Benefits & Risks Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is considered an important natural remedy. Many people consume it in foods, drink it diluted in water or juice, or use it topically applied to the skin. ACV contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine -- trace elements essential to a healthy diet. However, ACV also contains acetic acid, which can burn the esophagus and yellow the teeth if taken improperly. It's important to learn how to take ACV safely so that it can be most beneficial.

Weight Loss

Drinking two teaspoons of ACV in 8 to 10 ounces of water before each meal is thought to jump-start a weight-loss program. Others recommend sipping two teaspoons of ACV in 16 ounces of water slowly throughout the day. ACV is believed to rev up the metabolism to help the body burn more calories. Although many people believe that ACV helps promote weight loss, there is no scientific evidence that it works.

Body Odor and Bad Breath

Used undiluted on a cotton ball as an underarm deodorant, ACV reduces the pH of the skin and kills bacteria that cause odor. To fight foot odor, soak the feet in one-third cup ACV in a pan of warm water two to three times a week. To counteract bad breath, add a half-tablespoon to an 8-ounce glass of water and gargle for 10 seconds; repeat until the solution is gone.

Skin and Hair

ACV benefits acne sufferers who can apply a solution of one part ACV to three or four parts water directly to the skin with a cotton ball, and ten minutes later rinse with water. They should repeat this three times daily. If the acne is severe, the ACV may be left on the skin overnight. A rinse after a shampoo with two tablespoons to half a cup of ACV in one or two cups of water will bring out the hair's natural shine. More vinegar for long hair and less for short, leaving the solution on the hair for 15 minutes, and rinsing thoroughly with water will be beneficial. Used regularly, this treatment can help get rid of dandruff.

Gastrointestinal System

Whether you have constipation or diarrhea, adding two tablespoons ACV to an 8-ounce glass of water and drinking this three times daily seems to help regulate the gastrointestinal system. The pH in ACV helps balance the acidity of the stomach and colon. ACV contains pectin, which is a water-soluble fiber. The pectin content of ACV soothes the intestinal lining.

Risks and Side Effects

Because ACV is highly acidic, drinking it straight can cause dental enamel deterioration, resulting in a yellowish tint to the teeth and higher sensitivity to temperature extremes. Drinking undiluted ACV can also cause heartburn and will irritate the mouth and esophagus. Always dilute vinegar with water or juice, as suggested for each treatment. Vinegar has a distinctive sour flavor that not everyone can tolerate. You may want to sweeten the drink. If you want to add vinegar to your diet but don't like the taste, you may mix the ACV with juice or water sweetened with honey. ACV is also available in capsule form.