Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular in the health and wellness community. Nutritionist & registered dietitian, Molly Kimball explains it's impactful health benefits. 

Let's talk Apple Cider Vinegar. It's the first thing I have every morning, even before my coffee: two tablespoons in a cup of hot water. And every time I buy a bottle of it, the cashier has questions. Does it help with weight loss? Does it cut appetite? How do you use it?

Personally, I take it because of the alkalizing effect it can have, helping to buffer the acidity that can naturally occur from diet and exercise.

Check out my top 5 reasons below to add it to your morning routine.

1.) Stabilize blood sugar levels: Taking one ounce (two tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar with meals has been shown to reduce glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and significantly improve hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels, a marker for how well blood sugar is controlled. And, taken at bedtime, apple cider vinegar can slightly reduce fasting blood sugar levels in the morning.

2.) Improve heart health: Preliminary studies have shown that apple cider vinegar may lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides and "bad" LDL cholesterol, and increase "good" HDL cholesterol, all of which can reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease.

3.) Weight loss aid: It's a bit of a stretch to say that taking apple cider vinegar will help you shed body fat. It's certainly not "melting" or "dissolving" fat away, as some sites claim. But the fact that it can help stabilize blood sugar levels, combined with the fact that it can slow down stomach emptying, may simply help to curb cravings and hunger, in turn making it easier to consume fewer calories.

4.) Antibacterial: Vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, can help to kill pathogens, including bacteria. It can be used topically for cleaning and disinfecting, and can also be an effective food preservative, inhibiting the growth of bacteria like E. coli.

5.) It's good for your skin: Apple cider vinegar can soften and exfoliate skin, and its antibacterial properties can help fight acne. Dr. Mary Lupo, a board-certified dermatologist in Lakeview, says that if someone opts to use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy, just quickly massage it into the skin undiluted, then rinse well.