Forget the days of kale or coconut oil (although both are great) and make room for apple cider vinegar in your kitchen. Apple Cider Vinegar, ACV, is a popular home remedy that has been used for centuries in cooking and homeopathic medicine. Known as a natural cure-all home remedy, ACV has various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Although studies are limited, there is evidence that suggests it could possibly offer a myriad of health benefits, from soothing sore throats to aiding in weight loss and digestive health. Yes, please!

What Exactly is Apple Cider Vinegar? 

Apple cider vinegar is a tonic made from crushed, fermented apples. It is made in a two-step process. First, the crushed apples are exposed to yeast which ferments the sugars and turns them into alcohol. Second, more yeast and bacteria are added, turning it into acetic acid — the main active compound in vinegar. The acetic acid is what gives vinegar its strong, sour taste and smell. The bacteria, which consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a cloudy appearance, is often called the mother because it is the catalyst that gives rise to the vinegar. The mother is also what is responsible for all of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. 

10 Benefits of Adding Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Daily Routine

1. Ease a sore throat: Research suggests that gargling with a mix of apple cider vinegar and salt is said to help soothe a sore throat by killing germs as it goes down.
2. Can help kill germs and bacteria: The acetic acid found in ACV is said to kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. 
3. Aids in weight loss: Studies suggest that ACV can increase feelings of fullness and help you eat fewer calories.
4. Reduces cholesterol: Due to the acetic acid, research shows a link that fruit-based vinegar may help prevent cardiovascular disease, especially clot formation. 
5. Lowers blood sugar: By lowering blood sugar levels, ACV can improve symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, including insulin sensitivity.
6. Natural disinfectant & preservative: The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar also make it a useful ingredient for disinfecting personal items like your toothbrush, dentures, or retainers.
7. May boost skin health: Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic and has antimicrobial properties that can help improve skin and acne.
8. Aids in digestion: ACV is used as a natural laxative and home remedy for mild constipation.
9. Freshens breath: Due to its antibacterial properties, rinse your mouth with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water after a meal.
10. Deodorant: For a natural alternative, apple cider vinegar may help reduce smelly body odor. However, you may smell like a salad.

3 Simple Ways to Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Daily Routine

1. Drink it. If you don't mind the sour vinegar taste, go for it. You can dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink it as tea or on the rocks. The typical ratio is from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water.

3. Eat it. Another way to get a healthy dose of ACV is to eat apple cider vinegar gummies. Check out Checkable's Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies are good for you, perfect for on-the-go, and offer all the great benefits of ACV without any harsh tastes or side effects.