It’s white vinegar’s better, more useful cousin; it has tea tree oil pipped to the post in terms of the sheer number of uses.

As far as fascinating foodstuffs go you’d likely surpass Apple Cider vinegar as a fairly innocuous substance.

Yet make no mistake, this is one substance that is not to be underestimated and here we fill you in on more than a fair share of fascinating facts, as well as insight into the array of health benefits that Apple Cider vinegar provides; we then complete our 101 guide by finishing off with a collection of super simplistic recipes that harness all that Apple Cider vinegar has to offer.

Starting with the basics: What is Apple Cider vinegar?

Apple Cider vinegar is simply a form of vinegar that has been created from either cider or an apple must. It’s clear and of a colour that can be said to almost mimic the hue of apple juice, although organic types can be considerably cloudy.

Fascinating facts that will make you re-think Apple Cider vinegar

1. Apple Cider vinegar is ideal for ridding your fruit and veg from those many pesticides

Today our fruit and veg is covered in more chemicals and pesticides than ever before. To wash down your food, and eradicate those pesticides, you should try an Apple Cider vinegar wash. The mix for this is simply 10% Apple cider vinegar, 90% cold water.

2. Untidy house? Apple cider is a seriously effective cleaner

Apple Cider vinegar is simply one of the most effective natural cleaning options there is; not only does it leave your kitchen surfaces looking super sparkly, bit its antimicrobial properties also means that it’s great for killing even the most serious of germs (including E. coli!).

3. Messy garden? Forget the shop bought weed killer – you want Apple Cider vinegar

You’d probably think that shop purchased weed killers would be the strongest, most effective contender for killing off those weeds that have a habit of clinging onto life season after season. However you could well be wrong, as Apple Cider vinegar has been shown to provide results that are just as good, if not better, than industry leading weed killers. Here’s the recipe, in case you want to try it out (do note however that this mix doesn’t include water, and adding it will only make the recipe less effective).

- 10% Apple Cider vinegar

- 1 Oz of orange oil

- 1 Teaspoon of liquid soap

4. Ladies: Apple Cider vinegar should form part of your beauty regime

Apple cider vinegar may well be more aptly found within your make-up bag than next to the microwave. It helps with everything from fresh breath to super shiny hair (more on all of this later).

5. It has AMAZING health benefits

Apple Cider vinegar is probably the most underestimated of products that can be found within the humble pantry. In the next section we enlighten you as to just how many health issues Apple Cider vinegar has been consumed to overcome.

Apple Cider vinegar: Enlightening health benefits

Asides from adding a splash of flavour to the most mundane of dishes, Apple Cider vinegar also delivers an array of health benefits. So many in fact, that it could rightly be considered as a wonder food.

1. Unhappy tummy? Apple Cider vinegar is the answer

If you’re suffering from the effects of continual trips to the bathroom and a decidedly dicky tummy, then you have just discovered the most effective home ready yet.

Mix up one to two teaspoons of the stuff with water and simply await this wonder liquid’s soothing antibiotic effects.

2. Sore throat? Opt for the bacterial beating qualities of Apple Cider vinegar

As we’ve already discovered, Apple Cider vinegar is highly acidic and germs simply hate acidic environments. So whenever you’re feeling under the weather, a tickly cough coming on or feeling the effects of an aching throat, plump for a gargle or two of cider vinegar mixed up with warm water – a mix that should contain half measures of each.

3. Need to control blood sugar? Apple Cider does that too!

There’s plenty of evidence to show that Apple Cider vinegar can help to control blood sugar – which is great news for those who want to drive down the risk of diabetes and heart disease (unfortunately however, if you’re coupling your Apple Cider vinegar with chips then it may not be such a helpful addition for your heart health).

4. It can help you lose weight (but you should be well informed if you choose to use Apple Cider vinegar tablets)

Apple Cider vinegar has long since been regarded as something that can aid slimming. Many argue that the science behind this that it brings about the feeling of being fully satisfied after eating a meal, whilst others say that it is the acid within the vinegar that increases metabolism whilst reducing water retention (two elements that are considered the Holy Grail of slimming).

However if you do choose to trial this slimming aid out, you should be aware that Apple Cider vinegar tablets are subject to only lax regulation and many experts argue that such brands lack significant content, or are missing the scientific research, to back-up their claims of helping with weight loss.

5. Hiccups – It turns out there is a cure for them after all!

Hiccups have long since baffled scientists as to just what causes them and whilst we can’t provide any help for them, we can provide a top tip for those suffering from the annoyance of hiccups: Apple Cider vinegar. Some believe that it’s the strong taste that shocks the body into hiccup silence, others say that it replaces the messages being sent to our brains that tell the body to hiccup. Whatever the case, it’s likely worth a shot when you can’t stop hic, hic hiccupping.

6. Forget feeling the burn – Sip upon Apple Cider vinegar before a meal

For those who suffer from indigestion the prospect of eating just what they fancy, rather than what is safely fire free, is usually out of bounds. However there’s plenty of research that shows Apple cider vinegar to be of great help if a teaspoon within a glass of water is sipped upon around half an hour before eating.

7. Tackle acne with the help of a naturally occurring exfoliator

Those with acne often try a million and one ‘Wonder solutions’, which each have little effect upon their skin condition. However few know of the power of Apple Cider vinegar, and most notably its antibacterial qualities, which can both kill off the germs that contribute to acne.

What’s more the malic and lactic acids within the vinegar also goes on to exfoliate your skin from the inside out – clever stuff, right?

8. Feeling tired? Yup, you guessed it – Apple Cider vinegar can also help with that, too!

They say that exercise is the ultimate energy booster. Well, whoever said that obviously wasn’t aware of just how badly the body can feel fatigue if lactic acid is allowed to build up within our muscles (this effect can also be seen when we’re under plenty of pressure). However, Apple Cider vinegar has the answer. Most specifically the amino acids within the vinegar redresses the balance of lactic acid within the body.

9. Random leg spasm and cramps at night? Apple Cider comes to the rescue

Not only can Apple Cider vinegar help with the spasms that are often associated with stomach conditions such as IBS, it can also help with leg cramps that are experienced at night. These spasms, which are generally down to low levels of potassium, can be rebalanced by a mix of one tablespoon of Apple Cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey added to warm water.

10. Feeling a little battered and bruised? Apply Apple Cider vinegar

Last but not least is another application for Apple Cider vinegar – the fading of bruises and the treatment of inflamed areas. Simply apply to a cool cloth and dab the area. Hey presto! A bruise that fades in no time at all.

6 Incredible beauty uses for Apple Cider vinegar

So now that you know that Apple Cider vinegar makes you healthier, we’re about to also enlighten you as to how it can also make you a whole lot more beautiful. Check out these 6 incredible beauty applications.

1. Apple Cider vinegar can whiten your teeth

You can chuck that mouth wash out right now – Apple Cider vinegar is really effective at removing even the most stubborn of stains upon your teeth (it’s also great for bad breath, too, another health bonus of this wonder liquid).

2. Couple it up with a clay face mask and look forward to a de-tox facial treatment like no other

Because of the anti-oxidant qualities of Apple Cider vinegar, when you mix it with a pore working clay mask you get results that even the most expensive of spa treatments could rival. This applies equally to general bathing, where a drop or two of this beauty elixir can help work the toxins out of your skin.

3. Apple Cider vinegar can replace your expensive toner – and it can treat conditions such as Psoriasis

In addition to being a favourite of acne sufferers Apple Cider vinegar also serves as an effective toner (simply add to a cotton pad and sweep over your skin). This little known beauty trick is even used by the likes of Scarlett Johansen (now there’s a celebrity endorsement if ever we heard one!).

4. Treat sunburn and sooth your red raw skin

Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities Apple Cider vinegar is ideal for treating the painful aftereffects of spending too much time out in the sun.

5. Apple cider vinegar may be pretty strong smelling, but when added to the armpits it can leave the wearer smelling nothing but fresh

Not only can Apple Cider overcome stinky breath, it can also neutralise stinky arm pits.

6. Give your feet a treat with an Apple Cider vinegar foot soak

Swollen feet from standing all day? Aching soles from hitting the treadmill? An Apple Cider vinegar foot soak can provide instantaneous “Ahhhhh” when added to a warm foot soak.

5 Fresh recipes for making the most of Apple Cider vinegar

As if you’re not going to be busy enough with transforming your beauty and health regime with the help of a singular bottle of Apple Cider vinegar, but now we’re about to add to your To-Do list with a collection of delicious recipes where your Apple Cider vinegar fix can be gotten.

1. Immunity boosting tea

This recipe is ideal for those who may face seasonal slowdowns and catch just about any winter bug going. What’s more it can be knocked up in about five minutes flat.

Ingredients

- 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider vinegar

- 1 cup of green tea

- A dash of lemon juice

- 1 or 2 drops of honey

- 1 slice of ginger

- A sprinkling of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the tea first, allowing to rest for around two minutes.

2. Remove the tea bag and add all of the ingredients (add the ginger last, if you don’t want the ginger to be too strong).

3. Remove the ginger and enjoy!

2. Dressing/Dipping/Soup Swirling

This recipe is super flexible and can be used to make a swirl upon your soap, to have bread dipped into or to be poured over your salad; it’s also a recipe that is ideal for those who are on a weight loss regime, as its low fat. This mix makes around two thirds of a cup.

Ingredients

- ½ Cup of virgin olive oil

- 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider vinegar

- 3-4 drops liquid of sweetener

- A pinch of salt

- ¼ Teaspoon of black pepper

- ¼ Pinch of chopped red pepper

- ½ Small clove of grated garlic

Instructions

1. Mix the ingredients together with a whisk.

2. Pour into a container and serve immediately or store within the refrigerator

3. Apple cider and the best Vegan mayo you’ve ever tasted

A vegan diet is far from one without food for savouring, however the task of recreating vegan versions of dairy or meat based foods can present somewhat of a challenge in terms of both consistency and flavour. One such item is that of Mayonnaise – so here’s the perfect recipe, from One Green Planet, for a sumptuous homemade vegan mayo that is as kind to the animal world as it is delicious for us humans.

Ingredients

½ Cup of organic almond milk

½ Teaspoon of sea salt (Or less if you prefer)

1 Teaspoon of mustard

1 ½ Teaspoons of garlic powder

2 Teaspoons of Apple Cider vinegar

2 Teaspoons of coconut nectar

1 Cup of organic olive oil

Instructions

1. Slowly blend together the almond milk, salt, mustard, garlic, vinegar and coconut.

2. After a short mix, remove the middle section of the blender’s lid to add in the olive oil (the blender should still be running).

3. Continue to blend with the lid back on until the mayo thickens and takes on a creamy appearance.

In addition to creating this zesty mayo, Apple Cider vinegar can also work wonders upon an array of other vegan dishes, including dressing up spicy lentil salads, adding a kick to a kale salad and providing a surprise tang to meat-free-loaf.

4. A Cranberry Cocktail with a Zesty Twist

This recipe is a great alcoholic twist on a classic cocktail, and whilst you may feel ever so slightly bad for consuming spirits on a health kick or diet, you do still get the anti-oxidant benefits of both the Apple Cider vinegar, as well as the cranberries (which will be useful come the morning if you drink one too many of these!).

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons of Cranberry Juice

1 ½ Cup of Water

1/4 Cup of your favourite spirit (Vodka and Gin go particularly well)

2 Tablespoons of maple syrup

Instructions

Simply mix up all of the ingredients, sit back and sup up! What could be easier?

5. A full on, no holds barred Detox drink

This recipe mixes together plenty of well know super foods into a single drink for all-the-way detox power.

Ingredients

Apple Cider vinegar

Lemon juice

Cinnamon

Cayenne pepper

Instructions

Again, this is another simple drink – just put the ingredients together, stir well and enjoy!

Apple Cider vinegar bonus tip: Food preservation and acidic substitute

Food preservation

Apple Cider Vinegar has one final benefit to offer: it’s a great natural preservative. Ideal for storing everything from chillies, to bell peppers and onto pickled onions with a twist.

Acidic substitute

Apple Cider vinegar is a great alternative for other acidic ingredients (such as lemon); it also works great when mixed with pepper and garlic.