Taking cider vinegar daily can significantly cut cholesterol levels – helping to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, new research shows.

Scientists found that drinking 30ml of the vinegar diluted in 200ml of water every day before food cut cholesterol by 13 per cent.

Cider vinegar has long been hailed for its health benefits, with claims it can clear acne, relieve the pain of arthritis and promote weight loss.

It is believed that its acetic acid has a protective effect.

Dr James Brown, of Aston University in Birmingham, who made the discovery while working with BBC2’s Trust Me I’m A Doctor, said: ‘Britain has among the highest cholesterol levels in the world.

`Anything that might help bring them down is worth considering.’

However, he advised against people swapping statins for a tot of cider vinegar because the reduction in cholesterol from the drugs was higher at 30 per cent.