28 Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits (That Will Blow You Away!)

28 Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits (That Will Blow You Away!)

 

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most popular natural products out there and it's no wonder. It is so versatile, with a plethora of amazing benefits aiding us in everything from skincare to natural cleaning.

Endorsed by everyone from beauty bloggers to celebratory cleaners around the world, it's a product none of us should be living without!

Today we're sharing the best apple cider vinegar benefits to try for an even better you!

Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in December 2018. 

What is apple cider vinegar?

apple cider vinegar bragg organic
It's time to get yourself a bottle (or two!)

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from - you guessed it - cider or apple must. It contains what is known as 'Mother of Vinegar' - a cellulose and acetic acid bacteria that is created during fermentation.

When buying a decent bottle of ACV, look out for raw, organic, unpasteurized and unfiltered vinegar that contains 'The Mother'. A good quality bottle will be misty and smell very strongly, in fact, the smellier the better!

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

1. Weight loss

tape measure
The inches will fly off. 

Have you tried every fad diet under the sun and not seeing the results? It might be worth giving apple cider vinegar a go. 

It's rumoured to reduce stomach fat by increasing satiety - the feeling of being full. Miraculously, the acetic acid also prevents as many calories being absorbed too. 

Use as a salad dressing or dilute in water and drink. To make the drink, add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water.

2. Get rid of varicose veins

Did you know that apple cider vinegar can reduce the appearance of varicose veins? If you're suffering, try this... 

Mix with witch hazel and apply to the affected area. 

3. Reduced cholesterol

Heart disease is one of the biggest premature killers. Thankfully, apple cider vinegar can help by lowering cholesterol

To take ACV orally, add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water. Always check with your GP.

4. Improve symptoms of Type 2 diabetes

sugar on spoon
Who knew apple cider vinegar could do this?

High blood sugar levels aren't good for anyone, but especially not for those with Type 2 diabetes. Reduce your blood sugar levels by consuming diluted apple cider vinegar before a meal. 

Add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water. Always check with your GP.

5. Treat warts

The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar makes it perfect for breaking down the skin cells that make up warts (including verrucas!)

Mix two parts apple cider vinegar with one part water. Soak some cotton wool in the solution and place on the wart. Use a plaster or some bandage and tape to secure the cotton ball in place. Leave on overnight and repeat until the wart falls off. 

6. Relieves acid reflux & heartburn 

heartburn
Don't let it take over your life.

Acid reflux and heartburn are really unpleasant. Apple cider vinegar can work to neutralizing stomach acids. 

To take ACV orally, add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water. Always check with your GP.  

7. Restless leg syndrome & leg cramps

By increasing your intake of potassium, you can reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome

Add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water and sip to reduce symptoms.

8. Stops hiccups 

ACV spoonful
A spoonful of ACV...

Got annoying hiccups that just won't go away? Fix it in a flash with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. We can't tell you why this works, but it does! 

Pour 1 teaspoon of ACV and drink. Avoid using this method too often as the acid in undiluted ACV can damage your teeth

9. Boost your immune system

Apple cider vinegar has antiviral properties that boost immunity. The healthy bacteria inside the unfiltered variety will help you recover quickly and even settle some allergies! 

METHOD: To take ACV orally, add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water. Always check with your GP. 

10. Improve digestion 

Consuming apple cider vinegar increases the production of stomach acid that will break down food and improve digestion

11. Combat Athlete's Foot

bare feet woman
Get those toes looking great!

Despite the name, it's not just sporty people that can get athlete's foot. It occurs due to the warm, moist environment in our shoes, and can be pretty unpleasant.

To treat it with apple cider vinegar, soak your feet in a solution of half vinegar and half water. Repeat for a few days in a row in the evening before you go to bed and you should start to notice your feet looking and feeling better - it temporarily changes the pH levels in your skin that fungus will find harder to thrive in.

12. Insect bite relief

There's no need to buy insect bite cream ever again - apple cider vinegar is all you need.

The acidity in vinegar (you can use both apple cider or white vinegar) helps to neutralise and soothe the itch, while its anti-inflammatories reduce swelling. Additionally, apple cider vinegar's pH-balancing properties speed the healing process! Plenty of reasons to use it as a natural pain reliever when you've been bitten by a bug.

Simply soak a cotton wool ball in vinegar and apply it to the area for instant relief.

13. Gout treatment

Gout is a common type of arthritis that affects the big toe and can be extremely painful. It's caused by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream, which apple cider can be used to counteract.

Drinking 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar dissolved in 250ml warm water should help to alleviate symptoms.

14. Treat ear infections

ear ache
Ouch!

If you've got a pesky ear infection, apple cider vinegar is just what you need. 

Don't attempt this method for deeper ear infections - seek advice from a GP. 

Combine equal parts ACV with clean water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and hold at the opening of the ear. Lean on your side so that a small amount of the solution trickles onto the infected area. Alternatively, use a dropper to apply 5-10 drops.  

15. Improve IBS symptoms

For those of you who suffer from IBS, you'll know how debilitating it can be.

Taking apple cider orally has been found to improve bloating and is definitely worth trying if you and your digestive system are running out of options!

16. Detox drink

Detoxes can be extremely expensive. If you're interested in the concept but don't want to spend a fortune, the apple cider vinegar detox could be worth looking into.

Supposedly, it works to aid in weight loss, reduce appetite, balance your pH, lower cholesterol, remove toxins and more.

17. Treat a cold

Bacteria and germs thrive in acidic environments. You can make your body's pH more alkaline by adding 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to your water once a day.

It should banish germs and help your cold and sore throat too.

18. Treat nail fungus

feet
Get your feet looking beautiful again! 

Apple cider vinegar is great at killing harmful bacteria, so it works wonders for nail fungus

Treat nail fungus with an apple cider vinegar foot soak. Fill a washing up bowl with equal parts water and pure, natural ACV. Soak for about 20 minutes. Repeat daily until symptoms have cleared. 

19. Treat oral thrush

As well as curing colds, apple cider vinegar can also be used as a mouthwash to treat oral thrush (candida). Simple gargle and swish a solution of 1 cup water and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar around your mouth.

20. Treat kidney stones

Here's another benefit of apple cider vinegar's acidic properties.

The acetic acid it contains can help to dissolve kidney stones and also alleviate the pain caused by them. Drinking a small amount along with water should get the process started.

21. Make nail polish last longer

apple cider vinegar for nails
Have you tried this?

Many natural beauty lovers swear by applying apple cider vinegar to nails and allowing it to dry before applying nail polish.

Word on the street is it makes nail polish stay chip-free for longer. This is definitely worth a try!

22. Natural cleaning products

Skip the harsh chemicals and opt for planet-friendly alternatives instead!

Apple cider vinegar can be used to create many environmentally-friendly, grease and germ-busting homemade products that will get your home clean and save you money too!

23. Get rid of flies

Don't let uninvited intruders ruin your Summer BBQs - get rid of bugs for good!

Fill a shallow dish with washing up liquid and a little apple cider vinegar and leave outside - the flies will be attracted to the nectary smell and get stuck in the sticky solution.

24. Kill bed bugs, fleas & headlice

spray bottle
Bugs be gone!

Treatments for bed bugs, fleas, and head lice can be high in hazardous chemicals. Why not give a more natural method a go? 

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is powerful enough to help kill bed bugs, fleas, and head lice.

To treat, mix equal parts ACV and warm water in a spray bottle. To use the solution: 

  • Bedbugs - douse areas you think they may be lurking in. 
  • Headlice - apply all over hair, cover with a shower cap and leave for about two hours.
  • Fleas - apply to fur once a day to deter them. Don't worry, fleas can't live in human hair!

25. Natural weed killer

Here's another use for apple cider vinegar that could save you money. Ditch your expensive weed killers and spray apple cider vinegar onto them instead.

26. Get rid of dog fleas

If you own a pet, you'll know fleas can be a real nightmare. Vet fees can be expensive, and perhaps unnecessary if you have a bottle of apple cider vinegar to hand.

Whilst apple cider vinegar won't kill fleas, it does make the environment unbearable for them! For this reason, it's handy for encouraging them to leave, and also great as a preventative method. 

Mix equal amounts apple cider vinegar and water and spray over your pet.

27. Soothe poison ivy rash

itching rash
Stop the itch! 

Apple cider vinegar contains potassium which may help reduce swelling left by poison ivy rashes

Apply ACV directly to the skin or use cotton wool and make a compress. 

28. Wash fruit & veg

Are you a bit of a germaphobe?

Fresh produce can carry a surprising amount of dirt and even faces from the fields it originates from. Apple cider vinegar is perfect for giving produce a deep clean.

Fill a washing up bowl with clean water and then add a cup of apple cider vinegar. Wash your fruit and veggies in this solution before you start chopping to ensure they are nice and clean! 

Side effects of apple cider vinegar

Be aware!

Although it's rare to experience side-effects of apple cider vinegar, especially when used as stated in the list above, it may be problematic for some. 

1. Can cause Stomach pain

The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar doesn't agree with some people and may lead to stomach ache, diarrhoea and even heartburn.

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking it immediately.

2. Can break down tooth enamel

Whilst the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has many benefits, it can also cause dental problems. The protective coating of teeth, enamel, can be broken down if it comes into contact with acid too often.

3. Can mess with medication

Sometimes less is more! If you're already on medication, be sure to check with your doctor first before using apple cider vinegar internally - it may mess with your existing course of medication.

Wow, who knew apple cider vinegar was so versatile? Which is your favourite benefit? Let us know in the comments below!

Anushka F

Editor

A keen money-saver and fan of all things natural, Anushka enjoys making her own beauty products and is partial to a bit of crafting. Never short of a clever tip or two, she's always looking for new ways to make her money go even further.

Follow me on X
  1. Author Rachael on September 13, 2016 at 10:14 am

    10ml diluted or not, 20mins before a meal helps to promote weight loss.

    Reply
  2. Author dawn on September 13, 2016 at 11:38 am

    I would not recommend cider or anything else acidic to try to whiten teeth. Acidic products cause tooth erosion and therefore damage.

    1. Author Anushka F on September 29, 2016 at 11:03 am

      Hi Dawn, thanks for the warning. I agree, for prolonged use it can be quite harmful but every now and then should be fine.

    Reply
  3. Author Mrs Gail J Gray on September 13, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    Thank u for the marvellous article on tips on Cider Vinegar they are most helpful.

    1. Author Anushka F on September 29, 2016 at 10:57 am

      You're welcome! Glad you liked them.

    Reply
  4. Author Carrieann Wilsher on September 13, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    Where can I get apple cider vinegar from as I suffer from athletes foot and I am a smoker and a big coffee drinker does it really work as a teeth whitner

    1. Author Anushka F on September 29, 2016 at 11:02 am

      Hi Carrieann you can buy apple cider vinegar from most health stores! Or failing that you can find it online at Amazon for a reasonable price. It can help remove surface stains from your teeth, but maybe not staining that has been there for a while. Give it a go!

    Reply
  5. Author Debbie on September 14, 2016 at 10:10 am

    Now all of this sounds very fine, to help that hair and skin of mine, but isn't it quite often said, true beauty starts inside, instead? The trouble is, I'm not too keen on vinegar, so I have been thinking about this little matter, my illusions please don't shatter, would the effects still ensue if I drank a cider or two???? PS, please say if you're sick of my poems!!

    1. Author Stephanie C on September 15, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      Hi Debbie! We all love your poems - please keep sending them our way! I'm a new blogger here at Expert Home Tips, and would love to have you write a poem for one of my articles. I'm starting to feel left out, haha!??

    Reply
  6. Author urwa on June 10, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    Apple is a very beneficial thing.It keeps different vitamins, which are very important for good health. We get maximum benefits and useful tips from it after reading this. Thanks for share these tips.

    1. Author Stephanie C on June 13, 2017 at 9:24 am

      Hi Urwa. Thanks for your kind comments. Apple cider vinegar is certainly a 'miracle' product in our eyes! I'm glad you enjoyed the article! :)

    Reply
  7. Author Chris on February 28, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    You should be able to get cider vinegar in most supermarkets. I've bought it before in Morrisons. If I recall correctly my mum used to drink cider vinegar and honey with hot water to help with arthritis. Not sure if it worked but she quite liked the taste! Could possibly add a different taste to fish and chips too - just a thought

    1. Author Stephanie C on March 5, 2018 at 9:53 am

      Hi Chris, Thanks a lot for commenting. You're right - you can pick up apple cider vinegar fairly cheaply and from most supermarkets. If not, it will definitely be available at your local Health Store. Not sure about adding it to fish and chips - we use it in our salad dressings, though, so don't see why not! Thanks, Steph

    2. Author Jacky Montgomery on September 17, 2018 at 8:56 am

      The braggs has "the Mother" in it though and I think you get more benefits from it.

    3. Author Joanne A on September 17, 2018 at 10:09 am

      Hey Jacky! "The Mother" is supposedly better for you, but there's no solid evidence for it yet.

    Reply
  8. Author judith on September 15, 2018 at 8:28 am

    I'm surprised you didn't mention how apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss. Mix equal parts of warm water and said vinegar, a teaspoon of honey in a glass and drink every morning. I can't claim to kow how and why it works, but it does. Apple cider vinegar is also useful as a fruit fly trap: take a small jar, half fill with the vinegar, cover with cling film. Pierce the top three or four times with a toothpick or similar, and leave near your furitbowl. Hey Presto - the flies go in, can't get out. Job done!

    1. Author Joanne A on September 17, 2018 at 10:05 am

      Hi there Judith! We're actually working on another article at the moment that's all about health benefits of ACV (this one is beauty benefits). Hopefully, you'll find some more useful tips when it goes live! Thanks for sharing your idea about using it as a fruit fly trap. I'd not heard of that before.

    Reply
  9. Author Rebeccca on October 11, 2018 at 6:31 am

    I swear, if you have a dog with skin problem or fur issues, ACV rinse after baths is the solution. My Golden had major skin issues, hair falling and after using ACV on her for nearly a year now, her fur has grown back to nearly its original glory and her skin has improved by leaps and bounds. ACV is ACE!

    1. Author Joanne A on October 11, 2018 at 9:12 am

      That's amazing, Rebecca!

    Reply
  10. Author Mick Coles on December 21, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    Amazing article I'm going to get some ACV right now. Thank you for taking the time to share this

    1. Author Joanne A on January 2, 2019 at 9:03 am

      You're welcome, Mick!

    Reply
  11. Author Scott Harmon on March 3, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    ACV also stops nose bleeds almost instantly. It's brilliant.

    1. Author Joanne A on March 4, 2020 at 9:37 am

      Really? Thanks for sharing! How does it work?

    Reply
  12. Author LynneH on February 1, 2021 at 11:53 am

    It can also be used, with plant-based milk, to replace eggs for baking cakes

    1. Author Joanne A on March 30, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      I'll have to give this a try!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *