Vinegar is formed through a process called fermentation, which involves the breakdown of sugars by naturally occurring microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria.  Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a special type of vinegar produced by fermenting apple cider, an unfiltered and unprocessed juice made by crushing raw apples.

While vinegar has been used for centuries as natural medicine, preservative, and condiment, ACV gained popularity in the 1950s and has since been widely researched for its numerous health benefits.

Here are nine good reasons why you should consider keeping a bottle of high-quality apple cider vinegar at home.

Before you try any of these remedies, note that ACV is highly acidic owing to its high acetic acid content.

Therefore, it should be diluted by adding water before ingestion or any other use.

9 Top Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and How to Use it

Helps fight bad breath

ACV is highly effective as a natural breath freshener due to its acidic properties.

Gargling or swishing with a glass of warm water to which half a spoon of ACV has been added will help you get instant relief from bad breath and also kill germs in your mouth in the process.

Reduces dandruff

ACV is widely used as a natural remedy for dandruff and for improving hair health.

Rinsing hair with diluted ACV can help remove chemical buildup from hair products.

For dandruff, make a solution with equal amounts of ACV and water.

Use a spray bottle to apply this preparation all over your scalp.

Leave it in for at least one hour and wash off with a mild shampoo.

Do this at least twice a week.

Aids weight loss

Apple cider vinegar is a part of many weight-loss diet programs.

This is because it helps in weight loss by inducing a feeling of satiety, which makes one eat less food with every meal. 

Taking ACV along with a high-carb meal can help you feel full for several hours afterward, thus reducing your overall food intake for the day.

Studies have shown that consuming ACV regularly can help cut belly fat and may also help regulate blood glucose and insulin levels.

A great way to integrate ACV in your weight-loss diet is to use it in salad dressings and vegetable juices.

Or simply have it as a beverage made of one part ACV and three-to-four parts water.

If needed, add honey for taste.

Improves digestive health

Because of its acidic properties, ACV helps relieve digestion-related problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and acid reflux.

Sip a glass of warm water and apple cider vinegar to restore your stomach’s natural acidic balance, regulate your body’s pH balance, and improve your gastrointestinal health.

Heals a sore throat

ACV’s antimicrobial properties make it an excellent remedy for infections caused by microorganisms.

To relieve a sore throat, mix equal amounts of ACV and warm water and gargle for a couple of minutes.

Repeat this every couple of hours until you feel relief.

Taking ACV at the onset of a throat infection can help arrest the problem.

Helps fight parasite colonization

ACV boosts your overall wellbeing and protects against gastrointestinal infections.

It restores and repairs your gut’s ecosystem, helps ward off parasite infections, and strengthens your immunity.

Check out this article from Microbe Formulas to learn more about how you can diagnose and even prevent parasite infections using natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar.

Relieves tiredness and physical stress

Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes that energize the body and is effective as an energy shot at the end of a tiring day.

Add some ACV to a glass of warm water or vegetable smoothie to regain your lost energy after a hectic day at work.

Treats acne

ACV is a natural detoxifier that cleanses and heals the body by flushing out toxins.

The antibacterial qualities and high acidic content of raw apple cider vinegar make it an excellent acne’s natural treatment.

Apply diluted ACV directly onto acne using a cotton ball, wait 10 to 20 seconds and wash off, as prolonged exposure to ACV can burn the skin.

A chemical-free home cleaner

Did you know that you can replace many of your home cleaning products with ACV?

Apple cider vinegar is an effective all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean nearly everything in your home.

Make a cleaning spray by adding equal amounts of ACV and water and use it to clean surfaces, appliances, windows, tiles, and kitchen counters.

Don’t worry, that strong smell of vinegar will disappear after a while.