10 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is one of the most popular alternative health remedies in use today. It has been used since ancient times as a remedy for many different ailments. Hippocrates is said to have used it as an antibiotic.

Most of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar are anecdotal and have not been scientifically confirmed. We make no claims about any of the health benefits listed below but offer them up as a starting point for further research on your part.

1. When diluted with water 50/50 it is often used as a toner for the face. Caution should be used when applying as cider vinegar is very dangerous to the eyes.

2. A bath of apple cider vinegar is said to reduce the effects of sunburn. The vinegar soaked on a cloth and applied to sunburn may also be used.

3. Many women have tried a douche of apple cider vinegar as a remedy for yeast infections. However, many others claim that vinegar causes or worsens yeast infections. Some say it depends on the brand used.

4. There are many claims that apple cider vinegar is a powerful weight loss aid. Many people use it in salad dressings or drink a tablespoon diluted in a glass of water once or twice per day.

5. It is said to treat dandruff by destroying the fungus Malassezia furfur and restoring the PH balance of the scalp. Some people recommend applying a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar, applying it to the scalp, and leaving it to dry. Others suggest applying a couple of tablespoons of straight vinegar to the scalp and leaving it on for an hour or two before rinsing.

6. It has long been promoted as a remedy for arthritis. The National Arthritis Foundation says apple cider vinegar has not been proven effective against arthritis but is harmless to try.

7. A reported treatment for warts is to soak the affected area for 20 minutes per day in a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water.

8. It is said to be a natural lowerer of bad cholesterol.

9. A teaspoon of cider vinegar in a glass of water per day is said to lower blood pressure.

10. Mother of vinegar, the layer of film that forms on top of the cider, is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

These ten benefits of apple cider vinegar are just a few of the reported uses for it. Have you used apple cider vinegar with positive or negative results? Post your experiences here and let us know.

1. ramona said on October 20, 2007:

I used apple cider vinegar for 3 months, 2 tsp with water once a day and drastically lowered my colesterol.

2. Ricardo P. Rosario said on October 22, 2007:

I am still on the stage of using apple cider I started 2 week ago and I will be updating you with it's benefits I am 5'6.5" and weigh 240 lb all my blood exams are to the worst results. October 1, 2007 I started to do swimming laps in the morning and going to the gym in the afternoon . I started to eat healthier food like vegetables and less stopped fast foods. I also started to drink apple cider twice a day.

3. mary said on October 24, 2007:

Ricardo, if you want a fast result to improve your condition, do not drink any juice but eat the whole fruits is good for you. Also go on vegetarian and vegan diet is the best. Try to avoid red meat if you can and drink apple cider vinegar 3 times a day or whenever you feel the food consumption bother you. I take apple cider vinegar 3 times a day and whenever when i eat a wrong meal. The best apple cider vinegar is Bragg organic you can find at the WholeFoods stores or Safeway. Make sure you rinse your teeth or brush if possible after taking vinegar. I heard it might affect your teeth but myself i don't have that problem. Take care

4. kp said on October 24, 2007:

I have been using apple cider vinegar for weeks now. Sometimes two times a day and usually in a smoothy along with flax oil, honey and unsulphered blackstrap molassas. I have noticed I feel hot like hot flashes all the time, any thoughts as to why???? Anyone else have this happen?

5. JUDY said on November 8, 2007:

I have started taking apple cider vinegar recently. Can the acid from the drink ruin your stomach?

6. Val said on November 23, 2007:

I have been taking Braggs ACV since 7/07 and my arthritis has gotten worse, blood pressure has gotten higher and very little change in my type 2 diabetis. Any suggestions?

7. DV said on December 5, 2007:

kp, I too have noticed the feeling of being hot. I did not associate it with the apple cider vinegar until I read your post. I have been using it for one week. I will get a cholestral test next week and see if there is a difference, might be too soon.

8. Samatha said on January 11, 2008:

Apple cider vinegar is not a cure all by itself. You Have to change your diet to more and more healtier foods and mainly fruits and vegetables which include Vit. A foods like squash. Beans are the best for cooked foods and Fish PLUS Brown Rice. Spices are the Best too. One of the best is sprouts and wheat grass juice! All the Best to you Val. Switch to Organic foods if you haven't done that already - the Worst food is whole wheat flour, white sugar and artificial sweeteners!! Avoid Splenda like the plaque!! Build up to one cooked meal aday and 2 raw meals and go from there. Theres Lots of advice on this Site about what else to eat.
One best thing is a fruit juice fast but Don't do too many days in a row!!

9. Lara said on January 18, 2008:

I had indigestion nearly every time I ate, and I was found myself taking Tums a couple times a day. Apple cider vinegar stopped all my indigestion early in the week I started taking it.

10. Mark said on February 11, 2008:

I have been taking ACV for almost a week now and my blood pressure has dropped from 185/105 to 145/85!! At times it is even as low as 135/80!! It has been YEARS since I had this type of bp. I have really made no other changes in my life...although, this has encouraged me to start eating a bit more healthy...and to exercise more!

I use Heinz...and I mix 2 tablespoons with one tablespoon of honey and gulp it fast!!! I do this three times a day...and once I get in the 130 range, I will probably cut it back to twice a day. It tastes terrible...but it has worked great for me and my bp!!!

11. Tony said on March 30, 2008:

From all the good advice on this site, I think we should try a daily dose of apple cider vinegar with a touch of tumeric and cinnamon added.
I will give it a try starting tomorrow.
Cheers

12. Linda Douthit said on April 1, 2008:

I love Lipton's peach flavored tea. In 1/2 gallon of it, I put 1/4 cup honey and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and drink it as my main drink every day. I have a microwave teapot, and I use it to help mix it up, melting the honey. I can't say for sure the reason, but blood pressure, cholesterol, and fluid retention have all improved. I know that the tea has sugar in it, but I do not use artificial sweeteners, and I like sweet tea, sweeter than just the honey makes it. I love the drink, and all the ingredients have possible health helps, so I drink it all the time.

13. Rie said on April 5, 2008:

Linda, Gonna try your recipe. I am retrying ACV - did it two years agofor a week w/ no results but I keep hearing good things and I need to get my BP down!!
Just thinking: Maybe you could switch out honey for Agave nectar in your tea. It's mild, pretty cheap and does better with the glycemic index

14. The Health Word said on April 12, 2008:

Hello,

Apple cider vinegar or ACV is an amazing potent detoxifier that has been shown to boost the immune response, sooth arthritis and joint pain, cure heartburn and help people with Fibromyalgia.

Combine ACV with proper diet and exercise for full benefits.

I often recommend ACV to patients, read more about my thoughts on ACV at http://www.thehealthword.com/topics/apple-cider-vinegar.

Yours in Health,

- Dr M

15. Don said on April 12, 2008:

Have you tried using REAL maple syrup instead of processed sugar to sweaten your tea?

16. Don said on April 12, 2008:

Have you tried using REAL maple syrup instead of processed sugar to sweaten your tea?

17. charlene said on April 28, 2008:

I have been using apple cider vinegar for at least a year now. I usually dilute it in water at the off set of a itchy throat. It stops the itch almost instantly. If taken just as you feel the cold coming, it stops it immediately. I believe in it and I have my whole family taking it. I drop a tea spoon or two in a large glass of water. I do not get colds at all.

18. Kim said on April 28, 2008:

19. Lori said on May 8, 2008:

I had the worst upset stomach flu thing for 3 gruelling days and when I drank 2 tbsp's of ACV, all the gas disolved in my stomach and the next day my diarrhea was gone! It was amazing.

20. Melanie said on May 16, 2008:

I have had high cholesterol for over 10 years. At one point, I was able to lower it by 50 points by eating oatmeal everyday, but that got old and it was still at 232. The last time (Oct05) I had it checked, it was 272. I have been drinking a tablespoon of Braggs ACV with 8oz of water every day on and off for a year. I had my cholesterol checked on Wednesday and it is 186!! LDL is 121! ACV worked for me!

21. Melanie said on May 16, 2008:

22. Sam said on June 5, 2008:

I want to drink the vinegar for the health benefits, but I can't stand the taste of it diluted in water. Is it just as good to take a straight shot of it?

23. Bernadette said on June 5, 2008:

I'm under alot of stress and my blood pressure is higher than normal, exactly how do you take the ACV to lower your pressure?

24. Brenda said on June 6, 2008:

Mix 8 oz of water with 2 tsps of ORGANIC apple cider vinegar. I mix 1 packet of Stevia balance to help with the taste. Two or three times a day should do the trick.

25. Ruth said on June 8, 2008:

Can ACV be used in bath water when soaking.

26. Ruth said on June 8, 2008:

Can ACV be used in bath water when soaking.

27. lisa said on June 11, 2008:

I have had heart troubles all my life and high blood pressure as well. ACV has helped me more then any medcine could I have not felt this good in years at first it caused me to have hot flashs but they went away .I felt a dif.in just one week of useing AVC and i feel great and full of life again.I give all the thanks to my lord jesus.

28. lisa said on June 11, 2008:

29. lisa said on June 11, 2008:

30. D said on June 17, 2008:

I just drank 1/4 of a cup of ACV. My throat BURNS and I was gasping for air. I'm hot all over right now, but I hope there are some positive effects. If not I must say that was something you do not want to experience. I didn't realize you were suppose to drink 2 spoon fulls only.

31. Gayle Gustafson said on June 24, 2008:

Two years ago, I had to take antibiotics for 10 days for an abcessed tooth. The antibiotics just ruined me. I have had what seems like a chronic yeast infection ever since, that just burned all the time. I have been to the doctor 6 times, and they prescribed all kinds of pills, ointments, etc., to no avail.

I started on the Bragg apple cider vinegar just a couple of days ago. I do not like it diluted in water, so I take two tsps of it ....and drink that straight down, followed by a glass of water.

I have also used it in the tub to help with the yeast infection. Put in enough water to soak in and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Also can douch with it. Only been a couple of days, and I already feel better.

32. Gayle Gustafson said on June 24, 2008:

I started on the Bragg apple cider vinegar just a couple of days ago. I do not like it diluted in water, so I take two tsps of it ....and drink that straight down, followed by a glass of water.

33. tr said on August 8, 2008:

I started taking ACV pills 108Mg ( vit store), worked up to 3 with breakfast and 3 with dinner. My blood pressure has dropped from about 140/88 to 130/75-80. No bad taste but would it still be better with actual liquid ACV?

34. Kathy said on August 30, 2008:

If anybody has some suggestions as to how to help with joint aches and pains, please email me and I would appreciate it so much.

35. Connie said on August 31, 2008:

I started taking a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with each meal 1 1/2 years ago. It has "cured" my acid reflux. I was on high powered medication for Barrett's esphogalitis (sp?) Had to sit up practically to sleep, trouble clearing my throat almost constantly. After app 3 months of the ACV - no more problems!!! Came off medication - been off since April 2007.

36. rajinder saini said on September 18, 2008:

if u are interested i can send u recipe of herbal treatment for blocked arteries. this treratment uses apple cider vinegar as primary ingrediant

37. rajinder saini said on September 18, 2008:

if u are interested i can send u recipe of herbal treatment for blocked arteries. this treratment uses apple cider vinegar as primary ingrediant

38. Paracelsus said on September 24, 2008:

I keep ACV in an eye dropper bottle. Every night, I put 10 full squirts in a small cup and then fill the cup with grape juice.

The grape juice does an excellent job of killing the nasty flavor of the ACV.

Good results, too. My BP is going down.

39. Sam said on September 28, 2008:

I am not sure if this is relevant, but since I started taking apple cider vinegar, I have such an increased libido like never before. I tried to track my libido to anything else that could've changed in my life style, and the only think I could think of was apple cider vinegar. Once again, I am not sure if this is related; I just had to document it for the records.

40. Eve said on October 8, 2008:

I had dandruff and itching for many years and used dandruff shampoo. When I stopped using the dandruff shampoo, the dandruff came back immediately. I was frustrated and sought another solution to this problem. I heard about apple cider vinegar and decided to use it. I placed it directly on my head and left it there for 1 hour and then washed it out. I did this for a few months. It didn't work. Then I found out what I did wrong. I was supposed to use organic apple cider vinegar with the mother in it and then wash it out with a sulfate free shampoo. I did this and IT WORKS! The dandruff is gone and no more itchy scalp. I put the vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it directly on hair and massage in scalp and keep it in for 1 hour and then I shampoo hair with a sulfate free shampoo. I have no more problems with my hair.

41. Eve said on October 8, 2008:

42. Scooby Dubious said on November 19, 2008:

I drank ACV for a week and now I no longer need a wheelchair! I haven't walked for 12 years, but now I'm sprinting around the house like a 6 year old!

It also cured my baldness, helped me lose 50 pounds, and gave me the biggest hardest erection for six hours!

I also won the lottery and had a personal visit from Jesus himself!

This stuff ROCKS!

43. Melissa said on November 23, 2008:

For upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting...2 tbs of organic acv to 8 oz water does the trick for me. Stops vomiting and settles stomach.

44. TAMMY J said on December 2, 2008:

ACV IS NOT A FIX ALL BUT IS GREAT AT CHANGING THE PH IN AND OUTSIDE THE BODY WHEN USED AS TREATMENTS FOR SKIN AND HAIR. I TRUST IN ACV FOR FACIAL TREATMENTS AND THE SCALP BUT ALSO AS A HAIR PH STABILIZER THAT RESTORES SOFTNESS BUT IN THE CAUSE OF USE IN THE BODY IT CAN AND DOES CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH DISTURBING THE NATURAL PH LEVELS NEEDED IN THE BODY. NOT TO SAY IT DOES NOT HELP CERTAIN ASPECTS OF ILLNESS/CONITIONS BUT YOU WILL MOST LIKELY NOTICE SOME SORT OF MILD OR BOTHERSOME SIDE EFFECT WHEN TAKEN ON A REGIMEN BASIS. (I DON "NOT" SUGGEST SOMEONE TAKE UP AN ENTERNAL ACV REGIMEN)! AVC WILL HELP YOU AND I RECOMMEND IT AS A ONCE IN A WHILE TREATMENT MEANING OCCASSIONAL IN FOODS, AS IT IS REALLY GOOD FOR YOU IN MODERATION BUT ONLY ON OCCASSION NOT 2-3 TIMES A DAY AS MOST PEOPLE RECOMMEND...DOING THIS MAKES MOST IF NOT ALL PEOPLE SICK WITH STOMACH PAIN OR OTHERS SICK WITH ALL SORTS OF OTHER SMALL/MINOR SIDE EFFECTS! PLEASE BE EDUCATED AND KNOW ACV IS GREAT IN MODERATION AND IN THE BODY AND IS ALWAYS GREAT FOR PH LEVELS AND HEALTH OF THE "OUTSIDE" OF THE BODY (SKIN & HAIR)...PLEASE BE ADVISED.

45. Jennifer said on December 9, 2008:

I have been taking ACV for ONE week and my sex drive has increased. I didn't know what was going on at first, but then I realized the only thing different in my diet is the ACV. I am also having slight anxiety at night, but when I sleep, its a deep sleep. The ACV is definitely doing something and I suspect things will level out if I keep taking it. I am so excited about experiencing the changes. I will commit to 2tbs of ACV in 8 oz glass of water twice a day.

46. Rethna said on December 9, 2008:

To: Rajinder Saini

U said:

"if u are interested i can send u recipe of herbal treatment for blocked arteries. this treratment uses apple cider vinegar as primary ingrediant"

I am interested, pl. send me the information to the above email address, thank u!

47. Rethna said on December 9, 2008:

To: Rajinder Saini

my email address is:-

hitamanismy@gmail.com

Thank u!

48. Heinrich said on December 15, 2008:

I started taking ACV a bit more than 2 weeks ago with BSM. At first I noticed the hot flashes but it went away already,bp down and as for the libido,who needs Viagra while there is ACV? Man,it works!

49. bee said on December 27, 2008:

tammy j:
i have been taking ACV as part of my morning regimen for years, and recently (within the last three months) increased my intake to 2tbs, once each day. i have never experienced any of the "stomach pain" or "small/minor side effects" you claim "most if not all people" will get. the side effects i am enjoying are low blood pressure and low cholesterol, vibrant skin, eradication of sickness, gastrointestinal regularity, reduction of arthritis pain in my knees (despite having no meniscus in the left, with a bone spur growing up the lateral side), abundant energy all day long and consistent weight maintenance. i believe these benefits are also related to everything i do for my health, especially daily outdoor exercise and a positive outlook in life. i am almost 40 years old and a registered nurse at the local hospital--none of my co-workers can believe i'm nearly 40, nor can they figure out how it is i never get sick. i completely trust ACV and the variety of benefits it affords, and i would encourage everyone to work it slowly into their daily health practice. wishing good health to all! bee

50. belena said on December 29, 2008:

A nice healthy hot drink can be made with cinnamon, honey and cider vinegar, added to freshly boiled water. I have this as my first drink of the day, every day.

51. heinrich said on January 8, 2009:

I've been training on an exercise bike daily for the past 12 months and I started taking ACV and BSM two months ago.I just had 4 weeks holiday during which I haven't exercised at all.This afternoon I got on the exercise bike again for the first time and during the session I noticed my pulse rate is down by 25-30 beats per minute since November.I firmly believe it is as a result of the ACV.

52. Natural Apple Cider Vinegar Mother said on January 19, 2009:

Learn more about natural apple cider vinegar and how it can help you and your family

53. Rhonda Deville said on April 18, 2009:

Can anyone tell me if the acv pills work just as good as liquid i can't hardley swallow the liquid

Also i would like from Rijander saini the herble treetment for the blocked arteries. Thank you
My e-mail address is rhonda3284@yahoo.com

54. DALLAS said on April 29, 2009:

I've been drinking it for a year now. When I started last April, I was 185 lbs. as of today, 4/29/09 I'm 150 lbs. I put 2 capfuls in my tea & drink once a day eiter before or after a meal.

No complaints here!

55. DALLAS said on April 29, 2009:

I've been drinking it for a year now. When I started last April, I was 185 lbs. as of today, 4/29/09 I'm 150 lbs. I put 2 capfuls in my tea & drink once a day eiter before or after a meal.

No complaints here!

56. Bryan said on May 6, 2009:

Use 1 tablespoonful with meals if you suffer from acid indigestion and it will prevent it. Make sure you buy the unrefined raw vinegar with the mother and you will thank me forever.

57. PJ said on May 14, 2009:

Scooby Dubious,
Even I have to admit that it was getting deep there for a while and I did enjoy the humor break!, but even you have to admit that you are on this site reading these articles too for some medical reason that you also may have. Take care and thank you because humor is the BEST medicine!

58. Debbie said on June 30, 2009:

I've been taking 1-2 tbsp of ACV in about 6 oz cold water for 1 week. I've watched my BP go from 142/87 last Monday, June 21, to 110/70 this morning, June 30. It has decreased a little more everyday! I also have high cholesterol and triglycerides. Can't wait to see if this is being helped too!(For those people taking ACV straight, that is very dangerous. It is too acidic and most directions will tell you it can burn you if not diluted! Be careful!

59. marisol said on July 1, 2009:

I have suffered from Acid Reflux for 5 years straight.. nothing works.. and I'm contantly taking anti-acids sometimes doubling the dose.. I had a VBG surgery done and as a result always have that burning acid boiling in me.. started ACV 2 days ago.. today.. I have yet to experience the pain and burning sensation that i usually get after eating.. i'm still pretty amazed..

60. Txhupvdb said on July 14, 2009:

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61. Txhupvdb said on July 14, 2009:

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62. Eat Smart Age Smart said on July 29, 2009:

Apple Cider Vinegar assists our body in performing natural bowel movements since it contains significant amounts of pectin, which is a water soluble fiber that helps to improve digestion by normalizing the acid levels in the stomach.

63. Dean said on August 13, 2009:

I am intrested in the vinegar formula for clogged arteries,

Thanks

64. Laci said on September 15, 2009:

The other day I thought I had a yeast infection, but there was no itching. I just had the discharge and painful sex. But I have a history of yeast infections due to antibiotics. I decided to take a bath with two cups of vinegar in it. It made me feel better but the symptoms are back. I'm kind of scared to drink it. I just put three tbl spns in a 16 oz bottle of water. Should I drink it? Is it dangerous? Will it mess up my ph levels? How bad does it make your tummy hurt?Will it give me an ulcer? I'm scared. =[

65. Paula said on September 26, 2009:

When I get a burn I immediately reach for the apple cider vinegar and soak my burn in it for about 5 minutes. No pain and no blister. It is my miracle burn cure.

66. Donna said on October 20, 2009:

i have been having a bad case of acid reflux,it feels like i have something sticking to my throat or like something wont go all the way down, so i was told to take a teaspoon of vinegar. and i did that, it has took that feeling away as if something was lodged in my throat. but i have to do this 2 times aday it really helps.

67. Mike said on October 23, 2009:

I used to get 5-6 colds every year until 1998, when I was 35 years old. In 1998 I began mixing 1 tablespoon of ACV with 8-10 ounces of water and drinking it occasionally 1-3 times throughout the week. I have not had a cold in over 11 years!

68. joe degwara said on October 25, 2009:

please i need to clean my arteries
what dosage and how often do i drink the acv????
many thanks
joe

69. Zennifer said on November 18, 2009:

Someone said something about getting really hot when taking Braggs ACV me too, I think because it's cutting fat and uping the metabolisim that may have something to do with it. I drink a shoot before i work out, and I am still losing weight from it. My daughter is 16 months old and I've come down for 150 to around 130,since having her.It really works.

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