If someone you know – say, a friend, coworker, family member, or even favorite blogger – recommended taking a daily shot of apple cider vinegar (or “ACV”), it’s okay to feel skeptical! When it comes to your health and new wellness practices, it’s perfectly normal (even smart!) to have a certain level of questioning.
That said, we’re here to tell you: you don’t need to second guess apple cider vinegar. It’s a much talked about superfood for a reason – it’s really, really that good for you, and it’s also generally very safe to incorporate into your wellness routine.
Still have doubts? We reached out to the experts to find out why they include apple cider vinegar as a part of their feel good routine. Here’s what they said were the top apple cider vinegar benefits you need to know:
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Boosts energy
As a busy entrepreneur, I’m always looking for ways to optimize my energy throughout the day. As a part of my morning routine, I incorporate a shot of apple cider vinegar to boost my energy and mental clarity. The vinegar directly impacts my blood sugar levels, helping me maintain stable energy while preventing fatigue. Apple cider vinegar also contains essential minerals, like potassium, which directly correlates with energy levels.
The next time you feel the day is dragging and you need an energy boost, make sure you have some apple cider vinegar handy. Its contents of potassium and enzymes allow it to act as a natural electrolyte solution. Also, the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar counteract lactic acid build-up in the body, relieving fatigue.
Dr. Lunide Louis, Founder and CEO, Best Morning Routine, Ever!
@bestmorningroutine -
Manages acid reflux
One of the more underrated apple cider vinegar benefits is the role it plays in controlling acid reflux.
Thorough and healthy digestion requires high acidic levels in order for our food to be completely digested, meaning when there is not a high enough level of acid, food cannot be broken down, therefore resulting in the acid reflux many of us experience at some point.
Apple cider vinegar benefits the body in increasing and/or balancing the acid levels within the stomach, helping return the body’s acidity to a healthy level.
Annie Williams, Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, OriGym Centre of Excellence
@origym_coe -
Gets rid of pesky dandruff
When applied to your hair, the acidity of apple cider vinegar can change the pH levels of your scalp, killing dandruff. Additionally, it can also help prevent dandruff from growing in the future, since it will create a less conducive environment for fungi to grow.
Fortunately, apple cider vinegar is slightly acidic but not acidic enough to cause major damage to your scalp. Just make sure to rinse and wash your hair properly if you try it, because you don’t want your hair smelling like vinegar for the rest of the day!
Erik Pham, Managing Editor, Healthcanal
- Balances glucose
Apple cider vinegar works through several proven and hypothesized mechanisms of action. As an acidic substance, it works in the body to bring balance to those who may be more alkaline than necessary. This property works to produce several benefits including gut health, weight loss, reducing cholesterol, and balancing blood glucose.
Lisa Richards, Nutritionist, The Candida Diet
@thecandidadiet
5. Promotes a healthier heart
Apple cider vinegar benefits your heart’s health by managing blood pressure levels and reducing bad cholesterol levels. Apple cider vinegar has control over renin, a hormone that is responsible for constricting the blood vessels. When the blood vessels are constricted, they cause high blood pressure. The apple cider vinegar keeps the blood vessels relaxed, preventing blood pressure from increasing.
Due to its antioxidant properties, drinking apple cider vinegar before a meal helps in increasing good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol – a win win!
Amber O'Brien
https://mangoclinic.com/
6. Counteracts adrenal fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is caused by high stress levels and often shows up as digestive problems, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, and/or a compromised immune system.
While many people turn to over-the-counter options to heal these ailments, it's not always the wisest choice as synthetic, chemical-based ingredients that our bodies don’t recognize can contribute to even more stress.
As an antioxidant, apple cider vinegar can help cleanse the body’s cells, bringing natural relief.
Dr. Carrie Lam, MD, FAAMFM, ABAARM
There are a lot of ways to access apple cider vinegar benefits, but none is quicker or easier than taking a shot of it every morning. Of course, many people find a straight shot of ACV to be a bit hard to stomach, so we’ve developed a perfect middle ground.
KOR’s Gut Check offers all the benefits of an apple cider vinegar shot, but with a few additional ingredients to boost flavor, such as organic apple juice and coconut water. We’ve also added 1 billion CFU probiotics to ensure you get the most gut-balancing bang for your buck.
Enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar with this nutrient-filled shot from KOR!