23 Reasons People Should Incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar Into Their Daily Routine

Apple Cider Vinegar (frequently abbreviated to ACV) has been used for centuries because of its many healthy properties – some of which have been verified through studies, and some of which are not yet confirmed (even though people report that ACV does help with a variety of conditions).

So, this article looks at what apple cider vinegar is, what the claimed benefits are, and how you can integrate it into your life.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Simplistically, as the name suggests, it is vinegar that has been made from apple cider.

The process starts with apple juice, which is fermented using yeast, and that turns the sugars in the juice to alcohol, which in this case is what we know as cider. This is, of course, the same process used to make almost all alcoholic drinks.

The second stage of the process involves adding bacteria to the apple cider, which re-stimulates the fermentation, creating acetic acid, which is what vinegar is. It also creates probiotics and enzymes.

Nutritional Contents Of ACV

The first thing to note is that, because the double-fermentation has turned most of the sugars in the apple juice into alcohol and acetic acid, it is very low in calories. One tablespoonful contains just 3 – 5 calories.

Other than that, it contains small amounts of:

• Biotin
• Calcium
• Folic acid
• Iron
• Pectin
• Magnesium
• Niacin (vitamin B3)
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
• Phosphorous
• Potassium
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Sodium
• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• Vitamin C

And, of course, large quantities of acetic acid, as well as other varieties such as citric acid, lactic acid, and succinic acid.

Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar And Its Many Uses

1. Boosting Your Immune System. The probiotic aspect of ACV can help improve your immune system (the majority of which is actually located in your gut), thus assisting in the fight against infections and seasonal allergies, and even reducing symptoms of colds.
2. Cholesterol Management. ACV can help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol levels while simultaneously increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels. (Check out this article for more information on cholesterol.)
3. Deodorant. Yes, a dab of ACV under each armpit can help keep those stinky bacteria in check.
4. Dish Washing. A bit of ACV added to your detergent can help keep your dishes shiny and free of nasty bacteria.
5. Easing Diarrhoea Symptoms. The pectin content of ACV is believed to help with diarrhoea, by helping to firm up stools. Two tablespoons mixed with 8 fluid ounces of water is the recommended dosage, three times a day.
6. Food Flavouring. A small amount added to olive oil and seasonings can add a healthy zest to salads.
7. Fungus Treatment. Apple cider vinegar, when combined with a few other ingredients, makes a great spray to treat fungus issues such as athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and other similar infections.
8. Getting Rid Of Warts. Some people have found that taping (using a bandage) a cotton ball that has been soaked in ACV to a wart can help it drop right off. Note, though, that you may need to repeat this process for a few days – it won’t usually happen overnight.
9. Gut Health. ACV is good for your gut because of the probiotic content.
10. Household Cleaner. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it makes a great cleaner for around the house (e.g. countertops). To make it, just mix equal parts of ACV and water in a spray bottle.
11. Improves Skin Health. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce scarring and help treat acne. This is believed to be because vinegar is known to be antibacterial, and the types of acid present in ACV are known to inhibit the growth of those strains of bacteria that cause acne.
12. Lowered Blood Pressure. One animal study found that ACV helps to block one specific enzyme that is believed to be responsible for increasing blood pressure.
13. Preservative. If you’re into home pickling, try adding some naturally antibacterial ACV to your pickling liquid to help prevent food spoilage.
14. Preventing Bad Breath. Some people mix a tablespoon of ACV with water and use it as a mouthwash, once or twice a day, to help kill off the bacteria that can cause halitosis.
15. Reduce Symptoms Of Varicose Veins. There is some evidence that applying ACV, preferably with a bit of witch hazel, can help ease the symptoms of varicose veins.
16. Regulating Blood Sugar Levels. Studies have shown that not only can ACV decrease blood sugar levels, but it can also increase insulin sensitivity. To help manage your blood sugar levels, dilute one or two tablespoons of ACV in about 8 fluid ounces of water and drink it before meals, especially high-carb ones.
17. Relief From Acid Reflux. Sometimes known as heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), acid reflux is when stomach acid comes back up the oesophagus, and contrary to what we have been told, it is often caused by having too little acid in our stomachs. ACV, being an acid, can help restore the levels necessary to trigger closure of the upper stomach sphincter, thus preventing the reflux.
18. Removing Bugs From Pets. A spray made from equal parts of ACV and water can help kill bugs and fleas, when applied to your pet’s fur / skin once a day.
19. Shiny Hair. ACV can be used as a major ingredient in an all-natural hair rinse to keep your hair looking shiny. (I remember my mother using regular vinegar on my hair, when I was still young, for this very purpose.) It is also reported to help with dandruff, when massaged into the scalp.
20. Soothing Poison Ivy Rashes. Applying a teaspoon of ACV to the affected skin, several times a day, can help soothe the itchiness caused by poison ivy. It is believed that it’s the potassium content of ACV that is the active agent here.
21. Sore Throat Relief. If your throat is sore, some diluted ACV (do NOT use it neat as the acid content may burn) can help soothe a sore throat.
22. Sunburn Relief. If you’ve managed to get sunburned, then mix a cup of ACV, a quarter cup of coconut oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil to a tepid bath, and have a relaxing and soothing soak.
23. Weight Loss. Although the medical profession may say this benefit is not proven, there are studies that show consuming two tablespoons per day, over a period of approximately three months, can result in losing up to four pounds – with no other dietary changes. Other research suggests that consuming ACV can help you feel full sooner, thus reducing your caloric intake.

What Type Of Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Use?

There are several types of ACV:

1. Commercial, which is the least healthy because it is usually processed and filtered, which removes many of the constituents that make it good for you.
2. Organic, which is better than most commercial brands because you at least know it’s not been tainted with GMOs and artificial additives.
3. Raw, which has been neither heated nor processed. This means that the group of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and proteins, which are collectively known as the “mother” and are what provide the most benefits, are still intact, rather than being removed by the usual processing.
4. Unfiltered, which is, as the name suggests, not filtered at all, so the ACV will appear murky – but that’s because all of its nutrients and beneficial ingredients are still present.

Of all the brands out there, the best-known is probably Bragg’s, who offer organic, unfiltered (i.e. with the “mother” intact) ACV.

Caveats

In spite of ACV’s many benefits and uses, there are a few things you should be aware of:

1. It is acidic, so excessive use can lead to corrosion of the enamel on your teeth. Some people therefore use straws (preferably made of glass) to avoid this problem, not only when ingesting ACV but other acidic drinks too (e.g. lemon water).
2. It can burn if it’s not diluted.
3. It can cause hypoglycemia if overused, which is especially important if you are on diabetic drugs.
4. Even though ACV contains small amounts of potassium, taking too much of it on a continued basis can cause low levels of potassium, which can be a contributory factor in osteoporosis.
5. However good ACV is, it is not a miracle cure. What this means is, add it to your diet, but it’s still important to eat a healthy diet, get enough exercise and sleep, etc.

Conclusion

As you can see, apple cider vinegar is a natural product that is low in sugar and calories, and which has many different benefits and uses, both for your health and around the home.

But please, remember to use it diluted. (This warning may be unnecessary at first, because it is very strong – I guess it’s what they call an acquired taste.)

Additional Resources

These are suggestions for those who wish to delve deeper into any of the above:

1. Antifungal Spray Recipe
2. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Glass Straws
4. Hair Rinse Recipe