Los mitos sobre la salud vascular: ¿funcionan realmente las cebollas y el vinagre?

Title: Myths about Vascular Health: Do Onions and Vinegar Really Work? Profile: Foods do not soften blood vessels as believed; an evidence-based diet and medical check-ups are recommended. Authors: [Not specified] Reviewers: [Not specified] Commissioners: [Not specified] Production Organization: [Not specified]

Eating more onion can soften blood vessels, drinking a glass of vinegar daily prevents blood vessels from clogging or hardening, and black fungus is the unclogger of blood vessels that can dissolve clots. These claims about softening blood vessels are widely spread among the elderly, and many firmly believe in them, deliberately consuming more onions, black fungus, and even drinking vinegar, convinced that this will enable hardened blood vessels to regain their flexibility and divert them from cardiovascular and cerebral diseases. However, the truth is much harsher than we think: we have been deceived for too many years by the concept of 'softening blood vessels', and these foods considered 'saviors of blood vessels' do not actually achieve the effect of 'softening', and in fact, some practices may even harm health. Today, we will reveal the truth about 'softening blood vessels', so you can exit the confusion and learn to scientifically care for your vascular health.

Rumor 1: Eating onion and black mushrooms can soften blood vessels and dissolve blood clots.

Onion and black fungus are the most mentioned foods regarding 'softening blood vessels'. It is said that prostaglandin A in onion can dilate blood vessels and reduce blood fat levels, while the vegetable gelatin present in black fungus can absorb waste in blood vessels and dissolve clots. However, the reality is that these claims have been exaggerated, and in some cases, are not based on scientific principles.

The prostaglandin A in onion has a slight effect of dilating blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure, but its content is extremely low. The amount of onion we consume daily provides a minimal amount of prostaglandin A, which does not have a significant effect on 'softening blood vessels'. Additionally, prostaglandin A is very unstable and is largely lost when cooked at high temperatures. Although eating raw onion may retain more nutrients, it can also be irritating to the stomach, especially in people with a sensitive digestive system, potentially causing abdominal pain and reflux.

As for black fungus, it is rich in dietary fiber and mucilage, which can effectively absorb some harmful substances in the intestine and help clean the intestinal tract. However, they cannot enter the blood vessels, much less dissolve the atheromatous plaques and thrombi that have already formed in them. To dissolve thrombi, it is necessary to resort to professional medications; black fungus does not have that capability. Moreover, excessive and prolonged consumption could lead to abdominal bloating and diarrhea due to an excess of dietary fiber.

Rumor number two: Drinking vinegar can soften blood vessels and unblock obstructions in the vessels.

'Drinking vinegar to soften blood vessels' is a widely spread claim that turns out to be quite absurd. The legend says that the acidity of vinegar can dissolve calcium deposits in blood vessels, thus softening hardened vessels. However, the reality is that the vinegar we consume first enters the stomach, where it is quickly neutralized by gastric acid, hence it does not enter the blood and therefore cannot touch the plaques of hardening in the vessel walls.

Not only that, but excessive and prolonged consumption of vinegar can also cause damage to the body. Vinegar has considerable acidity that can irritate the gastric mucosa; prolonged consumption can induce gastritis or gastric ulcers, especially in people who already suffer from gastrointestinal diseases, as it may aggravate their condition. Additionally, excessive vinegar consumption could affect the acid-base balance in the body, which creates an added burden for the kidneys and consequently harms health. Those who claim that 'drinking vinegar softens blood vessels' largely confuse 'in vitro experiments' with 'in vivo effects'; in in vitro studies, vinegar may dissolve certain calcium deposits, but in the human body, vinegar cannot exert such an effect.

Rumor three: just eating more foods that 'soften blood vessels' can prevent arteriosclerosis.

Many people believe that simply eating onion and black mushrooms daily can prevent arteriosclerosis, even without needing to control other aspects of the diet. However, the main causes of arteriosclerosis are high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar diets, prolonged tobacco and alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, as well as underlying diseases like hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycemia.

Diet plays an important role in vascular health, but the key lies in having a 'balanced diet' and not relying solely on a few foods. Onions and black mushrooms are healthy ingredients in themselves; consuming them in moderation can provide dietary fiber and vitamins, which is beneficial for the body. However, they cannot prevent arteriosclerosis nor replace medical treatment. If one consumes onions and black mushrooms every day but continues with a high-fat and high-salt diet, as well as smoking and drinking, arteriosclerosis will continue to progress.

Since 'softening blood vessels' is a scam, how should we scientifically protect vascular health and prevent vascular hardening? In fact, there are no shortcuts; the key lies in 'controlling diet, increasing exercise, and managing underlying diseases', which is the most effective method.

First, control your mouth and maintain a balanced diet: reduce the intake of high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods, limit the consumption of offal, fatty meats, and fried foods, and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality proteins. Control the total daily caloric intake to avoid obesity. Secondly, move and maintain moderate exercise: engage in aerobic exercises 3 to 5 times a week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or practicing tai chi, for more than 30 minutes each time, which will help promote blood circulation, control weight, and delay arteriosclerosis.

Additionally, it is important to manage underlying diseases well: if one suffers from hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or hyperglycemia, it is essential to follow medical instructions and take medication on time, as well as conduct regular check-ups to avoid the worsening of the disease and damage to blood vessels. At the same time, it is recommended to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, ensure adequate sleep, maintain a calm attitude and avoid prolonged anxiety and sleeplessness; all these measures can effectively contribute to protecting vascular health.

We have been deceived by the rumors of 'softening blood vessels' for too many years, always thinking that there are simple dietary methods to protect blood vessels, while neglecting the importance of science. Vascular health has no 'shortcut'; the so-called 'eating onions, black fungi, drinking vinegar to soften blood vessels' is merely self-deception. Rather than blindly believing rumors, it is better to develop healthy living habits, undergo regular check-ups, and prevent scientifically, which is the most responsible way for one's vascular health.