Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is probably one of my favourite everyday superfoods – not only does it add amazing flavour to food, but it also has incredible health benefits. I’ve commented on the benefits of this wonder liquid it in many of my previous posts and videos, but I’ve yet to highlight it’s other great uses.
Not only is ACV a fantastic digestive aid (perhaps it’s most well known attribute), but it has a slew of other helpful uses that will have you reaching for that bottle much more often.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or want to make sure you have the freshest breath on your next date, here are 8 interesting facts about Apple Cider Vinegar you may not have known about:
It helps balance blood sugar
Apple cider vinegar has an anti-glycemic effect and can block the digestion of some starch, helping to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel. Making sure your blood sugar is balanced is incredibly important for good (joyous!) health and is the foundation for many other health benefits, including my next point.
ACV may help promote weight loss
A Japanese study showed that those who used apple cider vinegar lost slightly more weight than those who didn’t. This may be because components of apple cider vinegar may turn on certain genes involved in breaking down fats.
It will help settle an upset tummy
Unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains probiotics that help cultivate a healthy balance of good bacteria to help fight whatever nastiness is taking place in your gut. By taking it regularly, it can also promote overall digestive health.
Use it as a non-toxic cleaning agent
Apple cider vinegar is a non-toxic, odor-absorbing, antibacterial alternative to harsh chemicals; just mix 1 part ACV to 1 part water and clean away!
Can be used as a safe herbicide
Apple cider vinegar can kill weeds in your garden while acting as an effective herbicide for plants that like an acidic environment.
Will boost energy
The enzymes and minerals in apple cider vinegar make it a great addition to homemade energy drinks, which are so much better for you than those neon-coloured, additive-filled store-bought ones.
Has detox benefits
Apple cider vinegar may help improve lymph circulation and contains enzymes that support digestion. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that transport important molecules to be cleansed by the lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, liver and tonsils). You can learn more about the lymphatic system here. Another great way to stimulate your lymphatic system is by dry skin brushing.
Will banish your bad breath
The antibacterial properties in apple cider vinegar can kill the bad bacteria that can cause bad breath. It’s also a much healthier option compared to most commercial mouthwash brands.
Those are my 8 interesting facts for ACV. Have you tried any of these?
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE USES FOR ACV?
COMMENT BELOW!
We do love using ACV daily for better digestion ( + more now with your blog today :) but find it provides acid reflux. Any insight into this? Or just everyone is different scenario? LOL
ReplyIf you find it gives you acid reflux then you could be taking it when your stomach is already acidic. It is actually uncommon for this happen but there is an exception to every rule :) I would avoid it if it doesn't work for you.
I use apple cider vinegar once weekly in my oral health care. Brushing teeth with a paste of baking soda, followed by swishing 1/2-1 tsp apple cider vinegar in your mouth literally removes any plaque build up on your teeth, leaving them silky smooth. Be prepared, though. When you mix the ACV with the soda, it's like a volcanic eruption and you may need to spit a bit out of your mouth and continue swishing. You don't want to swallow. Well worth it.
ReplyJoy, how much would be a good amount to take each day to get some of the amazing benefits you mention? Thanks!
Reply1 tsp up to 1 tbsp is good.
What great timing for your ACV post, as I have been beginning to incorporate it into my morning hot water and lemon. I would love to hear how you use ACV more specifically, e.g., amounts mixed into water, smoothies, etc. for most beneficial outcome. Thank you as always!
ReplyI think it is supposed to make your hair shiny and soft if you rince with it.
ReplyDo you take a tablespoon every morning?
ReplySometimes yes, but I use it more therapeutically... for example, if I have an upset tummy or I feel bloated I will take a tablespoon. But yes, you can definitely take a shot every a.m. to get your digestive juices flowing.
Thanks for this post! Do you have energy boosting recipes that include apple cider vinegar? My energy seems to be lacking lately... Thanks!
ReplyOne of my favourite salad dressing recipes is 1 part apple cider vinegar, 3 parts extra virgin olive oil and some local honey. Swish it around in a mason jar and voila -- An awesome salad dressing :)
It's an absolute miracle for insect bites! Takes the sting away and the swelling down within 10 minutes :)
ReplyGreat suggestion!
I love the taste of ACV drizzled on a spinach salad with almonds and cranberries, simply yummy.
ReplyHow much apple cider vinegar would one use in a day. I have IBS and I'm also trying to lose weight therefore I'm hoping that this can help me. Thanks Joy
ReplyWe usually recommend one capful diluted in a big glass of water. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Taking a tablespoon mixed with water or apple juice also helps your veins and arteries by helping break down plaque buildup. It helps to reduce cholesterol levels. .
ReplyHow do you take and how much ACV? Thanks!!!
ReplyA capful of ACV in a glass of water first thing in the morning is usually how we take it. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Love this! Thanks Joy! I actually find that a "shot" of ACV mixed with a bit of water is the only thing that stops my acid reflux/heartburn. I've tried over the counter medication that does nothing but the ACV gets rid of it completely in about 5 mins. :)
ReplyLovely post! I'm using apple cider vinegar for mixing my cleaning solutions and I could say it's quite efficient. The best thing for this post is I found some interesting and new ways to use ACV at home. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyYou're very welcome! Kate - Joyous Health Team
Hi joy, When using ACV to stabilize blood sugars is once a day enough or should you take it before every meal? My gestational diabetes (monitored through food consumption) during pregnancy left me pre diabetic. Looking for ways to get on the right track.
ReplyHi Shireen, I use it once a day, but I'm not looking to correct a specific medical condition. You could try upping it to once before every meal, but you'll still want to use it in conjunction with all the blood sugar management strategies recommended by your primary healthcare practitioner. Kate - Joyous Health Team
I have been having ACV each morning for about six months now and it has improved my tummy troubles immensely. I had my gall bladder removed many years ago and now I don't get that horrible discomfort in the middle of the night when I perhaps over indulge on dessert.
ReplyGlad to hear it helped! Kate - Joyous Health Team