20 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

By now you have probably heard about some of the health benefits or uses for apple cider vinegar, but did you know it can do everything from tame your hair to clean your house to even help you lose weight? More and more people are discovering it's multipurpose benefits and using it as a one-stop-shop for daily needs. Here are 20 uses for apple cider vinegar (ACV) that will inspire you to incorporate this magic elixir into your daily routine too. 

Beauty Benefits

From head to toe, there is no task too small for apple cider vinegar to help improve your appearance. 

1. Rinse It Throughout Your Hair For Anti-Frizz. Frizziness in hair can sometimes be attributed to an imbalance in pH. When properly diluted with water, an apple cider vinegar rinse can help to balance your hair’s pH and reduce frizz. 
2. Gargle to Help With Bad Breath. Packed with natural acids and antiseptic properties that kill bacteria and break down plaque, gargling apple cider vinegar is ideal for eliminating anything you may have missed while brushing. 
3. Help With Skin Blemishes. Not only does ACV kill acne-causing bacteria, it balances the acid-alkaline levels of the skin which help to regulate oil production. ACV has also been known to reduce redness, swelling, and pain. Simply apply to the skin with a cotton pad, let dry for 15-20 minutes, and rinse off. 
4. Use as A Deodorant. Because of its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar can act as a natural odor neutralizer. Try mixing it with water for a deodorizing spray that when dry, does not carry the vinegar smell.
5. Ease Skin Irritations. Try adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a bath to alleviate sunburn and itching from bug bites, poison ivy, or jellyfish stings. 

Health Benefits

Consuming ACV, straight—or mixed in your food—can do everything from helping when you are sick, to helping keep you in top shape.

Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar like this one from Braggs contains “mother,” which is the strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give it its murky appearance. While there are no studies to support it, many believe the mother is what gives ACV so many health benefits.

1. Support Healthy Cholesterol. Shown to increase bile production and support your liver, apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural choice for helping to lower your cholesterol. 
2. Soothe a Sore Throat. If your throat has bacteria that is causing you pain, try gargling with ACV. Although we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional when you're ill, you may be surprised by how well natural remedies, like ACV, can also help. 
3. Support Gut Health. Try one or two tablespoons in about eight ounces of water to aid in digestion and fight acid reflux thanks to its enzymes and probiotics. 
4. Lose Weight. An ingredient found in ACV called acetic acid has been shown to improve your metabolism, decrease a person’s appetite and reduce water retention.
5. Promote Healthy Blood Sugar Levels. ACV’s strong anti-glycemic properties help support healthy blood sugar levels and can even block some digestion of starch which prevents an increase in blood sugar. In fact, a study found in Diabetes Care shows that adults who took 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar with cheese before bedtime has a lower blood glucose level in the morning than adults who had 1 tsp of water and cheese before bedtime.
6. Greater Nutrient Absorption. The acetic acid can increase minerals and nutrients your body is able to fully absorb from the foods you eat. Use ACV on your salad to better absorb the nutrients from your greens.
7. Stop Hiccups. Try one teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar to stop hiccups thanks to its sour taste.

Household Uses

Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent all-natural cleaner because of its antibacterial properties and acidity. Put down the chemical cleaners and discover the many uses for ACV around your home.

1. Clean your DYLN Bottle. We recommend using 5:1 ratio of water and AVC, swishing it around in your bottle for about 30 seconds, and rinsing thoroughly.
2. Trap Fruit Flies. Try pouring ACV into a cup and adding a few drops of dish soap to naturally catch those pesky flies. 
3. Surface Cleaner. Use ACV to de-germ any household appliance or surface. A 1:1 solution of ACV and water sprayed on counters, microwaves, stoves, etc is strong enough to kill bacteria, but diluted enough to prevent the vinegar from eating away at the surface.
4. Unclog Drains. Mix ½ cup ACV and ½ cup baking soda for an effective, chemical-free drain cleaner.
5. Clean Your Washing Machine. Add 2 cups of ACV into the machine and run it on a full cycle without any laundry.
6. Remove Yellow Sweat Stains. Soaking sweat stains clothes in a 12:1 ration of warm water and ACV overnight before washing.
7. Remove Mildew. Opt out of harsh chemicals and grab the ACV to remove mildew from tubs or even your fridge by wiping it down or soaking it with ACV.
8. Remove Stickers. Soak stickers with ACV for about 20 minutes and then scrape off with a butter knife.