There are various ways you can take ACV—take a small dose of around 1 to 2 teaspoons a day, dilute a spoonful in a glass of water, add it to an organic juice (preferably made in your juicer) or even mix it into your salad. Be cautious with continuous use of undiluted ACV; it is highly acidic and can be harsh on your tooth enamel. Here are a few of the possible benefits of ACV use—we encourage you to do more research to find other potential health benefits:

  • ACV is rich in potassium which aids the transmission of nerve impulses and helps to build muscles.
  • It’s high in acetic acid which can slow your body’s digestion of starch—this is what may lower the rise in glucose after a meal. A study done in 2004 and cited in Diabetes Care (an American Diabetes Foundation publication), demonstrated that participants with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and even those without diabetes had better blood glucose readings when they took ACV before a meal. Those with type 2 saw a 25 percent improvement in their blood glucose levels.
  • Some research has also indicated ACV use may lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • ACV can balance your pH level due to its alkaline-forming properties. This has also been shown to regulate the presence of candida—which is a yeast-like fungus that aids digestion and nutrient absorption. When your body overproduces candida, it can cause many different health issues including fungal infections, digestive issues and chronic fatigue.
  • It may help relieve heartburn. It sounds counterintuitive, but some people get relief from taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water.
  • Try gargling ACV when you have a sore throat; the antibacterial properties of the vinegar may neutralize the infection. It can also help drain your sinuses when you’re stuffed up.

While there is research that shows a strong correlation between ACV use and various health benefits, these tips are not meant to be used in place of the recommendations of your healthcare professional and remember: what works for some, might not work for others.