Apple cider vinegar has long-been a household name for uses like disinfectants and salad dressing. Recently however, more studies are backing raw organic unfiltered ACV as a new “wonder liquid” packed with a long list of small, but mighty health benefits. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite uses for the strong stuff and are letting you know why adding just 1-2 tablespoons to your daily regiment might just be your new saving grace.

Loaded With Antioxidants: Apple cider vinegar contains tons of antioxidants like gallic acid, catechin, and caffeic and chlorgenic acids to help keep your body in tip-top shape and feeling great.

Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar: There have been a few studies that show a correlation between ACV and low blood sugar levels because of its anti-glycemic effect. The vinegar is said to help prevent starch from raising your blood sugar, thus helping those who have insulin sensitivity.

Helps Lower Cholesterol: In addition to healthy blood sugar levels, more studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can also help lower cholesterol levels, something you may not be worried about now, but that could definitely do you justice in the long run.

Digestive Aid: Vinegar increases the acidity in your stomach and contains many anti-bacterial properties, therefore adding more of it to your diet may also help to digest the food you’ve consumed. And because slow digestion sometimes means acid reflux, ACV has also been said to prevent that burning sensation you may feel after you’ve eaten too much.

Detoxification Properties: One of the more commonly known health benefits of this bitter-tasting liquid is detoxification. Not only can it help detoxify your home—which is why it’s commonly used as a household cleaner—but it is also said to release toxins in your body, especially the liver! Some even combine a small amount of ACV with their favorite essential oils or epson salts to create a detoxifying and relaxing bath remedy.

Balances Your Body’s pH Levels: What may come as a surprise to many is that although vinegar is highly acidic, it can actually help in neutralizing your body’s pH levels, making them more basic or alkaline. And because those who eat a more basic, alkaline-rich diet tend to have greater bone density, ACV could help keep your bones strong.

Provides An Energy Boost: In need of a quick pick-me-up? Try adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to give you the boost you seek. The potassium and enzymes are said to prevent fatigue so much so that even athletes have been known to use it to turn their carbs into fuel before a big workout or race and help clear lactic acid buildup. Alternatively, ACV can also help alleviate an energy crash if you’ve consumed a bit too much sugar.

Relief Against Sore Throats: The antibacterial properties in apple cider vinegar have been said to also work wonders on more parts of the body than just the stomach. If your throat is feeling scratchy or sore, try gargling a warm glass of water mixed with a dash of ACV to soothe and fight the pain.

Aids In Weight Loss: The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar has been said to help increase your metabolism and reduce water retention. One study also shows that a small amount of ACV can help in suppressing your appetite. While we wouldn’t turn to it as the next diet wonder, it should help in conjunction with routine exercise and healthy eating.

Helps Alleviate Bad Breath: Once again, apple cider vinegar’s antibacterial properties come to the rescue! If you feel like standard brushing a flossing just aren’t doing the trick, try downing a teaspoon of ACV diluted with a bit of water to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Helps Clear Your Sinuses: Because of the potassium levels and acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar, it has been said to thin mucus and clear nasal congestion. If you want to give it a shot, try mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to help clear your sinuses.

Helps Clear Problem Skin: The malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar are also said to soften and exfoliate skin while also reducing red spots. More than that, ACV’s anti-bacterial properties can help to keep skin clear and looking it’s best! Be careful, however, and test the vinegar on a patch of skin beforehand. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity level, ACV could cause reverse effects such as irritation.

Keeps Your Locks Shiny: Many people swear by apple cider vinegar as a weekly rinse. Try mixing 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with a few cups of water and using it on your scalp and ends after shampooing. Rinse it out with cold water and say hello to shinier, flake-free hair.

Protects Against Scrapes, Stings, and Bruises: Because apple cider vinegar is said work as an anti-inflammatory agent, putting it on bumps and bruises may help heal the wound more quickly and ease discoloration. It’s even said to deactivate a jellyfish sting more quickly than other remedies.

Helps Clean Fruits & Veggies: If you’re looking for more ways to use apple cider vinegar around the house, try filling an empty spray bottle with the bitter liquid along with some water and spritz it onto produce that needs washing. Follow by rinsing with cool water and rest easy knowing that the properties found in ACV will help do away with bacteria.