Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is probably one of my favourite everyday superfoods (see my reel on Instagram!) – not only does it add amazing flavour to food, but it also has incredible health benefits. I’ve commented on the benefits of this wonder liquid in many of my previous posts and videos, but I’ve yet to highlight its other great uses.
Not only is ACV a fantastic digestive aid (perhaps its most well-known attribute), but it has a slew of other helpful uses that will have you reaching for that bottle much more often.
However, not all apple cider vinegars are created equal, which is why I’ll also share my top tips on shopping for the healthiest, most amazing ACV you can find. The best part is that even the most high quality apple cider vinegar isn’t going to break the bank. That’s another reason it’s one of my favourite staple superfoods–it’s affordable and accessible to virtually everyone.
So today I’m going to share a little more about what apple cider vinegar actually is, some interesting facts about this miracle superfood, and how to choose the best quality ACV for your needs.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is classified as a fermented food, so long as you buy it unpasteurized. In fact, it actually goes through a double fermentation process in order to create the magical little elixir loaded with health benefits for everything from our microbiome to our hair.
To create apple cider vinegar, first apples need to be juiced. That juice is then combined with specific strains of yeast that digest the sugar molecules and turn them into alcohol. After that process has been completed, strains of bacteria are then added who digest and ferment the alcohol into acetic acid.
As we’ll see below the acetic acid and bacteria and yeasts are what give ACV its super powers!
8 Interesting Facts About Apple Cider Vinegar
After reading these 8 interesting facts about apple cider vinegar, you’ll be convinced that it should become a superfood kitchen staple!
Whether you’re an avid gardener or want to make sure you have the freshest breath on your next date, here are 8 interesting facts about apple cider vinegar you may not have known about.
1. It Helps Balance Blood Sugar
Apple cider vinegar has an anti-glycemic effect and can block the digestion of some starch, helping to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel. In fact, Jesse Inchauspe, the Glucose Goddess shared that one of her most powerful blood sugar balancing hacks is taking a tablespoon of vinegar in water before your meal. Taking that little bit of apple cider vinegar before you eat can cut your glucose spike by up to 30%! If you want to learn more great tips for balancing your blood sugar you can listen to her podcast episode right here.
Making sure your blood sugar is balanced is incredibly important for joyous health, including healthy skin, stable energy and so much more, including my next point.
2. ACV May Promote Weight Loss
A Japanese study showed that those who consumed apple cider vinegar in a drink mixture every day for 12 weeks lost slightly more weight than those who didn’t. This may be because components of apple cider vinegar could turn on certain genes involved in breaking down fats.
3. It Helps Settle an Upset Tummy
Unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains probiotics that help cultivate a healthy balance of good bacteria to help fight whatever nastiness is taking place in your gut. By taking it regularly, it can also promote overall digestive health by supporting a healthy and happy microbiome. The benefits of a balanced microbiome move beyond just digestion to immune support and mental health. Learn more here and here.
Apple cider vinegar promotes overall digestive health by supporting a balanced and happy microbiome.
4. Use it as a Non-Toxic Cleaning Agent
Apple cider vinegar is a non-toxic, odor-absorbing, antibacterial alternative to harsh chemicals; just mix 1 part ACV to 1 part water and clean away! You can also add some of your favourite essential oils for extra cleaning power and an all-natural scent. These are my five must-have essential oils for a clean house!
5. Can be Used as a Safe Herbicide
Apple cider vinegar can kill weeds in your garden while acting as an effective herbicide for plants that like an acidic environment. Since many pesticides and herbicides can contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, choosing a natural alternative is a great way to protect yourself and your plants.
The enzymes and minerals in apple cider vinegar make it a great addition to homemade energy drinks, which are so much better for you than those neon-coloured, additive-filled store-bought ones. You can try combining ¼ cup ACV with 1 litre of water, a splash or two of maple syrup, a squeeze of lemon or lime, and some fresh ginger for an all-natural electrolyte-rich energy drink that’s perfect for hot summer days!
Apple cider vinegar may help improve lymph circulation and contains enzymes that support digestion. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that transport important molecules to be cleansed by the lymphatic organs (spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, liver and tonsils). You can learn more about the lymphatic system here. Another great way to stimulate your lymphatic system is by dry skin brushing.
8. Will Banish Your Bad Breath
The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar can kill the bad bacteria that can cause bad breath. It’s also a much healthier option compared to most commercial mouthwash brands. Try mixing your ACV with some water and a drop of peppermint oil, then swishing and rinsing your mouth for naturally fresh breath.
The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar can kill the bad bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Bonus Fact: Makes a Great Hair Rinse
Our hair and skin have specific pH levels within which they are optimally healthy, which means less dry flaky skin and dandruff. Apple cider vinegar makes an amazing hair rinse because it helps to regulate the pH balance of our scalp for soft, shiny hair and healthy skin.
Try this:
Once a week, rinse your scalp with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution (2 parts water, 1 part vinegar). Pour over your hair and let sit for about 1-2 minutes in the shower before rinsing. I like to do it after I wash and condition my hair with an all natural shampoo and conditioner.
Dry skin is alkaline, meaning it has a high pH (normal skin has a pH around 5.5). Apple cider vinegar can help to decrease the scalp’s pH level and balance the alkalinity of dry skin for a less flaky scalp, no chemicals or harsh treatments required!
Before you start swigging back your ACV, there are a couple of important things you should note to make sure you are
- Yes it can impact the enamel on your teeth so use a straw if you have weak enamel. Before you blame the humble ACV keep in mind coffee and soda pop and many other lifestyle factors can impact tooth enamel too.
- Because it contains acetic acid, it can irritate your throat or upset your tummy if you’re not diluting it. Avoid drinking it straight for the best results.
- You’re in charge. If it doesn’t make you feel good, don’t do it!
Joyous Tips for Buying Apple Cider Vinegar
I’ve recently been traveling around Austria with my loves visiting family, eating delicious food, and going on tons of amazing hikes [you can see some of our adventures here and here!]. I wanted to pick up a bottle of apple cider vinegar to make a delicious digestive-supporting salad dressing, but unfortunately couldn’t read the German label.
When I got home I noticed that it tasted quite sweet and after a visit to Google translate we discovered that this particular brand had sugar and apple juice added to the vinegar after fermentation. That added sugar takes away those blood sugar balancing benefits mentioned above. To help make sure you don’t pick up a less-than-healthy version of ACV, follow these joyous tips:
- Always read your labels! Even if that means busting out Google translate on your phone. You don’t want to pick up a bottle that has anything other than organic apples and water listed as an ingredient.
- Look for organic apple cider vinegar. Apples are one of the EWGs Dirty Dozen, which means even after washing and peeling they still contain a large amount of pesticide residues. These chemicals are known hormone disruptors which means they’re not great for the health of you or the planet, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible.
- Make sure it has the mother or says it is raw/unpasteurized. One of the components of ACV that provides so many of its health benefits are the beneficial bacteria that are used to ferment the apple cider to turn it into vinegar. These bacteria are often referred to as the mother and they give the vinegar a slightly cloudy, brownish appearance. This mother is loaded with many strains of beneficial bacteria that nourish the microbiome and if you remove it or pasteurize the vinegar you lose all those benefits!
- Buy ACV in glass bottles. Since it is rich in acetic acid, you don’t want to buy ACV that is stored in plastic. The acids can break down the plastics and lead to contamination.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be guaranteed to buy the healthiest ACV out there so you can take advantage of all these great benefits.
If you want to learn more simple health hacks, check out my first book JOYOUS HEALTH. I have a whole chapter on digestion where I talk about hacks like these!
Those are my 8 interesting facts for ACV–I hope they inspired you to pick up your own bottle today!
We do love using ACV daily for better digestion ( + more now with your blog today :) but find it provides acid reflux. Any insight into this? Or just everyone is different scenario? LOL
ReplyIf you find it gives you acid reflux then you could be taking it when your stomach is already acidic. It is actually uncommon for this happen but there is an exception to every rule :) I would avoid it if it doesn't work for you.
I use apple cider vinegar once weekly in my oral health care. Brushing teeth with a paste of baking soda, followed by swishing 1/2-1 tsp apple cider vinegar in your mouth literally removes any plaque build up on your teeth, leaving them silky smooth. Be prepared, though. When you mix the ACV with the soda, it's like a volcanic eruption and you may need to spit a bit out of your mouth and continue swishing. You don't want to swallow. Well worth it.
ReplyJoy, how much would be a good amount to take each day to get some of the amazing benefits you mention? Thanks!
Reply1 tsp up to 1 tbsp is good.
What great timing for your ACV post, as I have been beginning to incorporate it into my morning hot water and lemon. I would love to hear how you use ACV more specifically, e.g., amounts mixed into water, smoothies, etc. for most beneficial outcome. Thank you as always!
ReplyI think it is supposed to make your hair shiny and soft if you rince with it.
ReplyDo you take a tablespoon every morning?
ReplySometimes yes, but I use it more therapeutically... for example, if I have an upset tummy or I feel bloated I will take a tablespoon. But yes, you can definitely take a shot every a.m. to get your digestive juices flowing.
Thanks for this post! Do you have energy boosting recipes that include apple cider vinegar? My energy seems to be lacking lately... Thanks!
ReplyOne of my favourite salad dressing recipes is 1 part apple cider vinegar, 3 parts extra virgin olive oil and some local honey. Swish it around in a mason jar and voila -- An awesome salad dressing :)
It's an absolute miracle for insect bites! Takes the sting away and the swelling down within 10 minutes :)
ReplyGreat suggestion!
I love the taste of ACV drizzled on a spinach salad with almonds and cranberries, simply yummy.
ReplyHow much apple cider vinegar would one use in a day. I have IBS and I'm also trying to lose weight therefore I'm hoping that this can help me. Thanks Joy
ReplyWe usually recommend one capful diluted in a big glass of water. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Taking a tablespoon mixed with water or apple juice also helps your veins and arteries by helping break down plaque buildup. It helps to reduce cholesterol levels. .
ReplyHow do you take and how much ACV? Thanks!!!
ReplyA capful of ACV in a glass of water first thing in the morning is usually how we take it. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Love this! Thanks Joy! I actually find that a "shot" of ACV mixed with a bit of water is the only thing that stops my acid reflux/heartburn. I've tried over the counter medication that does nothing but the ACV gets rid of it completely in about 5 mins. :)
ReplyLovely post! I'm using apple cider vinegar for mixing my cleaning solutions and I could say it's quite efficient. The best thing for this post is I found some interesting and new ways to use ACV at home. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyYou're very welcome! Kate - Joyous Health Team
Hi joy, When using ACV to stabilize blood sugars is once a day enough or should you take it before every meal? My gestational diabetes (monitored through food consumption) during pregnancy left me pre diabetic. Looking for ways to get on the right track.
ReplyHi Shireen, I use it once a day, but I'm not looking to correct a specific medical condition. You could try upping it to once before every meal, but you'll still want to use it in conjunction with all the blood sugar management strategies recommended by your primary healthcare practitioner. Kate - Joyous Health Team
I have been having ACV each morning for about six months now and it has improved my tummy troubles immensely. I had my gall bladder removed many years ago and now I don't get that horrible discomfort in the middle of the night when I perhaps over indulge on dessert.
ReplyGlad to hear it helped! Kate - Joyous Health Team
what are the main ingredients of ACV?
ReplyThanks so much. I wish you happiness and blessings
ReplySame to you Alandus! Rachel - Joyous Health Team
How much, and how often should you invest ACV?
ReplyI drink some form of it every day because I always use it in salad dressings. You can drink it in a glass of water first thing in the morning for good digestion. Or you can do lemon and water: https://www.joyoushealth.com/20439-blog-health-benefits-of-lemon-and-water
How about the gummies? How many should you take? What are it’s benefits?
ReplyI actually have the gummies. Goli sent me some to try out. They are super yummy! I'm not sure the benefits will be as compelling as taking ACV straight up though.