People have used apple cider vinegar medicinally and therapeutically for centuries, and currently its all the rage.

Beware the hypenot every claim about this product is true.

It’s good for your gut.

Darcy Tesone, M.S.

The fermentation process that yields apple cider vinegar encourages the growth and proliferation of good-for-your-gut microbes.

Beyond being full of probiotics, apple cider vinegar’s many other properties are beneficial for gut health.

It may help control blood sugar.

Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN

Apple cider vinegar may help combat thatspike-then-crash blood sugar roller coasteryou can feel after a carb-heavy meal.

It can aid in weight loss.

One of apple cider vinegar’s best-known benefits is its role in weight loss.

Researchers believe it works by suppressing appetite.

Acetic acid has been shown todelay gastric emptying3, meaning you feel fuller for longer.

This is probably why apple cider vinegar consumption has also been weakly associated withlower total energy4consumption throughout the day.

It’s a simple DIY cleaner.

Just mix 12 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and get cleaning.

Use this solution to clean microwaves, kitchen surfaces, windows, glasses, and mirrors.

It can also be used in dishwashers as a substitute for dish detergent.

Apple cider vinegar will even clean your toilets and leave your bathroom smelling like apples.

Just pour it into the toilet and allow it to sit overnight.

However, it should not be used in place of more protective against serious viruses.

it’s possible for you to use it to wash produce.

Even if your produce is organic, there can still be pesticides on it.

Research has shown thatACV reduces the number ofSalmonellabacteria6on fresh salad vegetables.

It can make your hair shine.

Your scalp and hair’s natural pH is around 5.5, making it acidic.

Normal shampoo is alkaline, which can throw off your hair’s pH, causingbrittle, dry strands7.

Water, too, can alter the hair’s pH, since water’s pH is neutral.

Pour the solution through your hair after shampooing as anACV rinse.

Or find ahair care product with apple cider vinegar.

It can act as a skin toner.

The acidity andanti-inflammatory nature of ACVmake it a great addition to your skin care routine.

The acidity helps slough away dead skin cells while soothing irritation.

It is important to note that due to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar alonemay cause skin irritation.

Always dilute apple cider vinegar before using topically.

It can remove stains from teeth.

Try mixing two parts apple cider vinegar and one part baking soda fora natural tooth-whitening paste.

Rub teeth directly with the apple cider vinegar paste, and rinse with water.

you’re free to also gargle with ACV for a similar effect.

Added bonus: Gargling apple cider vinegar will relieve bad breath.

Itsantibacterial properties5can kill stinky breath bacteria.

So we advise caution with this method and don’t recommend doing it long term.

It can repel fleas from your pets.

Try spraying one part vinegar and one part water on your pet’s fur and rubbing it in generously.

Apple cider vinegar is made from apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider.

It’s then fermented a second time to become apple cider vinegar.

double-check you shake it well to disperse the mother before you use it.

How to add apple cider vinegar to your diet.

Here, a few of the favoritesread more here.

Salad dressing

Elevate your salad by substituting your usual balsamic for apple cider vinegar.

Just mix it with healthy oils, herbs, and spices.

This is a great way to sneak in some extra health benefits.

you’re free to also buy premade dressings that use ACV as one of the main ingredients.

Probiotic tonic

Try creating your own tonic by mixing apple cider vinegar with fruit and something sweet.

Let it sit for a few days in the fridge.

Pop in a few fresh berries for added color and flavor for afun probiotic drink!

Mix it with herbs and spices to create your own marinade recipe.

Cocktails or drinks

Having a party?

Tryadding ACVto your spiked cider or Bloody Mary mix recipes.

Still not sure about the taste?

you might also get apple cider vinegar in capsule or pill form and take it that way.

Warning: The capsules will still smell like apple cider vinegar.

Is apple cider vinegar safe?

It’s time to have the talk.

The apple cider vinegar safety talk.

In general, consuming it in small amounts is considered safe.

Also, if you have diabetes, talk to your doctor because it can lower blood glucose levels.

(It also tastes pretty terrible that way, TBH.)