Apple Cider Vinegar: A Daily Dose of Wellness

Health advocates have touted the benefits of apple cider vinegar for decades—and for good reason. This seemingly magical elixir works in many ways to bring balance to the chaos that can so often rule the body.

The irony of one of earth's strongest weapons for wellness? Its bitter, intense taste. But if you can get past this intensity, you can start to reap the immense benefits apple cider vinegar provides. Here's a primer on how it's made and why it does a body so, so good.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made from apples that have been crushed and exposed to yeast, which then ferments into alcohol. During a second fermentation process that includes adding bacteria, acetic acid is created. That's what's responsible for apple cider vinegar's pungent odor and taste—but also its health benefits.

While you can scan any grocery store shelf and find plenty of options, it's best to consume organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that includes the mother, which means it has strands of powerhouse enzymes and proteins that offer additional health benefits.

Speaking of, let's dive in to just a sampling of the many benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Main health benefits of apple cider vinegar

This home remedy is the definition of a multi-tasker. It not only can help balance blood sugar and maintain or even reduce weight, but it can also whiten your teeth (really!). Here are some of its most shining properties.

Apple cider vinegar is an antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal antioxidant. So basically an anti-illness crusader, all wrapped in an affordable glass bottle. It can help rid the body of everything from candida overgrowth to yeast infections.

Apple cider vinegar helps improve oral health. Its acidity is responsible for killing the bacteria that can cause many types of dental issues, from tooth decay to gum infections. This balance extends throughout the body, helping to balance pH levels.

Apple cider vinegar stimulates digestion. Diluted in water, it can get digestion going before any meal, which ultimately helps food break down better.

Apple cider vinegar cleanses the system. It's a fantastic detoxifying agent that works with the liver to cleanse toxins and waste. It's also great for the gallbladder.

Apple cider vinegar supports immune health. This is because it contains malic acid, which has antiviral properties. And because it also cleanses the digestive system—which is directly tied to immunity—it helps boost the immune system, leading to a reduction in infections, allergies, and more.

Apple cider vinegar helps with heartburn. You read that right! It might be counterintuitive to think that something so acidic would only exacerbate indigestion or heartburn, but the opposite is true. Indigestion is actually a result of low stomach acid.

Apple cider vinegar helps balance blood sugar. This is huge, because it can essentially help people better manage type 2 diabetes, specifically through helping to improve insulin sensitivity.

Apple cider vinegar controls weight. This is the reason many people even consider drinking it in the first place—but studies have shown that it does work. It seems to be less about it acting as a magical potion, though, and more about the benefits described above. When blood sugar is under control, when immunity is strong, and when bad bacteria can't thrive, the body functions like it should.

How to incorporate apple cider vinegar

Erase any visions you may have about chugging a potent glass of apple cider vinegar and then feeling punished and nauseated. The good thing about it is that you can and should dilute it, and you can add things like lemon to cut the taste.

Here are some suggestions on how to take your daily dose.

Start your morning with an ACV shot. Add about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass, then dilute in about 4-6 ounces of water. You can play around with the mix to get to a spot that's comfortable for you, but dilution doesn't dilute the potency. It's also helpful to drink this amount before meals to kick off digestion.

Make salad dressings and marinades with it. Add it to recipes that call for any type of vinegar for a boost of both flavor and health.

Go for gummies. If you simply can't stand the taste, either make your own or buy some organic ACV gummies. While they're not nearly as potent, you'll still be getting some health benefits.

Bottom line? Get your daily dose of apple cider vinegar any way you can. Your body will thank you!