Apple Cider Vinegar
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar

3 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  67%
3 star (1) 
  33%

Posted by Juli (Socorro, NM) on 03/17/2008
★★★★★

...a tip about acv: if you buy the expensive mother vinegar, save a couple of tablespoons and pour it into a gallon of the cheap store brand. Soon, the cheap stuff will be growing the mother, and you will have a re-usable, active culture very much like a sponge for making bread.

EC: Organic and unpastuerized ACV with the mother seems to be popular with people in the United States, but there are many, many more to try. We suggest you try them all and see which one your body responds best to. We do not suggest drinking acv bought at the grocery store EXCEPT in the event of food poisoning. We have no validating studies to back this up, but we think grocery brands like Heinz are far more acidic and as such can kill off the bacteria causing the poisoning more quickly. Well, that's our experience at any rate. Read more about food poisoning and acv here.

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Replied by Aseem
(New York, NY)
06/01/2008

Hi how are you? my wife and me live in Manhattan, NY. its virtually impossible for us to get unpasteurised acv. the only product we've been using since years is Heinz. just cant procure pure organic undistilled acv in the city. any other brand alternatives suggested? ive been having 2tblsp acv with 2tblspn honey in a glass of water first thing in the morning. 2tblspn of acv only in a little water with each meal since 1996. had cut my finger once and immed poured raw honey on it, within 20 seconds the bleeding stoppped and there are no scars. Thanks to whoever first understood the value of these two natural wonders!

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Replied by Lisa
(Brooklyn, NY)
06/15/2008

You should be able to find organic unpasteurized ACV at any health food store, Whole Foods, etc in NYC. I've most commonly seen the brands "_____" with a yellow label and "Eden" with a dark blue/green label. I just bought a bottle last night.

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Replied by LaToya
(New York, New York)
01/10/2009

There are several Whole Foods Markets in the city. They sell the good ACV. You can find the closest store at www.wholefoods.com

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Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
01/11/2009
490 posts

Hello Latoya,

I don't buy the cheap distilled vinegar for any use, but I do buy a gallon of ACV at Save-a-Lot for about $2/gallon. If you keep it around long enough it grows plenty of mother without any help from the expensive _____ stuff. It works fine for me and has been for years now. I cook, clean, drink, and make medicine with it. At that price, I can afford to keep nothing but ACV and I always have it on hand for whatever I want to use it for, including cleaning my coffee pot periodically.


Breast Reduction

1 User Review
1 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Mel (Passaic, Nj) on 02/06/2010
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Hi,

I'm 26 yrs old. I had originally (last year) used acv when the doses were 2 tbsp in water at one shot. After a month, my boobs shrank a whole cup size, but I was still not overall thinner. Beware! I'm still afraid to take it now as the doses have changed. I think they grew back now though, because I took some dong quai and damiana (which I read increases them).


Broad Benefits

133 User Reviews
5 star (128) 
  96%
4 star (1) 
  1%
3 star (3) 
  2%
1 star (1) 
  1%

Posted by Lidia (Pennsylvania) on 05/19/2017
★★★★★

I started two days ago with ACV a regular bottle by Red & Rose my results starting with a serious rash that hospital thought was a viral infection that was draining me dry. Since I started ACV, I realized I was drinking too much - 1oz in 8oz glass of water. I wanted to dance it made me feel alive again, my mood changed from miserable to extremely happy. My rash is clearing up, and I'm full of energy, I love it! It pumps me up so much my husband tells me to sit down already you've done enough. Lol it also increased sex drive. Now the headaches I've always suffered from I still get and my lymph nodes are still swollen any remedies for that?


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Posted by Awesome Nana (Chicago, Il) on 10/09/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been using Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for 20 months. My mixture is slightly different - 2 TBL ACV, 1 heaping TBL of Organic Honey & 1.5 C of filtered water heated to melt the honey.

The results are amazing! I no longer need allergy medicine, my knuckles are normal again & not swollen from arthritis, my hiatal hernia is under control, my eye pressure from border line glaucoma dropped from 19 to 15, and best of all, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma last year and even though 1 mass was 2.2 cm & the other was 1.5 cm my sentinel lymph nodes were clear!

If I start to feel a cold or sinus problems starting I drink the mixture 3 times a day instead of once in the AM before eating.

I am a true believer in this remedy!


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Posted by Gina Marie (California ) on 04/01/2016
★★★★★

Raw apple cider vinegar with the mother. I start with 2 tbsp of ACV and 1tsp of raw honey in a cup of hot water. I drink 3-4 cups a day, daily.

This decreases inflammation, pain and you can lose weight. Lowers your cholesterol. Boost your immune system, and flushes your kidneys....etc...


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Posted by Esther (Texas) on 05/05/2014
★★★★★

I've heard about ACV health benefits about 2 weeks ago; and after doing research about the healing power of ACV, I started taking it. In a matter of less than a week, I feel great relief from pains I use to feel on and off with my insides. I used to feel pain on my knees, and it's gone. I also felt some pains in my heart and that is gone, too. I also don't feel hungry at night anymore like I used to. I am feeling good at 66 yrs old. Before I started with ACV, I've changed my way of eating already-- I do juicing, eat salads and fruits, some fish and lean meat and chicken, stopped eating wheat products, sugar laden foods. I've also changed my sleeping habits and been getting at least 7 hours at the most of sleep, which helps a lot.

But when I added ACV in my health regimen, totally all the pain I suffered from in my lifetime seems to disappear. I drink warm water with lemon in the morning; then after 30 minutes, I follow it with a glass of water, raw honey and unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar and has some of my veggie/fruit/seeds fresh juice.

I've noticed that my BP has been controlled. I'm hoping that it will show lower readings in the months ahead with ACV intakes. I take it 2 to 3 times a day, sometimes a tablespoon of it followed by drinking water. As early as two weeks of taking ACV, I can feel a big change and difference in my body fully enhanced by ACV. I do some moderate treadmill workouts; but the real promise of good health is really from nutrition. It is true that we are what we eat. If I am mindful of what I put in my body, there's a chance I may not need any medications in the later years of my life. I don't take any prescription meds at all except my herbal sleep aid. I may not use it anymore either, as I've read ACV can help with sleep also. A miracle cure that I did not realize I have in my pantry!

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Replied by Lalaland
(Los Angeles, CA)
02/09/2015

Thanks so much for your post! It's inspiring--so I am going to try this!

Also wanted to say that what has helped me regarding sleep is to take plenty of magnesium [I believe one is supposed to take 5x body weight, also make sure you take the right form, magnesium glycinate, and NOT magnesium OXIDE]. Also, I use that same herbal remedy -- Deep Sleep -- I take in a liquid tincture and it really works!


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Posted by Rama (Bangalore India) on 08/08/2013
★★★★★

I have been reading everything in this site for quite some time. And I have also read many people enquiring about the benefits of using Filtered, clear, ACV like the one from American Garden, for in India, we only findthis type of ACV, and the other one is the same type from Heinz, which more expensive than the American Garden.

I have also read elsewhere, that it doesn't really matter whether it is filtered or raw, the benefits would be more or less the same.

I have been using 1 and half tsp to 2 tsps daily three times a day before my meals. I found it went well with watery butter milk, for I could not like the taste of it with any other liquids. So I have 1 glass of thin, low fat butter milk three times a day before each meal with 2 tsps of ACV, I have not started to add the baking soda, but can add it if it is supposed to be more beneficial. I am using ACV for various reasons, for my weight loss (because of my menopause), my hair, my skin, and for one or two side effects of menopause. I have been using American Garden's all natural ACV(it does not have the mother) for the last two months without any side effects. But I have not lost weight, which I know will take time, but I have noticed my skin glowing(people have complemented me), the pigmentation marks are slowly fading, my hair is improving, my dry eyes are feeling lot better etc. So all good things only. I also drink it with a straw.

Another thing I noticed is that instead of feeling full, I feel like having something to eat at other times, but not during the meal times. I am also a fitness instructor and love exercising, I do exercise for minimum2 to 2 and half hours, not in one stretch, but in a day. And I exercise 5 days in a week. I know, that too much exercise also will trigger some hormones which might defeat my purpose to lose weight for intead of losing weight I would only be putting on weight or might just remain the same, but I just love exercising.

So tell me does it really make a big difference whether ones uses alll natural American Garden ACV or only Braggs raw ACV? And making this at home is a big hassle. I would request you to post your reply to my email: rama.ananth (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thank you very much.

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Replied by Karen S
(Canada)
10/22/2013

It matters very much if the "mother" is with the vinegar, I'm afraid. I know that even using clear Apple Cider Vinegar will still give you a nice complexion. However, the amazing wonderous enzymes that exist in the "mother" are what heals us. Maybe that's why they call it that.

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Replied by Rosie Q.
(Santa Cruz Ca)
12/30/2013
★★★★★

I just wanted to share this little bit of info in case anyone else has a similar experience.

One year ago when my roommates were swearing by ACV as a cure all I figured what the heck- so I tried it and immediately got a TERRIBLE headache and some itchiness on my forearms, I was devastated and thought I was deathly allergic to this liquid that I had high hopes for.

Rhe next time I went and saw my acupuncturist he randomly recommended I try Apple Cider Vinegar and I told him I couldn't because I was allergic to it. He let me know that what I was experiencing was a detox sign and that it was actually a good thing. I was still quite scared of it but eventually (maybe a month later) tried it again out of desperation.

This time I drank it and had a mild headache but within 2 days noticed my sinuses clearing up, better sleep at night, and more energy during the day. (and no crazy itchiness on my forearm! )

Today I drink it all day long, I no longer need to dilute it in juice, I just drink it with water, stevia and lemon. I love the energy it gives me and I literally CRAVE it now, I very rarely drink plain water- just this and fresh juice.

The Apple Cider Vinegar along with dietary changes has helped with a number of issues, such as PCOS, allergies, acne, low energy and poor sleep to name a few. - I actually use it as a toner for my acne too- I mix water lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar together in a bottle and put it on a cotton pad which I wipe my face with, this is going to sound weird, I use it as a deodorant (cotton ball, and add lime if you have some) and hair conditioner also. (you can find amazing tonic recipes online for rosemary and thyme and Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinses- yummy) and to think the first time I used it I thought I was allergic! I love this stuff geez I even clean with it sometimes, the list goes on!

I wanted anyone on here to know, that if you have a bad experience with it the first time, to not give up hope. maybe try it again later if you feel up to it. ` peace and love`

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Replied by Cat
(Austin, Tx)
02/05/2016

Comment on 'lovin the buttermilk but not losing weight'

Rama - I noticed you said you can't lose weight despite the fact that you are a fitness person. Suggestion: Eat full fat buttermilk or not at all -- better for you because of more nutrients! But, you may possibly have a milk intolerance (many people from your part of the world do) and your body protects you by keeping you full of fluids (food sensitivities can do this). I suggest going a week with no milk products (ice cream, cheese, milk & buttermilk...) and see if that makes a difference. OR, perhaps your body is getting too many carbs from the usual sources (rice, wheat, corn...) Remember this: It is not fat that makes us fat but way too many carbohydrates. Lower your carbs just for 1 week to between 70-100 a day and see how you feel and if your weight recedes. If it does, you have your culprit! Tally your carbs on-line or get a good carb-counting book. Love & Happiness...CAT

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Replied by Marie
(Seattle)
11/18/2018

Hi, it sounds like the vinegar you're using is working well. But if you can find raw apple cider vinegar I'd also try that. If not, go with what you can find! ;


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Posted by Shari (Cumberland, Va) on 03/16/2012

I want to thank everyone for this site. I just discovered it last week and it is great. I started using ACV and I already see a big difference. My sinuses are better after being awful for over 20 yrs. I have had other symptoms no one could figure out and they haven't returned yet. I am so very thankful to God an to all who help this site. I read lots on this site now. I am telling lots of people about it to.

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Replied by Tlynn
(Al.)
09/16/2017

I love this site sooo much! I found it accidentally or by way of heaven, I have had A C V in my cabinet for months without using it. However I want to live a healthier life. All the comments/testimonies have made me a believer. with all the medical lawsuits surrounding pharmaceutical recalls along with my last trip to the dr, I will not be using conventional meds.


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Posted by Diana (Norfolk, Virginia) on 12/07/2011
★★★★★

I'm a 45 year old female, and have been taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar after breakfast and dinner for over a week now, and it seems to be helping with fluid retention ( keeping the fluids, not getting rid of them ) which seems to be helping the sinus pain from inflammation, which NOTHING was helping. And it's DEFINITELY helping with the heart burn-like stomach pains that kept me from sleeping. I pour it in a small measuring cup and nock it back like a shot of tequila. Not my favorite flavor, and it burns a slight bit going down, but after that, I'm a happy, painless camper! I haven't noticed any other benefits yet, but I haven't been looking out for any. For my two main concerns, I'm a convert and true believer!

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Replied by Kelli
(Demotte, In)
06/29/2016

I just wanted to add that I also, "take it like a shot of tequila" except that I follow it with a small juice chaser! Orange or any flavor of juice (mixed berry is my fave! ) but it helps with the taste and the "burn." I have been drinking it off and on for over 2 years now and I too, have also had a general "better all over" feeling after doing so. More energy and just better.


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Posted by Muhammad Khalid (Karachi, Pakistan) on 11/25/2011

BLOOD PRESSURE:

The potassium in ACV along with other substances makes the blood thinner and is helpful in controlling blood pressure.

CHOLESTEROL CONTROL:

Many heart attacks are caused by high fats and cholesterol in your blood. The fiber in ACV helps to absorb fats and cholesterol by expelling them from the body as waste materials.

DIABETES:

The dietary fiber in ACV is also helpful in controlling glucose levels in the blood.

ARTHRITIC PAINS:

Many suffer from this disease in the west and it is caused by the gathering of metabolic toxic waste in the tissues. In this context, ACV speeds up metabolism and excretes the toxic wastes from the tissues.

STRONG BONES:

Minerals like manganese, calcium, magnesium, silicon and iron develop bone mass and make them stronger.

YEAST INFECTIONS:

ACV is also useful for yeast infections like Candida caused by the unbalance of acid levels in the body. Making a solution of ACV in warm water and douching can help with the symptoms.

CHEST CONGESTION:

Apple cider vinegar is also useful in flu or chest congestion. Applying ACV with pepper on the chest can help relieve some of the congestion.

SORE THROAT:

If you have a sore throat, gargle with ACV mixed with water.

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Replied by Tim
(Pittsfield, Ma)
01/28/2012
★★★★★

I had real bad acid reflux and heartburn I was taking two prilosec otc tabs a day! But still had that gnawing little pain rigth below the esophagus.. Then I tried ACV 4tbls a day mixed with water cured it all!! No more prilosec!!! AVC also cured my athletes feet and kept my feet much dryer. I'm a true believer!!

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Replied by Anon
(Anon)
10/10/2017

There really does not seem to be any "fiber" to speak of in ACV.


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Posted by Christine (Perth, West Australia) on 10/19/2011

In Sept, my husband found that he had 3 bladder stones 3mm, 7mm & 14mm. He immediately started drinking diluted lemon juice daily - half a lemon.

This month we went to Singapore & on the 11th bought Heinz ACV as he passed some reddish urine. Shortly after drinking about a capful with some water, we were truly amazed that he passed a small stone - like a crystal with a bit of pain. On the 14th two more stones and on the the 15th, 3 stones at one go and then a larger one later on the day all without pain. We don't know if there are still any more stones present. My husband was also diagnosed with diabetes and was prescribed with Diabex. After cutting out all soft drinks, beer & sugar his readings in 10 days dropped from 13 to 6 points - he was having the lemon juice daily. He had bad side effects with the Diabex and stopped it completely. He is in his sixties.

I too drank half a capful of Heinz vinegar and found there was a lot of pus coming out of my gums. In Perth, I used to sporadically have half a capful of Cornwall's vinegar with a tablespoon of water followed by more water, as the genuine ACV was too strong for me. I didn't find anything happening to my gums but my jeans would get very loose overnight. The same thing would happen if I took a tiny amount of virgin coconut oil on a bit of bread and also if I took a grain of coarse sea salt, let it dissolve on my tongue and then drink more water (my pants would fall below my hips). My problem is that I have never done things regularly.

Many years ago, I had read about the acv, coconut oil, salt etc. But I used to take the quantities specified by other people and would feel terrible pressure in my head and stopped. In 09, I started taking very tiny amounts and found that I had no problems. Coconut oil has helped my mother with heart burn.

One bad thing that occurred was stupidly swishing my mouth with ACV - something that I had read on another site and it corroded half my tooth!!


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Posted by Violeta (Skopje, Macedonia) on 09/22/2011
★★★★★

Just to Share my experience with Apple Vinegar.

* My 8 year old son got eczema on his bought hands. I didn't try anything else so I went direct to Earth clinic web site as usually. I sprayed ACV without solution on his hands. Yes, it does burn at first, but this pain goes quickly. But he did it. In two days the eczema is completely gone from his hands.

* I used ACV for my cystitis. It was a difficult, with pain and blood. I couldn't walk, work from pain. The next day after ACV I felt healthy, I could work and be normal. I felt still some pain but the pain was not killing pain. The second day the pain is gone. The next month I had a pain to hold the urine longer. So I was running immediately to toilet because of this pain. After this month I have no any kind of pain.

* My son got some bacteria in his bladder. That made him to go to the toilet every minute but there was nothing to urine. With ACV is supper.

* I am using ACV as a cosmetic, lotion for may face skin. After ACV I put on my face skin coconut oil. ACV make the skin whiter and smooth.

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Replied by Jethmal
(Hyderabad, India)
07/02/2015

While applying ACV on skin directly shall it be diluted with water before applying on skin or can it be applied in concentrated form? It is strong acetic acid.

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Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
07/02/2015

Dear Jethmal,

I usually dilute Apple Cider Vinegar when I use it on my skin, although for bug bites, I have used it straight.

Generally though, I dilute it half and half with water.

For sensitive skin areas, small children or babies, I use 1 Tablespoon per cup of water.

~Mama to Many~

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Replied by Anon
(Anon)
10/10/2017

I never dilute it. I scrub my face with baking soda and then rinse with vinegar. My face is pink for a day. LOL! Out darn freckles!

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Nanie
(UK)
09/11/2023

Please don't use undiluted apple cider vinegar on your face. It can ruin your skin barrier. Mix it with bentonite clay or just use a regular chemical exfoliant!


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Posted by Otterley (West Palm Beach, Fl, Usa) on 09/05/2011
★★★★★

I'm HIV positive and I juice once a day every other day through the week.. This past week I juiced 1 Beet, a small bowl of Kale, and 2-3 Carrots, and some ginger root. I then add almost a half cup of organic Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV cuts out the earthiness of it all. (I've read some studies that say ACV can even lower HIV viral loads! I also LOVE about 3-4 tablespoons of ACV in a nice big cold glass of water.. SO good.. ~

ACV also protects against food poisoning.. I remember my grandmother telling me she knew a man growing up who would take a teaspoon of ACV before every meal. Remembering that, one night not to long ago I was out having a calamari appetizer. It tasted a little funny so I spit it right out. Then I told the waiter to bring me some vinegar as soon as he could.. I then took a teaspoon.. I've had food poisoning from seafood before.. And don't want it ever again.. It's not pretty! Lol


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Posted by Xavier (Queens, Ny) on 08/28/2011
★★★★★

ACV is a great weight loss treatment. Don't expect the weight to fall off right away. You still have to eat right and get the exercise in. ACV does help on warts and boils. Take it internally and externally for best results. a little tumeric, oregano oil and tea tree oil does wonders as well.

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Replied by Carolie
(Vancouver, Wa)
08/06/2013

What are the ratios of Avc to water?


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Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 05/17/2011

Stacey - The organic brand does taste different than the regular "H's" brand. The organic brand has a lighter flavor and by comparison, you'll find it tastes a little like white wine.

I loved all types of vinegar before I ever stumbled across this site (I could swig it right from the bottle if I had to... haha), and already had four different types in my pantry.

I actually prefer the taste of the stronger, non-organic ACV and strangely enough, it worked better for me in lowering my blood pressure than the organic did. Weird.

When I switched from regular ACV to the organic, my BP went back up. Guess it just depends on our individual systems.



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