The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
By: Mary Grace Fries
Hello health enthusiasts of Marquette!
Like many people these days, you may be wondering, “What’s the big deal about this apple cider vinegar fad that has emerged recently? It smells terrible and tastes even worse.”
Well, my friends, I cannot deny the horrid taste and stench, but if you can get past it, you are likely to benefit from at least one of the various positive impacts apple cider vinegar (ACV) can have on the body.
I went on my first ACV kick my senior year of high school. My younger sister and I grew up having extremely bad fall and spring allergies (some people would mistake my sister’s swollen eyes for double pink eye). After ruling out numerous ineffective pharmaceutical options, our mom looked up a few natural remedies, and her research showed that ACV produced the most consistent results. We then tried it out ourselves, and I have taken ACV as an allergy reliever ever since.
Once I started taking ACV daily, I began hearing how many other friends were benefiting from this product as well. I learned more and more about the wonders of ACV, which led me to become a loyal consumer.
Possible health advantages from ingesting ACV are:
- Relieves symptoms of acid reflux
- Soothes sore throat and cough — mix ACV with water and honey
- Regulates blood sugar levels, which is proving to be particularly beneficial to people with Type 2 Diabetes
- Boosts metabolism
- Cleans/whitens teeth
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Reduces allergy symptoms
Topical treatments or external uses of ACV include:
- Treating skin infections — great for getting rid of warts! I had one last year that I tried to remove with medicated Band-Aids for a few months and saw no results. A friend then suggested to dampen a cotton ball with ACV and tape it over my wart at night. Within four nights, my wart fell off, and I haven’t had any problems since.
- Anti-itching remedy for mosquito bites
- Home cleaner for mold (but DON’T mix it with bleach or ammonia because it can become toxic)
It is important to note that the special ingredient of ACV that gives it these numerous benefits is called the “Mother.” Be sure to check for this on the label when picking out the product at your local grocery store. I personally have not found that one brand is more effective than others, so I just buy the cheapest bottle.
Drinking ACV isn’t always pleasant. It is bitter and has a potent smell. I used to mix it with juice in the morning to get my daily dosage, but now I prefer to dilute it with water because it’s better for your teeth. I usually pour just enough ACV to cover the bottom of a standard sized cup and then fill the rest of the glass about halfway with water. If you like exact measurements, 1–2 tablespoons is sufficient.
A practical, tasty way to consume apple cider vinegar is through salad dressing. Here is a special recipe a close MU friend of mine, Kelly Walsh, shared with me. Happy tasting!

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing:
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
**Add extra salt and pepper for more flavor
Resources:
https://draxe.com/apple-cider-vinegar-uses/
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: @MUMEDICALCLINIC
Twitter: @MU_MedClinic
Instagram: @MU_WELLNESSPEERS
Email: wellnesspeers@mu.edu