Apple Cider Vinegar benefits: 7 surprising benefits of ACV for health and cleaning

Apple cider vinegar is essentially vinegar made from fermented apple juice, which is made by crushing apples and then pressing the juice out. While it is widely used in food, there are also some proven benefits – both for your health and your home.

Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and improve symptoms of diabetes.

Apple cider vinegar can also be used to cleanse your home with a number of antibacterial properties.

A solution of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar creates an all-purpose cleaner that can be used around your home.

For seven surprising benefits of apple cider vinegar read on below.

Read More: Baking Soda: 5 Unexpected Uses For Baking Soda In Your Home

1. Relieves heartburn

Heartburn or acid reflux can be uncomfortable and often trigger a burning sensation in the chest.

You can buy pills to help fight heartburn. However, if you want to try a natural method, some people swear by apple cider vinegar for symptom relief.

However, there are still no studies to prove the benefits of apple cider vinegar on acid reflux.

If you want to try it, you can drink apple cider vinegar.

Mix one to two tablespoons (15-30 ml) with water before or after meals.

2. Improves digestion

Likewise, drinking apple cider vinegar can help increase the levels of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in your stomach – which can aid digestion.

HCL helps break down proteins and absorb carbohydrates, fats and vitamins.

By increasing HCL, this can help balance stomach acid and prevent reflux.

3. Promotes bladder health

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be painful and intrusive, causing a burning sensation when you urinate and making you go to the bathroom more often.

A common remedy for urinary tract infections is apple cider vinegar, which contains potassium.

Potassium can stop the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections from growing, and the acetic acid in ACV can kill bad bacteria.

4. Brightens the skin

While there aren’t any scientific studies showing the benefits of ACV for the skin, many swear by it to lighten, tone, and treat eczema.

However, apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which is often used for exfoliating, for glowing and smooth skin.

You should always test a small area before applying ACV to your skin to make sure it is suitable.

To make a toner with ACV, mix one tablespoon of ACV in two cups of water.

Apply with a cotton ball, rub gently over the skin, and then rinse off.

5. Cleans your home

As mentioned above, apple cider vinegar is widely used around the home to cleanse.

A mixture of ACV and water can remove bacteria, move stains and leave fresh surfaces.

Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar for an all-purpose cleaner that can be used around your home.

6. Kills weeds

While many of us may not think about using apple cider vinegar in the garden, it can be a formidable weed killer.

The acidity of ACV can kill weeds at the root, prevent them from spreading, and make removal easier.

Look for ACV with higher levels of acetic acid available at gardening stores.

Often times, one use of ACV can be enough to kill weeds instantly.

7. Clogs the drains

Clogged drains can stink, cause all sorts of problems, and costly to relocate.

You can use ACV to clear blockages with baking soda and hot water.

Pour half a cup of baking soda down your drain first, followed by a cup of apple cider vinegar.

This will foam, let sit for a few minutes.

Then pour a kettle down the drain with hot water followed by cold water.