Apple cider vinegar is far from the most romantic superfood, especially if you opt to take it in liquid form. The natural fermentation that creates the vinegar or “sour wine,” as the French say, creates a pungent taste. Something called “acetic acid” gives it that strong flavor.

But this acid, along with a host of fermentation byproducts like gallic and caffeic acids, pectin, catechin, and other enzymes give apple cider vinegar its healthy effects. Its reputation as a superfood is well-earned and should give you a clue as to how invaluable this cocktail of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds could be for you during the coming months.

Apple cider vinegar can provide these 3 surprising health benefits every day, not just in the long-term.

 

1. Acid Reflux Treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those who experience acid reflux regularly know how essential it is to find a natural solution. OTC medications often come with warnings for extended use. Rather than burden yourself with side effects, taking apple cider vinegar could be the acid reflux solution you’ve been looking for.

Apple cider vinegar promotes healthy digestion with its antioxidant content. It may not be packed with vitamins like other superfoods, but it does contain compounds that can help fight heartburn.

Just remember that apple cider vinegar is super acidic, which can hurt your stomach and teeth if you take it too often without diluting it with something else.

 

2. Weight Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with improving digestion, apple cider vinegar can also help people manage their weight. This comes with improving your metabolism (the pectin has something to do with that), as well as lowering your blood sugar and insulin levels.

The acetic acid inside Apple cider vinegar has been shown to help you burn fat, reduce fat storage, and stop weight gain. The vinegar itself also helps suppress appetite.

If you find that your weight is not improving because of your appetite or metabolism, a little apple cider vinegar a day may help. Just remember that while it can help, apple cider vinegar is not a cure or treatment for diabetes.

 

3. Antibacterial

 

 

 

 

 

 

As an antibacterial, apple cider vinegar has a few hidden uses that may come in handy during the impending cold and flu season. Taking apple cider vinegar has been shown to soothe sore throats and clear out the bacteria that can cause infections.

Its highly acidic nature can also zap germs in your mouth to prevent or reduce halitosis (the scientific term for bad breath).

 

4. Additional Benefits

There are also a multitude of other health benefits derived from apple cider vinegar. ACV is also known to help detoxify the body, lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health.

How to take Apple Cider Vinegar

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I mentioned, taking a swig of vinegar undiluted can lead to wear and tear on your throat, teeth, and stomach because of the high acid content. For those who want to avoid the unpleasantness altogether, there are plenty of apple cider vinegar supplements readily available.

However, if you want to take it in liquid form to guarantee its organic content and buy it more cheaply, just remember to dilute it with something. Water works but does no favors to the taste. My recommendation would be mixing it with a juice you have on hand and maybe adding honey.

The honey is soothing as well as sweet. I find it cuts down on the harsh acidic effects of the vinegar while helping even more with a sore throat.

 

The Takeaway

Apple cider vinegar is a strange superfood because it feels more like a supplement. It’s definitely not the tastiest one around, but it packs some health benefits that very few can offer, such as all-natural relief from heartburn and high blood sugar.

If you take it as a supplement or diluted in something else, you can reap these surprising benefits from apple cider vinegar without worrying about any adverse effects from the acid. Give it a try next time your reach for an antacid to see if it’s a new must-have in your pantry, especially during flu season.