Apple cider vinegar may be a liquid produced during the fermentation of apple cider. During this process, the sugar in apples is fermented by yeast and/or bacteria added to the cider, which then turns it into alcohol and, finally, into vinegar.

While the uses for white vinegar are plentiful, apple vinegar has arguably even more applications—some people have turned to apple vinegar to assist with health concerns including diabetes, cancer, heart problems, and high cholesterol.

For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy as a disinfectant and natural preservative to treat many health ailments.

Apple Cider Vinegar’s Health Benefits

Proponents claim that apple vinegar may boost your health in a kind of way. Science backs up a number of these claims.

Weight Loss

Proponents claim that having the apple vinegar before or with a meal may have a satiating effect. People tend to consume greater than normal amounts of apple vinegar when using it for weight loss purposes, with some even taking it in tablet form.

Sore Throat

A time-honored throat elixir, apple vinegar drinks, and gargles are said to alleviate the pain of a raw throat (pharyngitis). Although there are many various recipes and protocols, a basic drink recipe involves a teaspoon of apple vinegar, a teaspoon of honey, and any low pinch of cayenne pepper stirred during a cup of warm water.

Although proponents claim that apple vinegar has germ-fighting properties and capsaicin in hot peppers alleviates pain, there hasn’t been any research on apple cider vinegar’s ability to fight sore throats. Moreover, there's evidence that treating inflammatory disease with vinegar can cause more harm than good.

Acne and Other Chronic Skin Disorders

Apple vinegar may help to dry out pimples when an answer is dabbed onto pimples. It should be diluted before applying it to the face because it can cause skin injury or chemical burns if it’s not dilute enough.

The concentration of carboxylic acid in apple vinegar varies widely and isn't standardized, making it difficult to evaluate what quantity to dilute it to be safe as a skin toner or for other purposes.

Although the evidence supporting the utilization of apple vinegar in treating acne is lacking, research has suggested that it's going to help diminish the looks of varicose veins when applied topically.

Sunburn and Other Skin Injuries

While the more common recommendation for a light sunburn maybe a cool water compress, cool bath, aloe gel, or moisturizer, some people swear by apple vinegar. It is often added to a cool bath or mixed with cool water and lightly spritzed on affected areas (avoiding the face) to alleviate pain and discomfort.

There is little evidence that apple vinegar can help heal or relieve sunburn pain better than no treatment. It does, however, have excellent antibacterial properties which will help prevent skin infections caused by sunburn and other skin injuries.

Blood Sugar

The ethanoic acid in vinegar appears to dam enzymes that assist you digest starch, leading to a smaller blood glucose response after starchy meals like pasta or bread. To include apple vinegar in your meals, try adding a splash to salads, marinades, vinaigrettes, and sauces. If you've got diabetes or prediabetes, make sure to consult your doctor if you’re considering using amounts larger those normally found in cooking. Vinegar can interact with diabetes medication, and it should not be used by people with certain health conditions, like gastroparesis.

Deodorant

To help keep smelly feet in check, proponents claim apple vinegar may help to balance the skin’s pH and fight the bacteria that causes foot odor. Typically, a small amount of apple vinegar is mixed into water. Baby wipes, cotton balls or pads, small towels, or cotton rags are often dipped into the solution, wrung out, and wont to wipe the lowest of the feet. Wipes are often made ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Although a vinegar scent is going to be noticeable, it often dissipates when the vinegar solution has dried. Avoid wearing shoes made up of materials like leather which will be damaged by the acidity.

An apple vinegar solution also can help to neutralize odor-causing armpit bacteria. Typically, cotton pads, towelettes, or cotton rags are lightly spritzed with a really weak solution and swiped onto the armpits. The vinegar smell should dissipate because it dries.

Read on for more reasons to stay apple vinegar handy in your pantry:

* Apple cider vinegar may help cure hiccups.

* Apple vinegar may help tummy troubles.

* Apple vinegar could lower cholesterol.

* Apple vinegar may help soothe pharyngitis.

* Apple vinegar may help prevent indigestion.

* Apple vinegar may help control blood glucose.

* Apple vinegar may aid in weight loss.

* Apple vinegar may help clear acne.

* Apple vinegar may help get obviate dandruff.

* Apple vinegar might boost energy.

* Apple vinegar may prevent nighttime leg cramps.

* Apple vinegar may banish bad breath.

* Apple vinegar may whiten teeth.

* Apple vinegar may fade bruises.

Possible Side Effects

Apple vinegar may be a popular household ingredient, which can lead you to believe that it's completely safe. While there could also be no cause for alarm if you're generally healthy, there are some potential effects to remember, particularly if the concentration is just too strong or is in touch together with your body for too long.

Apple vinegar, as an example, may cause chemical burns. There are case reports of chemical burns after apple vinegar was used for warts and a skin condition referred to as molluscum.

Although apple vinegar is widely touted as a home remedy to whiten teeth or freshen breath, exposing your teeth to the acidity may erode enamel and cause cavities.

Dosage and Preparation

Apple vinegar is out there as a liquid and in supplement capsules. There’s no standard dose for ACV supplements, so follow the package directions and ask your healthcare provider.

When using vinegar, most suggested uses involve diluting apple vinegar before applying it to the body. However, the security of various vinegar-to-water ratios isn't known. A 1:10 ratio has been suggested when applying it on to the skin, however, it should be weaker (or avoided entirely) on weak or delicate skin.       

Although a teaspoon to a tablespoon mixed into 8 ounces of water is usually suggested as an inexpensive amount for internal use, the security of varied doses isn’t known.