Apple cider vinegar has been used for years, however its recently risen in popularity as its health benefits have become more widely known. Apple cider vinegar is made with apples that are cut or crushed and are combined with yeast, which turns the sugar from the apples into alcohol. But don’t start making ACV cocktails just yet! After the yeast is added, bacteria are added to ferment the alcohol, turning it into acetic acid. This two-step fermentation process can take about a month.

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is its main active ingredient. This organic compound has a sour taste and strong scent, but makes up only about five to six per cent of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is low-calorie, with one tablespoon containing only about three calories and virtually no carbs. Although low in calories, apple cider vinegar is high in amino acids and antioxidants which promote good health. In addition, apple cider vinegar has disinfecting properties that are able to kill toxins and ‘bad’ bacteria in the body. Apple cider vinegar has several other benefits, and it can be used for skin care, weight loss, hair health, and more.

Apple cider vinegar is a great tool to help you lose weight. Despite apple cider vinegar being low in calories and carbs, it can actually make you feel fuller, thus reducing your desire to eat more calories. Studies have shown that people who consume apple cider vinegar with high-carb meals tend to eat fewer calories throughout the rest of their day. Apple cider vinegar also slows the rate at which food passes through your stomach, leading to increased feelings of fullness, as well as lower blood sugar and insulin levels. According to research, adding one to two tablespoons to your diet can help you reduce body fat percentage, decrease your blood triglycerides and help you lose belly fat.

Due to its disinfecting and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar may kill acne-causing bacteria. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce numbers of bacteria by 90%.  Propionibacterium acnes (also known as P. acnes) contributes to the development of acne. Unfortunately, there isn’t much research to definitively prove apple cider vinegar’s ability to fight P. acnes; however, there are studies which show that it contains acetic, citric, lactic, and succinic acid, which have all been shown to kill P. acnes.

If you’ve ever had acne, you know that even after it heals, there can still be skin scarring and discoloration left in its place. Apple cider vinegar, when applied to the skin, may reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration caused by acne. Applying organic acids like apple cider vinegar to the skin is referred to as chemical peeling, whereby the acids eliminate the damaged outer layers of the skin and promote regeneration. Succinic acid in apple cider vinegar has been shown to restrain inflammation from P. acnes and prevent scarring.

To apply apple cider vinegar to the skin, be sure to use small amounts diluted with water. Avoid using apple cider vinegar on sensitive skin and open wounds, and be sure to stop using it if you feel a burning sensation.

Apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your luscious locks! The vinegar is acidic, with a pH of about 3. When diluted with water, it can help balance the pH of the hair, leading to many good hair days. Exposing your hair to the acidity in apple cider vinegar hardens the outer layer of the hair and flattens the cuticle. This results in hair that’s shiny and less prone to tangles. Apple cider vinegar is also loaded with nutrients that are great for hair, including B vitamins, vitamin C, and potassium.

Apple cider vinegar can also act as a gentle exfoliant for the hair and scalp, removing any dead skin cells or build up from sweat or hair products. This will improve the appearance of your hair and reduce scalp itchiness from dead skin cells. Plus it allows for better styling!

Due to its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar can help those with scalp conditions such as dandruff. Apple cider vinegar is also anti-inflammatory, which can help soothe the inflammation that is characteristic of a dry, flaky scalp.

To make an apple cider hair rinse, mix 2-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of cool water, and one to two drops of lavender oil. Pour this mixture over your entire scalp, allowing it to run through your hair. Let it sit for one to two minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Viola! Beautiful, healthy hair at an affordable price.

If you’re tuned in to the world of skin care, then you may already be aware of the many ways and benefits of using apple cider vinegar on the face. The acetic acid and malic acid in apple cider vinegar can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and sunburns.

Washing your face on a daily basis can help remove oil, dirt, and other debris from the skin. The best way to clean your skin is with a natural, gentle face wash or cleanser. Instead of spending money on an expensive face wash, you can make your own all-natural apple cider facial cleanser at home which will work just as well to cleanse the skin of bacteria and debris. To make your own cleanser, mix ¼ cup of liquid castile soap with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This mixture allows you to wash and tone your face naturally without harsh chemicals.

Toners are used to cleanse and tighten the skin in an effort to protect it from bacteria and other impurities. Apple cider vinegar is an astringent, meaning it causes the skin cells to contract. This means it functions in a similar way to a toner when applied to the face. After cleansing the skin with a gentle face wash, apply a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water to the skin with a cotton pad. You may also use a spray bottle to evenly mist the skin. If you have sensitive skin, consider further diluting the mixture before use.

Although there have not been many scientific studies to test the validity of the theory, many people claim that apple cider vinegar can help with acid reflux. Acid reflux arises when acid from the stomach flows upward in the esophagus, causing a sour taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the chest. Many people claim that the acidity of the apple cider vinegar can improve digestion and alleviate acid reflux. This natural remedy may help balance your stomach pH by neutralizing your stomach acid. To try using apple cider vinegar for acid reflux, dilute with a small amount in water before drinking. To avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth, you can also try drinking it through a straw.

As with acid reflux, apple cider vinegar may alleviate heartburn. Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is a symptom of acid reflux. Symptoms characterized by heartburn include a burning sensation in the esophagus, just behind the heart. This feeling occurs when contents in the stomach flow back up into the esophagus. Lying down after a large meal can make symptoms worse. To reduce symptoms, try taking apple cider pills with your meals. Taking ACV in pill form allows you to reap the same benefits as its liquid counterpart while not having to experience the taste.

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which give it the ability to abolish bad bacteria in the gut. This may be one reason why apple cider vinegar can help alleviate heartburn, which can be caused by bacterial imbalances in the gut.

If you’re not a fan of the taste of apple cider vinegar, then taking a supplement can be an easy alternative to ensure you’re still getting the benefits.  Skip the mixing and measuring and simply take one capsule a day. We recommendZhou’s Cider Detox, formulated with a unique blend of organic cayenne, turmeric, and ginger for a total digestive cleanse that supports the body’s natural detoxifying process.

Making drinks with apple cider vinegar can be a fun and tasty (and low-calorie!) way to incorporate it into your diet. Trying mixing it with water and some lemon, cayenne, ginger, or cinnamon. Enjoyed hot or cold, drinking apple cider vinegar may become your favourite way to wake up or get ready for bed. Plus, it’s easy to find in large quantities in grocery stores for an affordable price! Look for the best apple cider vinegar on the market,Bragg’s organic, raw, and unfiltered.

Apple cider vinegar is great for gut health, however many people hate the taste!The Twisted Shot offers a daily shot of apple cider vinegar that actually tastes good. It’s made with organic ingredients including ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, and a bit of honey for sweetness.

This cozy warm drink is perfect for the morning or right before bed. If the taste is a bit too strong, sweeten it up with some stevia or raw honey.

Ingredients

•       1–2 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar
•       1 tablespoon lemon juice
•       1 teaspoon cinnamon
•       2 cups boiling water
•       To taste: 1 tablespoon raw, organic honey or unrefined maple syrup

Mix together and enjoy warm

If you’re a fan of limeade, this one may be your favorite! It’s perfect for enjoying in the summertime.

Ingredients

•       1 1/2 Tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar
•       1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
•       1 teaspoon stevia
•       2 cups of cold water

Mix together and serve cold.

The ground ginger not only adds spice, but is perfect for soothing an upset tummy.

Ingredients

•       1 Tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar
•       1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
•       1 teaspoon stevia
•       2 cups of cold water

Mix together and serve cold.

The healthy way to get your apple pie fix! This recipe is extra sweet with the apple juice and cinnamon, making it the perfect way to kick those mid-afternoon cravings.

Ingredients

•       1 Tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar
•       2 Tablespoons organic apple juice
•       3/4 teaspoon stevia
•       1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•       2 cups of cold water

Mix together and serve cold.

Cayenne boosts your metabolism, while honey adds a bit of natural sweetness. This warm drink is perfect on a cold winter evening and can even help soothe a sore throat.

Ingredients

•       1 Tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar
•       2 Tablespoons honey (ideally raw and local)
•       1 dash cayenne pepper
•       2 cups of warm/hot water

Mix together until honey is dissolved. Serve warm.

Next, let's discuss some frequently asked questions about Apple Cider Vinegar that we have received on our YouTube videos.

Apple cider vinegar can provide several health benefits, however too much of a good thing can also cause problems. If you consume too much apple cider vinegar, you may experience side effects such as tooth enamel erosion and skin burns.

To keep yourself safe and prevent side effects, be careful about the amount of apple cider vinegar you consume and try to dilute it with water wherever possible. Also be sure to use organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “mother”, likeBraggs.

That said, apple cider vinegar can bring a plethora of health benefits, many of which are backed by science, including weight loss, acne treatment, hair health, and overall well-being.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Weight Loss?

We discussed this above, but we will hit it again here. There have been numerous animal studies around acetic acid which is the main ingredient in apple cider vinegar.   These studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may promote weight loss in several ways:

1. A study of rats showed that acetic acid improved metabolism which helps you burn more fat and decrease fat production in the liver
2. Another study showed that acetic acid reduced belly fat storage in obese diabetic rats and protected them from weight gain.
3. Acetic acid also suppresses appetite in your brain which may help reduce food intake according to this study.
4. Finally it can help lower blood sugar and decrease insulin levels, which may help with weight loss.