With its characteristic pale amber color, apple cider vinegar is an occasional ingredient used while cooking. Although the use of apple cider vinegar gives a sour-sweet flavor to your food, the taste of this liquid is not palatable on its own. However, when mixed with honey and water, its taste becomes palatable, and the mixture becomes quite a potent natural remedy for many ailments of your body, internal as well as external. Drinking apple cider vinegar to heal your body is not a new concept. In fact, it is one of the oldest home remedies, also known as folk remedies.

Apple cider vinegar is made by first crushing apples and then distilling the juice and fermenting it further. This gives it an acidic quality. Packed with potassium, acetic acid and natural minerals, apple cider vinegar aids in detoxification, weight loss, cholesterol control, acid reflux control, dandruff control and provides many other health benefits. While there are no proven scientific studies about the health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar, most of the claims are based on anecdotal evidence. It is, therefore, essential that you consult your doctor beforehand to understand its effectiveness before incorporating apple cider vinegar in your diet.

Lose weight: Drinking apple cider vinegar may help you to lose flab, especially around the abdominal area. Apple cider vinegar reduces sugar cravings and enables you to get a better control of your appetite so you do not reach out towards the dessert every time you see it. Your metabolism also receives a boost. Also, if you eat a high-carb meal and supplement it with the consumption of apple cider vinegar, you will consume fewer calories.

Detoxify your body: Drinking raw, organic apple cider can help to clear your body of toxins. Mix two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one glass of warm water, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one teaspoon of honey, a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon and one dash of cayenne pepper. Drink the solution regularly. This tonic will detoxify your liver and promote good bowel movement.

Cure hiccups: A very common home remedy for hiccups is to drink one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Do not have more than one teaspoon. If you can find, have a candy with apple cider vinegar-based flavor.

Reduce acid reflux: Acid reflux is caused when acid produced during digestion moves up through your food pipe. You can mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of warm water. Drink this solution five minutes prior to your meal. The enzymes, acetic acid, and probiotics in the vinegar will help alleviate the effects of acid reflux.

Gain probiotic energy: Lack of probiotics in the body can cause UTIs, yeast infection, bad breath, candida and digestive issues. Apple cider vinegar is rich in probiotic content and enzymes that aid the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body. In case you have candida or yeast infection, you will have to cleanse your body by drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Control blood sugar: Drinking apple cider vinegar has been known to control diabetes. Apple cider vinegar boosts insulin sensitivity, especially while consuming a high-carb meal. The consumption of vinegar lowers insulin response, and as a result, it brings down the blood sugar level as well. The levels of fasting sugars have been known to come down on a regular intake of apple cider vinegar.

Lower cholesterol: Although it has not been scientifically proven to be effective in humans, a review article published in May 2006 claims that apple cider vinegar has been found to reduce blood pressure levels in mice. It is contended that apple cider vinegar lowers cholesterol levels as well. These claims have been only made based on animal trials, and no confirmed results have been observed in human beings.

Balance pH levels: The acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar helps to regulate the pH levels of your body. A balanced pH level helps in lowering the risk of chronic ailments. Also, your immune system will receive a boost with balanced pH levels in your body. This will also prevent ailments such as osteoporosis, skin problems, ulcers and so on.

Reduce joint pain: Joint pain and other related ailments are caused due to inflammation of the joints. Drinking apple cider vinegar along with honey helps to alleviate joint inflammation naturally. This gives relief from joint pain. This is one of those remedies that can also be used as a home remedy for arthritis and other ailments related to the inflammation of joints.

Heal a sore throat: Drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water and honey gives relief from a sore throat and coughing. The antiseptic properties of vinegar and honey help beat infections and soothe irritation caused by a sore throat.