion (about 1.5 – 2 months).

4. Pine cones

Doctors themselves consider this remedy to be one of the best for the prevention of strokes. Essential oils contained in pine cones improve the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, prevent an increase in their lumen at high blood pressure. It is prepared like this:

• 5 – Soak 7 small young cones (green) in cold water for 6 hours;
• Next, drain the water, chop the cones finely with a knife;
• Add 0.5 liters of vodka and a small pinch of cinnamon (about 1/3 teaspoon).

Keep the mixture at room temperature for 10 days.

Take 1 teaspoon after meals 3 times a day. The course of treatment is from 4 to 6 months (followed by a break of 3 months).

5. Viburnum

Viburnum contains a huge amount of vitamin C, which is directly involved in the breakdown of cholesterol. This berry also helps to reduce blood pressure, which reduces the likelihood of atherosclerotic plaque formation. The infusion is prepared as follows:

• Grind 0.5 kilograms of viburnum berries with 200 grams of granulated sugar;
• Add 1 liter of vodka;
• Infuse the mixture for 5 days, shaking it thoroughly 2 times a day. Next, strain.

Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day (the maximum allowable daily allowance is 50 milliliters). The course of treatment is unlimited, but not less than 2 months.

We suggest watching this video recipe:

6. Hawthorn and elecampane

This mixture is recommended for people with a tendency to angina pectoris, and it also helps well with migraines. It is prepared like this:

• Chop 2 tablespoons of dry elecampane;
• Add 3 tablespoons of dried hawthorn flowers;
• Add 0.5 liters of vodka.

Insist for at least 10 days.

Take 20 drops 1 time a day before going to bed (or right after dinner). The course of treatment is 1 month, followed by a mandatory break of 2 weeks.

We bring to your attention a video:

Contraindications

Categorical contraindications for drinking vodka are:

• Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Hepatitis or cirrhosis;
• The period of pregnancy or lactation;
• Acute heart failure;
• Diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent);
• Kidney failure.

Medical advice is required before use.

Also check out this infographic:

Interesting video

For a detailed introduction to the topic, we recommend watching the video:

In total, directly drinking vodka in order to cleanse the vascular system is not the best solution. But it can be used to make herbal infusions. Vodka not only acts as a preservative, but also accelerates the absorption of the active components of "folk" medicines, as it is quickly absorbed from the stomach into the blood. For preventive purposes, the use of red wine will be optimal for the cardiovascular system.