The article details how using apple cider vinegar can improve one's health in a variety of surprising ways.

For many years, my husband has taken apple cider vinegar every morning. He would tell me “It makes your body more alkaline.” I would shrug it off as if to say, “Whatever.” Family and friends would have a similar reaction. My kids would complain of its horrible smell and not even go near the bottle.

Now, lo and behold, a copious number of studies are coming out about the many benefits of apple cider vinegar. Reader Digest published an excerpt from a book it published in 2010, entitled Kitchen Cabinet Cures, which is my source for describing some of its many healing qualities:

1.) Cures hiccups: Taking a teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar can cure the hiccups “by overstimulating the nerves in the throat responsible for the spasms.”

2.) Soothes a sore throat: As soon as you feel a sore throat coming on, mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of warm water. Gargle every hour. Most germs cannot withstand the vinegar’s acidity.

3.) Helps cure stomach problems: Mix one or two tablespoons into water or clear apple juice. If the reason for your diarrhea is a bacterial infection, the antibiotic properties of apple cider vinegar can help root out the problem.

4.) Clears a stuffy nose: Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink the next time your nose is stuffed up. The potassium in apple cider vinegar thins mucus and the acetic acid halts the growth of bacteria.

5.) Boosts energy: Adding one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a cold vegetable drink or a glass of water will counteract lactic acids building in your body due to exercise or stress. The reason? Because this vinegar contains amino acids, potassium, and enzymes that help you overcome that tired feeling.

6.) Helps control blood sugar: Many studies have found that apple cider vinegar helps balance your blood sugar. One study showed people with type 2 diabetes who did not take insulin had lower glucose levels by the morning if they took two tablespoons before bed the night before. Another study found that those with insulin resistance who drank apple cider vinegar mixed with water before eating a high carbohydrate meal had lower blood sugar afterwards.

7.) Whitens teeth: To whiten teeth, remove stains, and kill bacteria in your mouth, gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning before you brush.

Ever since I read about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, I have been holding my nose (literally!) and taking a teaspoonful mixed with water in the morning. I’m not ready to gargle with it (and I doubt I ever will be) but I will certainly try it the next time I have the hiccups, get a sore throat, etc. Be sure to read about its other uses in the excerpt “13+ Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar” found on the Reader’s Digest website. Looks like my hubby is onto something!

Recipes! From Food.com

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Vinaigrette Dressing
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons honey
11/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1.) Combine vinegar, water, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender.
2.) Drizzle olive oil into blender until combined.

Healthy Apple Cider Vinegar Tea
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1.) Boil water
2.) Put vinegar and honey in a cup.
3.) Pour boiling water into cup.