15 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been around for centuries, and it is a natural remedy with numerous health benefits. It can be used to aid in weight loss, manage blood sugar levels, and many more.

ACV is a household staple because of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which help address many health concerns, including digestion, immunity, and even beauty benefits.

In this article, we will explore 15 incredible health benefits of apple cider vinegar, along with practical tips on how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Table of Contents

1. Weight Loss
2. Yeast Infection
3. Gout
4. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
5. Cold and Cough
6. Acid Reflux and Heartburn
7. Allergies
8. Bloating
9. Bad Breath
10. Constipation
11. Reduces Cellulite
12. Ear Infection
13. Fatty Liver
14. Hemorrhoids
15. Jock Itch

What are the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

1. Weight Loss

The growing popularity of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for weight loss is backed by its proven benefits and positive results. Studies (R) have shown that consuming ACV for just 12 weeks can reduce about 4 pounds, even without any changes to diet or lifestyle.

It has also been reported to increase satiety (R), helping people eat less than they normally would, further contributing to weight loss.

That being said, it’s important to understand that ACV should not be relied upon alone. For long-term, effective results, it’s essential to make healthy changes to both diet and lifestyle.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 glass of warm water

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients in a glass of water.
2. Drink it every morning on an empty stomach.

How Often?

Every day for 12 weeks straight

Also, Read: Apple Cider Vinegar – Types, Nutritional Values and More

2. Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is characterized by the overgrowth and infestation of fungus in and around the vagina and vaginal tissues. One of the most notable health benefits of apple cider vinegar is its ability to relieve the signs and symptoms of this condition.

The antifungal properties of ACV (R) are key in this regard. Soaking with apple cider vinegar effectively kills the infecting microbes, helping to eliminate the infection for good.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
• A bathtub full of water

Procedure

1. Fill your bathtub with water
2. Pour the ACV into the tub
3. Soak your body in the tub for 20 minutes
4. Wash off your body under the shower to remove the vinegar scent.

How Often?

Do this twice or thrice a week till you see noticeable results.

3. Gout Relief

Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by inflammation, redness, and severe pain around the joints.

The health benefits of apple cider vinegar extend to alleviating gout, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming apple cider vinegar (R) helps break down the buildup of uric acid in the joints, which is responsible for inflammation and tenderness.

It also aids in flushing out excess uric acid by promoting better blood circulation and purification.

Ingredients

• 2-3 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 glass of water
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and water
2. Optionally add the honey for taste or you can switch it up with cherry juice
3. Drink in the morning on an empty stomach

How Often?

Drink the concoction made with ACV around 2-3 times a day until the symptoms improve.

Side Note: You can even soak your affected part of the body in water mixed with apple cider vinegar for promising benefits.

Also, Read: Gout Relief Starts Here: Ultimate Guide on Foods to Eat and Avoid

4. Blood Sugar Levels Control

The regulation of blood sugar levels (R) is one of the most notable benefits of apple cider vinegar. A study highlighted how simply consuming apple cider vinegar can effectively lower blood glucose levels by as much as 31%.

Apple cider vinegar helps improve insulin sensitivity (R), further contributing to regulating blood sugar levels. In fact, it can increase insulin sensitivity by up to 34%, which is significantly more than what one might typically expect.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• A glass of water (8 ounces)

Procedure

1. Mix the ACV with the water.
2. Drink this an hour or so before meals.

How Often?

This can be done once or twice daily, but revamping your diet for noticeable results is essential, as that ultimately makes the biggest difference. Eat healthily and experience the full benefits of apple cider vinegar alongside a balanced lifestyle.

5. Cold and Cough Treatment

Persistent sniffling and the signs and symptoms of a cold and cough are immediate signals that your body’s immunity (R) is weakened and needs a boost.

Apple cider vinegar contains bacteria-fighting properties (R) and immunity-boosting factors, which work together to help relieve cold and cough symptoms. It also helps eliminate infections associated with these conditions, promoting faster healing.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Procedure

1. Mix all the ingredients
2. Drink this as a soothing drink to treat the scratchiness of the throat as well as to deal with the possible infection causing the cold in the first place

How Often?

Drink it once or twice a day, depending on how severe and frequent the symptoms are arising.

Also, Read: 20 Effective Home Remedies for Cold for Fast Recovery

6. Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Acid reflux primarily occurs when the stomach lacks sufficient acid, causing a backflow into the esophagus and leading to heartburn. It is believed that apple cider vinegar helps neutralize stomach acids, preventing the adverse effects commonly associated with acid reflux (R).

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water (8 ounces)

Procedure

1. Add the ACV to the glass of water and mix it well.
2. Drink this before meals to tone down the effects of acid reflux.

How Often?

Since apple cider vinegar can neutralize stomach acids, consult a doctor about how long it needs to be done before you continue.

Also, Read: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

7. Allergies

Allergies are not limited to the skin; they can also adversely affect the respiratory system and other related areas. A person is more susceptible to allergies when their immune system is not strong enough to defend against antigens. Apple cider vinegar helps by boosting the immune system.

Apple cider vinegar treats allergies by combating inflammation (R) and providing expectorant properties, which work together to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Additionally, if your allergy is topical, diluted ACV can effectively kill microbial infestations (R) in the affected area, promoting faster and more effective healing.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Procedure

1. Mix all the above-mentioned ingredients together.
2. Drink this every morning on an empty stomach for noticeable results.

How Often?

Do this every morning after consulting a doctor about any potential precautions.

Side Note: You can also add a teaspoon of ACV to your neti pot solution to help flush out your sinuses, making breathing easier if you’re experiencing an allergic reaction.

Also, Read: Best Products for Alleviating Seasonal Allergies

8. Apple Cider Vinegar for Bloated Stomach

Stomach bloating is a common issue caused by improper digestion. While there are no concrete studies to fully support the claims about apple cider vinegar’s benefits in relieving bloating, many holistic practitioners consider it one of the best remedies.

It is believed that consuming apple cider vinegar mixed with water before meals helps promote better digestion (R), addressing the signs and symptoms of bloating, gas, and even heartburn. Additionally, its probiotic properties further support the proper digestion of ingested food.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water

Procedure

1. Mix the apple cider vinegar with the water.
2. Drink this before meals (especially if you are going to consume something heavy, greasy, or even spicy).

How Often?

Limit consumption to only when you feel like you would really need it.

9. Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by bacteria in the oral cavity. These bacteria multiply and produce a distinctive odor that many people find unpleasant.

Apple cider vinegar, with its remarkable antimicrobial properties (R) and mild acidity, offers significant benefits in eliminating bad breath for good.

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water

Procedure

1. Mix both these ingredients.
2. Take small sips of it and swirl the liquid around your mouth, then spit.
3. Do this till you run out of the water.

How Often?

Repeat this twice or thrice a week for noticeable results.

Also, Read: 18 Effective Natural Remedies For Treatment Of Bad Breath

10. Constipation

Constipation, whether acute or chronic, is a common digestive issue. While there are several natural remedies for constipation, apple cider vinegar is often highlighted for its effectiveness in treating the condition.

Apples contain a natural laxative, pectin (R), which is known to help with constipation. It is believed that this same compound is found in apple cider vinegar, contributing to the relief of constipation-related symptoms.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar contains a small amount of magnesium (R), which helps regulate bowel movements. The digestion-boosting malic and acetic acids in ACV further support the digestive process.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of water

Procedure

1. Mix the ACV with the water.
2. Drink this on an empty stomach in the morning.

How Often?

Limit the consumption of this to twice a week because excess consumption often ends up causing diarrhea.

11. Cellulite

Cellulite is primarily caused by the accumulation of toxins around the thighs and stomach, as well as excess water retention in the body. Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which help in the effective removal of cellulite.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar helps flush toxins out of the body and reduce water retention around the thighs and stomach. Its anti-obesity properties (R) also play an active role in reducing cellulite.

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)

Procedure

1. Mix all the ingredients and apply that over the areas covered with cellulite.
2. Leave it on for an hour or so.
3. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

How Often?

Since it is a topical application, the process can be repeated daily without worrying about side effects.

Side Note: You can also drink an apple cider concoction by mixing 1 tablespoon of ACV with a glass of water.

Also, Read: 8 Simple Exercises To Relieve Constipation

12. Ear Infection

While there are no specific research studies demonstrating how apple cider vinegar cures ear infections, its acetic acid concentration can help treat bacterial infestations (R) in the ears.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar has powerful antifungal properties (R) that contribute to eliminating fungal infections (R) in the ear.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
• Half a cup of warm water

Procedure

1. Mix both ingredients properly.
2. Drop 4-8 drops of the mixture in your ear and lean on the side.
3. Cover your ear with a cotton ball and stay like that for 5-10 minutes.

How Often?

Do this every now and then till the symptoms of the ear infection wither away.

Also, Read: Remedies to Clean Earwax

13. Fatty Liver

Fatty liver is a common lifestyle-related condition that affects many individuals. While the symptoms may not be immediately noticeable, persistent neglect of this issue can have negative effects on the body.

Apple cider vinegar also offers health benefits in treating fatty liver. Consuming ACV helps regulate liver function (R), enhancing the body’s detoxification process.

Fatty liver is a condition that can be reversed, and with proper care, it typically takes about 6-12 months to do so effectively.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of unfiltered ACV
• 1 glass of water

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients.
2. Drink this before meals to regulate the functioning of the liver.

How Often?

Don’t rely completely on ACV for liver functioning and opt for this remedy every now and then, possibly once or twice or even thrice a week but that is all.

Also, Read: A Saviour’s Guide To Fatty Liver Diet – One Can Do to Overcome!!

14. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by muscular inflammation near the anal opening, which can lead to painful bowel movements and sometimes bleeding.

Apple cider vinegar is believed to help reduce inflammation (R), alleviate pain, and prevent tissue tears during defecation. It works by shrinking the inflamed tissue near the anus and also helps relieve the itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

Ingredients

• Apple cider vinegar
• Cotton balls

Procedure

1. Soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar.
2. Apply this to the affected part of the hemorrhoid and leave it there.
3. Wash it off with water after 10-15 minutes.
4. Repeat this twice or thrice daily till the symptoms subside.

How Often?

The process can be done two to three times a day for noticeable results. You may experience a stinging sensation right after application, but it will subside within a few minutes due to the mild acidic properties of apple cider vinegar.

Also, Read: How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids | Hemorrhoid Relief

15. Jock Itch

The mild acidic properties of apple cider vinegar, combined with its powerful antifungal properties, offer significant benefits in treating jock itch, also known as tinea cruris.

The antifungal properties help eliminate and prevent the fungus from growing further in the affected area, relieving symptoms such as itching, rashes, and irritation commonly associated with the condition.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
• Two cups of lukewarm water

Procedure

1. Wash and clean the area affected by the jock itch.
2. Mix apple cider vinegar in the water.
3. Soak a cotton ball in it and apply it over the affected area.
4. Let it dry and wash it off.

How Often?

Repeat this process at least twice or thrice daily for promising results, but ensure that you clean the area every time before applying the ACV.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Vinegar Apple Cider Raw Unfiltered Organic, 16 Fl Oz

Conclusion

Apple Cider Vinegar contains some of the best health benefits: weight management and improved digestion, just to mention a few. This natural remedy will be highly appreciated in a wellness routine, yet it requires careful consumption because of possible side effects caused by excessive intake.

Whether you’re looking to address specific health concerns or simply enhance your overall well-being, incorporating ACV into your daily life can be both simple and effective. With the right guidance and consistent use, you can make the most of this incredible natural remedy.

• July 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Feb 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri