Apple cider vinegar has recently grown in popularity, but it's been used for centuries in cooking and natural medicine. Apple cider vinegar is simply a vinegar made from fermented apple juice, but research shows it has a plethora of health benefits and properties. It's recently been recognized in the human health world as being helpful in boosting skin health and aiding in weight loss, though it also helps to lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. Not to mention, it serves as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent! The benefits are truly endless. Dig deeper into the 6 major health benefits of apple cider vinegar, and you'll be grabbing for you bottle of ACV on the daily!

6 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

1. Helps kill off harmful bacteria

ACV is a powerful disinfectant and antibacterial agent. Fun fact: Hippocrates, the father of modern science, used vinegar to clean wounds more than 2,000 years ago. Since then, ACV has traditionally been used for cleaning and treating infections on the body.

ACV also serves as a food preservative, and keeps fruits and vegetables from spoiling. It might be the new natural way you to keep your food lasting longer and your fridge staying full!

2. Boosts skin health

ACV is commonly used as a remedy for dry skin and conditions like eczema. Naturally, our skin is very acidic and responds well to the use of ACV as a natural agent. ACV has been shown to help rebalance the natural pH in our bodies, including our skin, and can therefore improve the protective skin barrier, offering relief and prevention from skin infections and dryness. It is recommended to dilute ACV in a face wash or even toner spray, as it helps to kill bacteria.

Talk with your doctor before trying new remedies, especially on damaged skin. Avoid applying undiluted vinegar to the skin, as it can cause burns or irritation.

3. Relieves heart burn and acid reflux

Heart burn and acid reflux commonly occur out of an improper balance in the pH levels of the stomach, or a lack of probiotics and enzymes. Fortunately, ACV is packed with these nutrients, and can help to ease the painful symptoms caused by heartburn or acid reflux. Simply add 1 tablespoon of raw ACV to a cup of warm water before eating a meal (especially tomato- or citrus-based meals) and begin to find relief.

4. Lowers blood sugar levels

The most effective and healthiest way to regulate blood sugar levels is to avoid refined carbs and sugar, but it's been shown that ACV may also have a beneficial effect. A recent study shows that ACV significantly lowers blood sugar levels, even after eating a high-carb meal.

5. Aids in weight loss

ACV can increase feelings of fullness and therefore lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight. Simply adding or subtracting single foods or ingredients rarely has a noticeable effect on weight in the long run. With this being said, long-term weight loss is created by adopting helpful and supportive diet and lifestyle habits. Adding ACV to your daily routine is just one way to improve your holistic health and well-being! Apple cider vinegar may contribute to weight loss by promoting satiety, lowering blood sugar, and reducing insulin levels.

6. Serves as a natural tooth whitener

If you find your pearly whites not being as "pearly" or "white" as you'd like, try a natural remedy with ACV before spending time and money on teeth-whitening products and procedures. To begin using apple cider vinegar for your teeth, simply dip your finger or your toothbrush in the ACV and rub it across your teeth for about a minute. To follow, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Stay consistent with this trick and spot the changes, without having to ditch your morning cup of joe!