Apple cider vinegar has been around for centuries. It has been used for health benefits, cleaning, a preservative, and is multi-functional. Research and evidence are backing up the claims of using apple cider vinegar. However, you need to be cautious when using it, as it is a strong acid and can cause negative effects. It is not for everyone, but if you can tolerate using it, then you will reap the benefits.

1. Weight Loss

By mixing apple cider vinegar with half parts water and drinking it right before a meal, it can make you feel full faster, decreasing the amount of calories you are consuming. There are also apple cider vinegar supplements that can be taken instead of drinking the actual liquid. Some people can tolerate this form much better. It is also known to make the body lose more visceral fat. This fat is the fat that sits around your body’s organs and in your stomach. This fat has been linked to heart disease. 

2. Skin Issues

There is a suggestion that apple cider vinegar can help to clear up acne and pimples. It dries out the pimple and helps to prevent skin infections. It can also be used as a natural facial toner. In addition, people claim it helps with the aging process. If you get poison ivy or a mosquito bite, you can put an apple cider vinegar solution on the area, and it will calm the skin from being so irritated or itchy. Another use for the skin is if you have a sunburn, it can relieve the pain associated with sunburn. Something to keep in mind is you will want to mix a solution before applying it to your skin and try out a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin. The basic rule is two parts water and one part apple cider vinegar. Make sure to dab on the area with a cotton ball and for a sunburn spray on the area.

3. Sore Throat

Some people believe this is an old wive’s tale, but using apple cider vinegar can actually help to soothe a sore throat. Apple cider vinegar is full of natural properties that help to fight germs. You can simply gargle with the apple cider vinegar diluted with water, or you can mix honey, which also has soothing natural properties, the vinegar and water together and gargle with that. Some people swallow the mixture, and others gargle it. It is all in your preference as to what you choose to do.

4. Hair Treatment

If you are suffering from dandruff or a flakey scalp mixing apple cider vinegar with water can help to treat this. You can either massage the solution into your scalp or spray the solution onto your scalp. It helps with the irritation and itchiness. In addition, the acid can make it harder for fungus to grow on your scalp. Another way to treat hair is to use diluted apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse. You mix the vinegar with equal parts of water and pour it over your head. Let it sit, and then wash out. Doing this will add shine to your hair, remove any product build-up, and help your hair look healthy naturally.

5. Washing Fruits & Vegetables

Pesticides can remain on fruits and vegetables after bringing them home from the store. Washing them in just plain water may not remove all the chemicals, so many people have used apple cider vinegar to wash them. The vinegar kills any bacteria left on the food, making it safer for you to consume. After cleaning the fruits and vegetables in vinegar, you can rinse with cool water, and the taste of vinegar will not be present on your food.

6. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Using apple cider vinegar is a great natural substitute for chemical cleaners. It contains antibacterial properties that kill bacteria. The solution is similar to other uses for vinegar; just mix one part vinegar and one part water. You can add lemon, lavender, or any other scent you would like for a more pleasant smell.

If you are looking to try something new that will benefit your health, apple cider vinegar is worth a shot. It may not be for everyone, but even if you put some of these natural uses into place in your life, it may save you some effort and a few bucks.