ACV is commonly in the following way:

• A culinary addition in food
• A refreshing drink
• Household cleaning
• Flea deterrent for pets

Apple cider vinegar is well known for having many benefits for the whole family that supports the healthy function of the body. It is a popular vinegar that can be used in dressings, marinades, refreshing beverages, pickling, dips and sauces.

So what are the beneficial nutrients within ACV? It contains acetic acid and may contain pectin, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. The Acetic acid can increase absorption of minerals from the food we eat, so the best time for a refreshing drink of ACV would be before you eat or alternatively on your food (it’s great on a salad!).

Scientific studies show that the acetic acid found in ACV has antiseptic effects, which means that it can reduce the growth of some common bacteria. These can be found in food (E. Coli), within the human digestive tract (C. albicans) and on the skin (S. aureus). Calcium is one of those minerals that we all need, and is particularly important for post-menopausal women. Drinking ACV with your meals (particularly with leafy greens and broccoli) may help keep your bones strong and healthy.

Our daily diet can easily end up being very acidic, from drinking a lot of coffee and alcohol and eating too much meat and carbohydrates. Smoking and high levels of stress can also be acid forming. These habits can lead to a body with unhealthy pH levels, leading to uncomfortable digestion and joints. A balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholefoods and water, is essential for ensuring a healthy digestive tract and musculoskeletal system. ACV can be a saviour for those times when our body needs additional support for the normal function of our digestive system and to assist with the body’s natural muscle and bone health.

ACV also has properties that can restore wellness within the endocrine system – that’s the body system that regulates our hormones, which are responsible not only for our metabolism, but also regulates things like our reproduction, growth and development, sleep and our moods. Scientific research has also shown that ACV has numerous benefits for lowering blood sugar and insulin levels in insulin resistant participants.

Applying ACV to the skin can be used as an antiseptic. Application with a damp, warm cloth once to twice a day can be suitable for retaining overall skin health.

And let’s not forget that apple cider vinegar has a long history of being used within the home as a disinfectant for household cleaning and has been used to deter fleas from pets by putting a small amount in their drinking water each day.