Have you ever tried an Apple cider vinegar shot? I'll be the first to admit that I don't really like the way it tastes. When I do an Apple cider vinegar shot, I have to mix it with water and drink it while holding my nose. I'm not a fan! BUT from things I've read, Apple cider vinegar has a ton of health and wellness benefits.

After searching around the web, Apple cider vinegar has an impressive history. It has been used for both food and medicinal purposes for humans as well as their animals. In 5,000 B.C. the Babylonians fermented vinegar to use as preservatives. Ancient Egyptians couldn't get enough of vinegar, using it as an antiseptic and weight loss agent. In Greece, the substance was ingested to promote healing and reduce inflammation Ancient Romans used vinegar as a preventive medicines, for cooking,  and as an antiseptic for cleaning battle wounds. In Ancient China, it was said that even the poorest of the poor should have vinegar. As you can see, vinegar was - and is still - pretty important!

The benefits of Apple cider vinegar (also known as simply ACV) are endless. Apple cider vinegar has been regarded as a "cure-all" because it causes pH levels in the environment to turn alkaline in cases of too much acidity and more acidic in cases of too much alkalinity. It also has the added benefit of having anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties.

Considering all of its health benefits and its many uses throughout history, it's not surprising that today we use it for almost everything! Here are 17 benefits of Apple cider vinegar that you might find interesting! And like with anything else, make sure to consult your physician before using any supplements!

1. It helps you feel full. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a weight loss agent, helping you feel full, causing you to consume less calories and lose belly fat.
2. It can be used as a salad vinaigrette. Put on top of your favorite salad and rejoice knowing that what you are eating is significantly healthier than most salad dressings.
3. It can help lower blood sugar. Consuming vinegar after eating a high-carb meal can reduce blood sugar levels significantly. It can improve insulin sensitivity up to 34%.
4. You can clean with it. Mix 1/2 a cup of Apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water to create a natural, all-purpose cleaner. Please note, that although it is a great cleaning agent, I would leave the more harmful bacteria to bleach or commercial cleaning agents.
5. It can be used as a facial cleanser. Apple cider vinegar is said to reduce the signs of aging. Use equal parts water and Apple cider vinegar to create a face toner.
6. You can pour some in your bath. Add 1-2 cups of Apple cider vinegar to make your skin soft and reduce the signs of aging.
7. It may help get rid of fleas. Combine 1 part water and 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray your pets with them before going outside.
8. It can help ease PMS symptoms. Apple cider vinegar regulates clotting and the potassium and calcium can help ease menstrual cramps.
9. It can help you maintain a healthy pH level. It can help regulate your body's pH level which in turn will reduce inflammation and ward off disease.
10. It can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Apple cider vinegar helps break down fat in cells.
11. It is good for heart health. Apple cider vinegar can help lower triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels while raising good high-density lipoprotein levels.
12. It can fight heartburn. Apple cider vinegar can help neutralize stomach acid. Just one shot of ACV will do.
13. Use it to rinse fruits and vegetables before consumption. Get rid of any leftover dirt and bacteria on your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Rinse with water after rinsing with Apple cider vinegar.
14. It can help soothe sore throats. Mix water with Apple cider vinegar to create a rinse that can help ease the symptoms of a sore throat.
15. It can ease the symptoms of colds and flus. Mix with water, honey, cinnamon, lemon, and garlic to create a soothing tonic.
16. It can help kill fungal infections. Goodbye ringworm and athletes foot!
17. It can help with yeast infections. Add 1-2 cups of Apple cider vinegar to your bath to help maintain healthy pH levels.