What to do with braggs apple cider vinegar

Review: Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Drink vs. Homemade Recipes

Buying it premade in a bottle may not be the most cost-efficient, but it definitely is the most time-efficient. For those with busy schedules, it often makes sense to pay for the convenience.

And even if you do prefer to make your own, when you’re away from home or on the road, buying the bottled Bragg drinks may be your only option.

But which are the healthiest? Which should you avoid?

Premade is sometimes safer

To be clear, we are not endorsing this practice nor making claims about its efficacy, but one of the purported benefits of drinking Braggs apple cider vinegar daily is for weight loss. Being that it is one of the most popular reasons people use the product, we feel it’s important to address it.

If it were some new fad, we may sweep it under the rug. But this is something that has been done “for generations” in a number of North African countries such as Morocco. We dig into the details of that in our apple cider vinegar benefits analysis.

The 15 year old’s front teeth with severe erosion of the buccal surfaces

One of the dangers with using it for weight loss is that being a vinegar with 5% acidity, it can damage the enamel of your teeth (the same can be said about other types of vinegars too, as well as lemon juice).

In fact, the aforementioned analysis talks about a medical case study involving a teenage girl who damaged the buccal surfaces of her teeth by reportedly not diluting it sufficiently.

Once your enamel is gone, it’s gone. You don’t grow it back. This is why your dental health is something you don’t want to fool around with.

At least when you buy a Bragg organic apple cider vinegar drink, you know it’s been carefully crafted to have a safe level of acidity.

With the DIY home remedy recipes you read about online, you can bet they’re not conducting tests for nutritional values, acidity percentages, and other important things which can impact your health… either for better or for worse! Of course, this is not to say all homemade versions are bad for you or dangerous, but inevitably a few probably are.

The nutrition facts compared

Some pros and cons you can decipher simply by looking at the labels, others not so much. Before we get into the less obvious things, here’s a review of their basic nutrition facts.

Nutrition Facts Per 16 Ounce Bottle
Calories	Sugar (g)	Carbs (g)	Ingredients
ACV and Honey	120	26	28	Distilled Water, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Honey
Apple cinnamon	32	8	8	Distilled Water, Organic Apple Juice, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Cinnamon and Stevia Extract
Concord Grape Acai	40	10	10	Distilled Water, Organic Concord Grape Juice, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Acai Juice and Organic Stevia Extract
Ginger Spice	0	0	0	Distilled Water, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Ginger and Organic Stevia Extract
Limeade	0	0	0	Distilled Water, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Lime Juice and Organic Stevia Extract
Sweet Stevia	0	0	0	Distilled Water, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Stevia Extract
Pomegranate Goji	40	10	10	Distilled Water, Organic Pomegranate Juice, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Goji Berry Juice, Organic Stevia Extract

When you look at the actual labels on the bottles, each flavor will list half those amounts. That’s because they use 8 ounces for the serving size and count the bottle as two servings.

Being that we – and probably you too – will drink one bottle at a time, we doubled the values for the table to show you the nutrition facts per bottle, since we believe that is a more accurate representation of how much an average person will drink at a given time.

What the 7 flavors have in common

Bragg’s brand has a loyal celebrity following including Madonna, Demi Moore, Fergie, and especially Katy Perry who even before she was famous, was long time friends with Patricia Bragg (they both grew up in Santa Barbara). Image credit: Braggs

Why did we only list how many calories, carbs, and grams of sugar they have? Because aside from that, there’s not a whole lot to report on, at least in terms of what’s on the label. This is because all of them have the following:

• 0 grams of sodium
• 0 grams of fat
• 0 grams of protein
• 0 grams of fiber
• No vitamin A
• No vitamin C
• No iron
• No calcium

Technically for those vitamins and minerals, it says “not a significant source” which in translation, means there might be a minuscule amount, but if there is, it’s too low to even represent 1% of your daily value. So essentially there’s none.

Is drinking ACV healthy then? Absolutely, just not when it comes to getting your essential vitamins and minerals. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because you don’t hear people claiming those benefits, anyway.

Rather, they drink it for other health reasons such as digestion and for dieting purposes. Plus, all 7 recipes use allergy-friendly ingredients which are:

• Gluten free and dairy free
• USDA certified organic
• Non GMO

Pros and cons for the ingredients

Stevia

You may view this as either being good or bad.

If you like stevia, the good news is that 6 out of the 7 use it and for those flavors, they’re quite low in sugar since it’s only coming from natural fruit juices. It’s why those flavors are so low calorie.

Hate that nasty stevia aftertaste? Don’t worry, because none of them have that.

Bragg concord grape does have 10 grams of sugar per bottle, but that’s a far cry from say a Pepsi, which contains 55 grams for the same number of ounces.

And unlike the high fructose corn syrup in Pepsi, it’s the natural sugars in the concord juice which are the source. It’s unlikely the acai is adding any… our exposé on acai bowls proves that pure unsweetened acai has practically no sugar content (sadly most bowls use the heavily sweetened Sambazon brand).

In a similar manner, the pomegranate goji flavor is getting it’s sugar content from the pomegranate juice. Goji berries have very little sugar, so that ingredient likely contributes little to the 10 grams in a bottle.

On the flip side, new research suggests stevia side effects may be of concern.

Don’t want stevia? If so, your only option will be the Bragg apple cider vinegar and honey drink. That’s not entirely bad news though, because it does have a yummy taste and at least the 26 grams is coming from honey, instead of some other refined sugar.

1 tablespoon of natural honey has 17.25 grams of sugar, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database (1). Then how much honey is there in a bottle of this drink? About 1.5 tablespoons.

Fruits

As is the case with almost any premade product, it’s impossible to know exactly how much of each fruit is used in these beverages. Given the low calorie counts though, it can’t be much.

For relevant fruits, here’s a look at their ORAC values, which is a measure of the in vitro antioxidant activity for 100 grams (3.52 ounces) of a given food.

• Acai juice = 1,767
• Acai powder (freeze dried) = 102,700
• Concord grape juice = 2,389
• Goji berries = 3,290
• Lime juice = 823
• Lemon juice = 1,225
• Pomegranate juice = 2,681

Processing techniques can dramatically alter how much antioxidants there are in a food. As you see, acai is a perfect example of that. The amount in processed juice is lackluster, while freeze-dried powder is truly superfood status. What kind the Bragg concord grape acai uses is unclear.

Even if it were reconstituted powder, the bad news is that the antioxidants in acai degrade quickly from light and oxygen exposure. Since the bottles are clear, we would expect a substantial amount to be gone.

Personally, we enjoy the flavors of all of these and that is what we value in them. We would be hesitant on giving weight to their potential antioxidant content, given that (1) only small amounts are used, (2) natural degradation from light/air occurs, and (3) the manufacturing process.

Spices

We may sound Debbie Downer on the health benefits of the fruits, but we have some good news to report on the spices. Here are their ORAC values…

Unlike most fruits and veggies, research has found that spices are much more resistant to antioxidant degradation. Plus, there may be health benefits of cinnamon when it comes to blood sugar.

Not every recipe of theirs contains spice. Have you tried the Bragg apple cinnamon drink? It’s one of our favorite flavors and being that a bottle is just 32 calories and 8 grams of sugar, it’s not too naughty.

Verdict: The best drink flavor is…

…all of them! Since all of us have different dietary goals, to pick one flavor and say it’s best for everybody would not be right. We personally like what all of them taste like, but your flavor preferences may differ.

These 3 flavors are the zero calorie options

As far as your health, fitness, and weight loss goals, here are some tips to help you pick the healthiest flavors for your own needs.

• For dieters wanting low calorie, you can’t beat the limeade, sweet stevia, and ginger spice because they are zero calories! Out of those 3, we like the taste of the Bragg limeade the best… it’s a perfect balance of sweet and sour. Sweet stevia is fine, but it would be our last choice.
• For diabetics, the three aforementioned zero calorie flavors are probably the best choice too since they are sugar free. The 26 grams in the honey flavor is likely too much.
• For vegans 6 out of the 7 flavors are definitely safe, since they don’t add bone-charred sugar. However the apple cider vinegar and honey drink won’t work for every vegan.
• For those drinking more than one bottle, the taste of the concord grape acai can be a bit much. It’s very sweet. Good in moderation, but we never down two bottles of that flavor in the same day. With the limeade, that’s easy to do and an ice cold bottle of it is our drink of choice while working out.

Where to buy Bragg drinks?

Most grocery stores, if they even carry them, have a terrible selection. In fact, the largest Whole Foods location in Los Angeles typically only stocks 2 flavors; apple cinnamon and sweet stevia. Sometimes ginger.

Some other co-ops and health food stores have more varieties, but rarely do we ever see more than 3 or 4 flavors at any given store. Never have we found a store that carries all 7.

That’s why we almost always buy them online. Plus, the prices at brick and mortar stores are higher in our area and a few of them even charge sales tax on Bragg drinks. They categorize them as a “dietary supplement” instead of food, and hence, tax them as if you were buying a pair of shoes. Not cool.

Wherever you choose to buy them, these are low calorie beverages you can enjoy and not feel guilty about!

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Apple Cider Vinegar

How to use

Apple Cider Vinegar is a household staple.

It’s versatile in the kitchen and self care certified. From a salad dressing to a skin toner, it’s easy to incorporate wellness into your day.

Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar has been shown to elicit several beneficial health effects.

Helps control appetite and manage weight gain

Help maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Help maintain healthy cholesterol levels

Ingredients (4)

The ultimate wellness elixir.

Our raw, unfiltered vinegar is full of zesty natural goodness.

Certified organic raw, apple cider vinegar, filtered water. Diluted to 5% acidity.

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Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Uses (30!)

Despite its recent surge in popularity, the extensive list of apple cider vinegar benefits has been well-known for centuries. It’s been shown to keep blood sugar in check, amp up weight loss, and even improve the appearance of acne and scarring, among other apple cider vinegar benefits. Plus, apple cider vinegar consumption works great for the keto diet.

But is apple cider vinegar good for you? And what is Bragg’s apple cider vinegar good for? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) uses range from soothing sunburns to giving your gut health a boost. Some even suggest that ACV cures cold symptoms and seasonal allergies as well as acid reflux.

With at least 30 potential uses and a host of proven health benefits, this is a must-have item in your medicine cabinet.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apple cider that has undergone fermentation to form health-promoting probiotics and enzymes, giving it significantly less sugar and fewer calories than apple cider or apple juice. In fact, it only takes one to two tablespoons of ACV to take advantage of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar and each tablespoon clocks in at just 3–5 calories and contains minimal sugar.

ACV has been consumed for thousands of years. In fact, records show that we’ve been fermenting apple juice into vinegar since well before 5,000 B.C.

Historically, ACV has been used for a variety of different purposes, such as helping to detoxify the liver, purifying blood, cleansing the lymph nodes and boosting immunity. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates even prescribed it mixed with a bit of honey to help cure coughs and colds.

In the 17th century, Europeans began using vinegar medicinally. They started preparing it in syrups and antiseptics and even used it as a gargle to kill off germs.

Today, ACV has re-entered the spotlight and is beginning to gain some well-deserved recognition for its potent health-promoting properties. Not only can it be used as a natural remedy to treat a variety of ailments, but it can also be added to salad dressings and marinades or used as an effective all-natural household cleaner and disinfectant.

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits vs. Apple Cider Benefits

So what distinguishes apple cider from apple cider vinegar, and can they be used interchangeably?

Apple cider is made from fresh pressed apples. It’s similar to apple juice but it’s not filtered or processed in the same way.

ACV, on the other hand, is actually made from apple cider that has been fermented by yeast and bacteria, which turns the sugars into alcohol. It then undergoes a second fermentation process in which the alcohol is converted into acetic acid.

This fermentation process accounts for the many health benefits of apple cider vinegar and is the reason why ACV is able to lower cholesterol, keep blood sugar levels stable and relieve acid reflux. Apple cider, on the other hand, may taste great but doesn’t provide the same wealth of benefits.

Health Benefits

1. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

The ability of ACV to help maintain normal blood sugar is one of the most well-studied apple cider vinegar benefits.

In one study, vinegar consumption was found to decrease blood sugar levels by an average of 31 percent after eating white bread. Similarly, an animal study showed that giving diabetic rats ACV for four weeks was found to significantly reduce blood sugar levels.

ACV may also increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the blood to the tissues where it can be used as fuel. Sustaining high levels of insulin can cause insulin resistance, which reduces its effectiveness and leads to high blood sugar and diabetes.

A study in Diabetes Care showed that vinegar ingestion helped significantly improve insulin sensitivity by up to 34 percent in those with either type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

To keep blood sugar levels stable, try diluting one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water and consuming before meals. Additionally, be sure to moderate carbohydrate intake, increase your consumption of fiber and protein foods and get in plenty of regular physical activity to drop blood sugar levels even more.

2. Enhances Weight Loss

ACV has been in the limelight recently with fitness gurus and natural health experts alike recommending an apple cider vinegar diet to help drop unwanted pounds quickly. But is apple cider vinegar good for weight loss? And how much weight can you lose by drinking apple cider vinegar?

There is a plethora of research out there confirming the benefits of apple cider vinegar for weight loss. In one study, consuming just two tablespoons per day of ACV over 12 weeks resulted in nearly 4 pounds of weight loss with no other modifications to diet or lifestyle.

Studies show that ACV may also increase satiety, which can help reduce intake and amp up weight loss. In fact, one study showed that drinking apple cider vinegar actually decreased total caloric intake by up to 275 calories over the course of the day.

However, just because apple cider vinegar benefits weight loss doesn’t mean that it should be used as a quick fix all on its own. In fact, if just drinking it alone, the amount of ACV weight loss will be minimal. To really see results, be sure to use it in combination with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

3. Lowers Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. High blood cholesterol puts a strain on your heart, forcing it to work harder to push blood throughout the body.

Apple cider vinegar can promote heart health by helping to keep cholesterol levels low. An animal study out of Iran showed that supplementing rats with ACV was able to reduce bad LDL cholesterol while also increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol.

Besides including a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in your diet each day, other ways to lower cholesterol fast include minimizing your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, including a good variety of healthy fats in your diet and eating a few servings of fish per week.

4. Improves Skin Health

ACV doesn’t just affect your internal health; it has also been shown to treat acne and reduce scarring. Certain strains of bacteria often contribute to the development of acne. Vinegar is well-known for its antibacterial properties and has been shown to be effective against many strains of harmful bacteria.

ACV also contains specific components like acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid and citric acid, all of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the specific strain of bacteria responsible for causing acne.

These beneficial components may also reduce scarring. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that treating acne scars with lactic acid for three months led to improvements in the texture, pigmentation and appearance of treated skin as well as a lightening of scars.

Adding some probiotic foods into your diet, using healing masks and toners and keeping your skin well-moisturized are some other effective home remedies for acne as well.

5. Reduces Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It forces the heart to work harder, causing the heart muscle to weaken and deteriorate over time.

Apple cider vinegar benefits your blood pressure levels, helping to keep your heart healthy and strong. An animal study in Japan showed that giving rats acetic acid, the main component in vinegar, resulted in reduced levels of blood pressure. Another animal study had similar findings, demonstrating that vinegar effectively blocked the actions of a specific enzyme that raises blood pressure.

Other natural ways to lower blood pressure include increasing your intake of magnesium and potassium, upping your fiber intake and swapping the salt and processed foods for whole foods.

6. Relieves Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition characterized by acid backflow from the stomach up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, belching and nausea.

Acid reflux is often a result of having low levels of stomach acid. If this is the case for you, drinking apple cider vinegar may help provide relief from acid reflux symptoms by introducing more acid into the digestive tract to prevent acid backflow.

For best results, dilute one to two tablespoons of ACV in an 8 ounce glass of water and drink just before eating. Additionally, remember to follow an acid reflux diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats and fermented foods to slash symptoms even more.

What Is It Good For?

Now that you know how healthy ACV is for you, what are the best ways to use apple cider vinegar? Check out these 30 apple cider vinegar uses so you can take advantage of apple cider vinegar benefits:

1. Boosts Gut Health

By opting for organic raw apple cider vinegar, you can add a healthy dose of beneficial bacteria into your diet. This bacteria can enhance the health of your digestive system and deliver a host of added gut bacteria benefits like increased immunity and an improved ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Incorporate one to two tablespoons into your diet per day along with other fermented foods such as kombucha or kefir for best results.

2. Soothes Sunburns

If you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun, ACV is a great natural remedy for soothing dry, sunburnt skin. Add a cup of ACV plus 1/4 cup coconut oil and some lavender essential oil to a lukewarm bath and soak to provide sunburn relief.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar

Apple cider vinegar benefits your blood sugar levels and can even increase insulin sensitivity. Try making an apple cider vinegar drink by diluting one to two tablespoons in an 8-ounce cup of water and consuming before meals to keep blood sugar levels steady.

4. Fights Fungus

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, jock itch or yeast infections can be easily treated with the help of ACV. Creating an antifungal spray is one of the most effective apple cider vinegar uses. Combined with other fungus-fighting ingredients, it can reduce symptoms and provide relief fast.

5. Improves Skin Health

Apple cider vinegar benefits for skin include treating acne and reducing scarring. Known for its antibacterial and healing properties, apple cider vinegar benefits skin health by killing off strains of acne-causing bacteria. Try an apple cider vinegar toner to help enhance skin health.

6. Enhances Circulation

Some studies have found that applying ACV to varicose veins could help reduce symptoms. Try combining with witch hazel and scrubbing in a circular motion to improve circulation and alleviate symptoms.

7. Treats Warts

Want to get rid of a wart that won’t go away? Try soaking a cotton ball in ACV, applying directly to the wart and covering with a bandage overnight. Though it may take a while, repeating this a few times can cause the wart to eventually fall right off.

8. Heals Poison Ivy

ACV is a natural remedy that can help soothe an itchy poison ivy rash. This is because it contains potassium, which may help reduce the swelling associated with poison ivy. Try applying a teaspoon directly to the skin a few times per day until it is healed.

9. Kills Bugs and Fleas

If your dog or cat can’t stop scratching themselves, ditch the chemical-laden flea killers and try this natural remedy instead. Add equal parts water and apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle and apply to the fur once per day until fleas are gone. You can also try making your own homemade bug spray and applying to your skin to fight off pesky insects.

10. Wards off Seasonal Allergies

Many people use apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for seasonal allergies. The healthy bacteria found in ACV may promote immunity and support healthy lymphatic drainage to kick seasonal sniffles and allergies to the curb. Try to drink two tablespoons diluted in water next time your allergies are acting up.

11. Acts as a Natural Deodorant

The armpits are a great breeding spot for bacteria, which can lead to a worsening of body odor. ACV possesses powerful antibacterial properties and makes an excellent natural deodorant. One of the simplest apple cider vinegar uses is to dab a bit on your fingers and apply under your arms to help neutralize odor and keep you smelling fresh.

12. Keeps Hair Shiny

For dull or dry hair, try using apple cider vinegar for hair. Making an apple cider vinegar hair rinse prevents dryness, makes it smell great and helps hair stay shiny and lustrous.

13. Amps Up Weight Loss

ACV can boost satiety and kill cravings to kickstart weight loss. There are plenty of options for how to drink apple cider vinegar, but one of the easiest options is to make an apple cider vinegar weight loss drink by adding a dose of ACV to your favorite green smoothie recipes.

14. Reduces Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Many people experience acid reflux as a result of low levels of stomach acid. ACV can help increase levels of stomach acid to prevent backflow into the esophagus and reduce symptoms of heartburn. It works best to drink apple cider vinegar right before meals. Dilute a tablespoon or two of ACV in one 8-ounce cup of water and drink up to fight off acid reflux.

15. Balances Your pH

Although acetic acid, the primary component in ACV, is acidic, it has an alkalizing effect on the body. A few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day can keep your pH levels balanced to help optimize health.

16. Acts as a Household Cleaner

Mixing equal parts ACV with water to make an all-natural household cleaner is one of the easiest and most effective apple cider vinegar uses. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it’s perfect for killing off germs and keeping the house spotless.

17. Whitens Teeth

ACV can even brighten up your smile and naturally whiten your teeth. For best results, try brushing with a bit of ACV, rinsing your mouth out. Keep in mind that overdoing it can actually erode your enamel, so use a moderate amount and avoid overdoing it.

18. Relieves Cold Symptoms

If you feel a case of the sniffles coming on, a few tablespoons of ACV may be a useful natural cold remedy to relieve symptoms fast. This is because apple cider vinegar contains beneficial bacteria that can help give your immune system a quick boost, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.

19. Lowers Blood Pressure

Acetic acid, the main component in ACV, has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels and help improve heart health. For best results, dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in an 8-ounce cup of water and consume three times daily to help drop blood pressure.

20. Aids in Detoxification

ACV can help balance your pH, encourage lymphatic drainage and enhance circulation, making it a great tool when it comes to detoxification. The typical apple cider vinegar dosage is one to two tablespoons mixed with water a few times per day, but you can also try out the Secret Detox Drink to get a concentrated megadose of health-promoting ingredients that can aid in detoxification.

21. Soothes Sore Throat

When you’re feeling under the weather with a scratchy sore throat, you may want to consider reaching for the apple cider vinegar. With its potent antibacterial properties, ACV can soothe your throat to help get you back to feeling your best. However, be sure to dilute your ACV with water to maximize results and prevent the acidity from burning your throat.

22. May Help Remove Chemical Residue

Many people wash fruits and veggies with ACV instead of water due to its ability to kill off bacteria and prevent foodborne illness. Some also use ACV to remove chemical residue and reduce pesticide exposure, although more research is needed to determine whether this is more effective than water alone.

23. Extends Shelf-Life

Thanks to its acidic pH, ACV is often used as an effective food preservative, helping to extend shelf-life by killing off bacteria and blocking food spoilage. Try using ACV to pickle your favorite veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, radishes or squash by boiling the vinegar with water, salt and sugar and then mixing with your favorite herbs and spices.

24. Keeps Dishes Clean

Adding a bit of ACV to your detergent when washing the dishes can be an easy and effective way to kill off bacteria and keep dishes clean. If using a dishwasher, some even recommend adding it directly to the water a few minutes after starting it up to boost the bacteria-busting effects.

25. Adds Flavor to Homemade Salad Dressings

ACV can bring a zesty burst of flavor to your favorite homemade salad dressings and vinaigrettes. Simply mix with some olive oil, salt, pepper and spices for an easy way to dress up your salads.

26. Decreases Dandruff

For an easy alternative to chemical-laden soaps and shampoos used to target dandruff, give ACV a try. Massaging it into the scalp is thought to help inhibit the growth of Malassezia, a specific strain of fungus that contributes to dandruff and the dry, itchy scalp that comes with it.

27. Promotes Oral Hygiene

Some claim that apple cider vinegar can help battle bad breath by killing off the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Use it as a mouthwash by diluting one tablespoon in a cup of water and rinsing your mouth one to two times daily.

28. Boosts Bubble Baths

In addition to keeping skin healthy and clear as a natural toner, many also add ACV to bubble baths to increase circulation, support hair and skin health and fight odor naturally. Ideally, add about 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your detox bath and soak for 20–30 minutes. Then, be sure to take a shower to help rinse off any excess vinegar from the skin.

29. Stops Hiccups

For an easy natural hiccup remedy, try combining a teaspoon of sugar with just a few drops of apple cider vinegar. Supposedly, the sour taste of the ACV mixed with the coarse texture of the sugar can help ease hiccups by triggering a specific set of nerves responsible for the contractions that cause them.

30. Kills Weeds Naturally

Gardeners and green thumbs can use ACV as a natural, pet-friendly weed killer to help protect plants. There are plenty of resources available for how to make apple cider vinegar weed killer, but it’s typically either used alone or mixed with soap, salt, lemon juice or even essential oils and sprayed directly on weeds. Be sure to spray carefully and avoid getting the solution on healthy plants as it can potentially harm the other plants in your garden.

Types and ACV Dosage

You may be wondering: Can I drink apple cider vinegar everyday? Drinking up to two tablespoons per day diluted with water has been shown to be safe and effective for a variety of different conditions. Some also opt to take apple cider vinegar pills containing a similar amount, although research is limited on the effectiveness of these supplements.

With ACV, terms like “organic” and “raw” are tossed around pretty loosely, making it hard to decipher what you’re actually getting when you grab a bottle from the store.

To maximize the apple cider vinegar benefits, you should pick organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar whenever possible. It should also be murky with a web-like appearance and the mother still intact to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.

Here’s what those terms actually mean and why you should pick organic, raw and unfiltered ACV whenever possible for the best apple cider vinegar benefits:

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

If your ACV is labeled as certified organic, it means that it’s free of genetically modified organisms and synthetic additives that can actually do more harm than good in terms of your health.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is unheated and unprocessed. This means that it still has the “mother” intact, which is a cluster of proteins, enzymes and beneficial bacteria often removed during processing. Consuming apple cider vinegar with mother intact ensures that you’re able to maximize the potential health benefits of this powerful ingredient.

Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar

For most apple cider vinegar uses, you’ll also want to go for unfiltered apple cider vinegar. When ACV is filtered, it removes the mother as well as any sediment, leaving behind a clear, amber vinegar.

Risks and Side Effects

Although apple cider vinegar consumption is healthy and safe for most people, consuming large amounts can lead to some negative effects on health. So what are the side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar everyday?

Some of the most common apple cider vinegar side effects include erosion of tooth enamel, burning of the throat or skin and decreased levels of potassium. Be sure to always dilute apple cider vinegar in water instead of drinking it straight to prevent negative side effects. You should also start with a low dose and work your way up to assess your tolerance.

If you’re taking blood sugar medications, talk to your doctor before using apple cider vinegar. Because ACV may help reduce blood sugar levels, you may need to modify your dosage of diabetes medications to prevent hypoglycemia symptoms.

Although there is limited research available on the effects of apple cider vinegar on bone loss, one case study did find that consuming large amounts caused low potassium levels and decreased bone formation due to the high acidity. Therefore, it’s important to keep intake in moderation and avoid consuming very high amounts to prevent negative side effects.

Finally, while there are a wide range of apple cider vinegar uses, it shouldn’t be viewed as a quick fix or cure when it comes to your health. Instead, it should be paired with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle to really see results and the best apple cider vinegar benefits.

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