If you haven’t heard yet, apple cider vinegar is one of those items you don’t want to skip over while you’re in the condiments aisle.
Thanks to a variety of healthful properties, this amber-colored liquid is a favorite recommended ingredient among nutritionists, dietitians, and doctors. You can use it both topically and orally, depending on your health needs and preferences.
One of the best benefits of apple cider vinegar (if it’s unpasteurized) is that it’s a probiotic, which is known to improve digestive health. Plus, it has incredible antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and is easy to use in a variety of dressings, cooking, and baking recipes.
Here’s a look at what apple cider vinegar is, the best benefits of apple cider vinegar, and ways to use it in your daily life.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar — or ACV as it’s often called — is basically apple juice with added benefits. While the base is apple juice, adding yeast makes the juice’s sugar turn into alcohol. This fermentation process creates a vinegar that benefits the body in numerous ways.
It’s important to note that the kind of ACV that will provide you with good gut health benefits is unpasteurized, non-filtered apple cider vinegar.
The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is used frequently in the natural living world for everything from cleaning to use as a natural probiotic. Studies in both the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Journal of Advanced Nursing have also shown it to be effective for losing weight and potentially stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Because of its popularity, ACV can be found in a variety of forms for both ingestion and topical use. Find it in organic shots, capsules, and in pure liquid form. This makes it easy to consume and use for household purposes on a daily basis depending on your preference.
Here we take a look at some of the ways you can benefit from this sour-yet-healthy liquid:
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Full of vitamins - Thanks to its apple juice base, you’ll find apple cider vinegar contains B-vitamins and plant-based antioxidants. B-vitamins increase energy, cell health, and assist the body in the digestion process. Antioxidants prevent cell damage and boost overall health.
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Plenty of uses - ACV serves as a versatile ingredient to treat certain health issues to daily use in beauty routines. Plus, it’s shelf-stable and can be kept in a pantry even after it’s been opened.
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Simple to use - If you buy a bottle of straight ACV, you can simply open it and start using it right away. If you plan to ingest it, you’ll want to mix it with another ingredient — like water to drink or olive oil for a dressing — as the acidic nature of ACV alone can be tough on tooth enamel.
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May aid weight loss - Some research shows taking apple cider vinegar may provide a “modest effect” on weight loss. That doesn’t mean a daily ACV supplement will magically melt the pounds away. A 2018 Journal of Functional Foods randomized clinical trial found ACV intake helped those who already exercised and reduced calories. The study found participants also saw a decrease in total cholesterol levels along with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. If you exercise and eat well, you may find that ACV can help you drop those last few stubborn pounds.
Apple Cider Vinegar Uses to Try
ACV is a super versatile liquid that can be used topically and internally on a daily basis. Because of its antibacterial properties, it’s also popular in natural cleaning methods, too. No matter what your preferred use is, after reading this section we bet you’ll find a few more!
Ways to Consume It
Shots - The easiest way to get your daily ACV is in a cold-pressed shot! If you’re looking for an everyday probiotic with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, try our GUT CHECK shot.
Drinks - You can make your own concoctions to try at home. If you want to see if it helps keep you feeling fuller, longer, try a few tablespoons mixed with water. Or, for a soothing drink when you’re battling a cold, mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with warm water and 2 tablespoons of honey or agave nectar.
Dressings - ACV is a popular base for many lighter dressings. You can pair it with olive oil, lemon juice, and a variety of seasonings for a tasty and healthy salad dressing.
Marinades - If you enjoy grilling out, consider skipping store bought marinades — which tend to be high in sodium — and make your own with ACV as a key ingredient.
Other Ways to Try It
Hair rinse - If you’ve got too much product build-up in your hair, ACV is the solution to break it down naturally thanks to its acetic acid. All you need is a cup of water and two tablespoons of ACV. Wash your hair first and then massage the ACV mix into your hair before rinsing after letting it sit for several minutes. Condition your hair as you normally would.
Cleaning solution - You’ve heard of using white vinegar for cleaning the household. But you can also use its sister solution, ACV, too! Try equal amounts of ACV and water in a spray bottle on your next cleaning round as it kills pathogens like bacteria.
Dandruff reducer - Tired of using an overpowering anti-dandruff shampoo daily? Try ACV instead! Mix together equal parts ACV and water and massage into your scalp before you shampoo. The anti-fungal properties in the mix will minimize the build-up of excess skin cells.
Helps dry skin - If you’re in a psoriasis flare or dealing with other dry skin issues, you may consider applying a mix of water and ACV to your inflamed skin. ACV’s antiseptic properties can help reduce scratching. However, if your skin is cracked, avoid using it and try aloe vera instead.
Facial toner - Mix equal parts distilled or filtered water with ACV. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser and then put some of your ACV toner onto a washable cotton pad and wipe down your face. Doing so can wipe away dead skin cells and help unclog pores.
Razor bumps minimizer - Tired of annoying razor bumps after shaving? ACV works as a natural exfoliant and can soothe irritated skin. Dab on some toner (see above!) on a washable cotton pad and let it soak into your skin for several minutes before rinsing.
How much ACV to take?
While more research is needed, the current studies indicate that apple cider vinegar is safe to take daily. The University of Washington advises that you take ACV in small doses — whether as a shot or mixed in a drink — and that 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time is best. Avoid drinking apple cider vinegar straight, though, as it contains a lot of acid, which can erode tooth enamel.
Apple Cider Vinegar Does the Body Good
Now that you know the best benefits — and uses — for apple cider vinegar, it’s time to start enjoying them in your daily life.
Perhaps best of all, it’s an easy way to improve your digestive health, skin glow, and beauty routine — naturally. Apple cider vinegar is one of those condiments you may have skipped by in the store before, but now that you know of all its varied uses, we bet you’ll pick up a bottle next time you go shopping!
What are some of your favorite uses for apple cider vinegar? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!
About Our Apple Cider Vinegar Shot
Ready to enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar? Try our ACV health shot, GUT CHECK today!
This shot is ideal for digestive health as it combines beneficial apple cider vinegar with aloe vera juice and 1 billion CFU probiotics, fresh California lemons, and refreshing apple juice and coconut water to keep your gut health in check. While you might taste a little tang from the ACV, you’ll notice it has a smooth finish thanks to the apple juice , coconut water, and aloe vera ingredients.
Ready for improved gut health? Order a box today and let us know what you think!