Apple Cider Vinegar might make your lips pucker and it may wrinkle your nose a bit. But whether it tastes good, or not, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is health in a bottle. So…bottoms up! Many people take it daily for its many health benefits. Furthermore, the stuff is very economical. With the high cost of over the counter supplements today, it is refreshing (pardon the pun…its not exactly refreshing anyway) to find a healthy alternative that supports many bodily systems and is also easy on the wallet. Apple cider vinegar might just be the right supplement for you.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
- Heartburn relief: Though there is not much in the way of evidence that supports Apple Cider Vinegar for heart burn relief, there are those who swear by it for treatment of their acid reflux. The recommended dose is 1 Tbsp of organic unfiltered natural apple cider vinegar, such as Bragg’s, mixed with a teaspoon of honey and about 4 ounces of water at bedtime. For best results continue this regime nightly for one week. When your heartburn flares, begin the regime again. If you can stomach it, more power to ya! (Couldn’t help myself!)
- Promotes clear and healthy skin: Treat acne blemishes with 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Dab the blemish with the mixture and watch it heal! Please remember that vinegar has acetic acid in it and can burn the skin. Dilute per the instructions above. I am particularly fond of this apple cider vinegar treatment because you don’t have to drink the stuff.
- Relieves sore muscles: There are various apple cider vinegar treatments that will relieve sore muscles. The exact mechanism is unknown but many users have touted the effectiveness of ACV in relieving their sore over-worked muscles. You can try soaking in a warm bath mixed with 3-4 cups of apple cider vinegar. Or, you may wrap your limb in vinegar soaked towels for 10 minutes every 3-4 hours until you feel relief. Others believe drinking a glass of water with 3-4 teaspoons mixed in will decrease the soreness.
- Lowers Cholesterol: Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. I have family members who take the pill form of an ACV supplement who swear by it. They attribute significant improvement in cholesterol specifically to apple cider vinegar.
- Weight Loss: Apple cider vinegar has strong proponents that believe it effectively promotes weight loss. There have been studies that show daily use of acetic acid results in significant weight loss, decreased abdominal fat and lower triglycerides. Just 1-2 teaspoons mixed with 1/2 cup of water taken before meals helps to decrease your appetite, minimize your cravings throughout the day. Pectin is a fiber compound found in ACV that expands in your stomach leading to feelings of fullness. The result is less caloric intake and weight loss!
- Dandruff Control: 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/4 cup of water in a spray bottle can be spritzed onto your hair and scalp 1-2 times per week. Just spray your scalp well, then wrap your hair in a towel for 15-60 minutes. Wash the mixture out of your hair with your shampoo routine. This remedy is thought to promote pH balance of the scalp and prevent fungal cell growth that causes dandruff.
Apple Cider Vinegar Warnings
Apple Cider Vinegar has high levels of acetic acid. Acetic acid can burn your skin and, more importantly, your esophagus. Therefore, it is important to always dilute vinegar with water and to never drink it straight up.
The acetic acid in ACV will also erode the enamel on your teeth. If you choose to use one of these oral remedies be sure to rinse your mouth out well after drinking the vinegar and brush your teeth immediately afterwards.
To Try It Or Not To Try It
The decision to try apple cider vinegar is up to you. As long as you dilute it, it can’t hurt. I have never tried it and I think it sounds truly horrible. However, I have had so many people tell me that they use it and is effective for them. Have you tried it? What type of Apple Cider Vinegar therapy did you try? Did it work for you? I would love to know!
This is very good information. My mother-in-law used apple cider vinigar for many things. I became very sick after eating something bad at a fast food restaurants, & she had me sip on apple cider viniger. It DID help. I use it for so many things now. Thank you for the great blog.
Marje
Hey guys! I am so glad you stopped by. I did not know it eases stomach upset. Of course it apparently relieves heartburn. I can’t imagine that is true but if you say so then I believe it! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me. Jana
Excellent info – was not aware of it being able to clear the skin or helping with weight loss. Have used it for stomach issues in the past and it worked wonders! Always have it around too. Have the organic version of it.
Something good to know, Jana. Thank you for sharing.
We love apple cider vinegar in my house! My husband makes some FANTASTIC pulled pork with it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Glad to know there are health benefits too:)
Yeah, great health benefits! Pulled pork sounds sooooo good right now!
Jana,
Herb & I have found another use for ACV. Due to his back surgery, and nerve damage, he had been struggling with terrible muscel cramps in his legs. Which would wake him at night, and he would have to try and walk them out.
I had read somewhere??? That if you rubbed ACV on your legs before going to bed it would help. And so we tried it, and it works for him. Since he has been using it he has only had one night, of very minor cramping. This was four months ago. Pretty good, must say. And he is able to sleep the night whole night.
Herb, talked to his Dr. about it, and was told, Hey if it works go for it. Sure beats taking heavy MEDS. The vinegar once dried has no ordor.
You can buy it at most Drug Stores in tablet form, and they work the same as drinking it. For those who can’t handle the smell or taste.
Hugs Karen
Thanks Karen for this great info. I have friends who use it on sore muscles after running or working out. It is good to know that it works for cramps, Karen. I wonder what the mechanism is??? Hugs back atcha!
I just bought Braggs Organic two days ago and it is already half gone! ACV is the best vinegar available because of it’s many healthy benefits. I crave vinegar so thx for the tip about burning the esophagus! For a super-energy pick-me-up, try about 1-2 oz mixed with a tsp of blackstrap molasses in a glass of water.
Thanks for this info. I will try some of these remedies even the one for weight loss and see what happens
Love this Jana! I’ve used it for cleansing and energy boosting in the past but it’s been a minute since I’ve “gotten my fix,” so I love the reminder!
I love the beauty of safely trying more natural remedies, and am so glad you’ve highlighted that here!