Fans of the vinegar say it can cure everything from weight gain to skin woes, but few studies support these uses. While you can add it to your diet without significantly upping your risk of weight gain, be realistic. ACV is not a magic elixir for any health benefits.

Unfiltered ACV can be used in salads and marinades, as well as canning and pickling. It can also be used for cleaning sticky scissors, removing sticker residue from surfaces, deodorizing coffeepots, and spraying on fabrics to elicit a fruity smell.

There's a risk of believing ACV can do things that haven't been proved. For instance, there's a rumor that vinegar can be used to treat cancer, but it's largely based on research in which scientists inhibited the growth of cancer cells in petri dishes — not people or even mice. If you have a serious medical condition like cancer, seek care from a doctor.

ACV is made from fermented apples and water, and contains antioxidants, acetic acid, and amino acids. Diluted ACV contains zero calories per tablespoon, as well as no fat, carbohydrates, protein, or dietary fibers.

Like other vinegars, ACV has 5 percent acidity.

Drinking too much ACV could decrease potassium to dangerous levels, which can be dangerous if you have a condition such as high blood pressure. ACV may interact with some medications, so you should tell your doctor if you're regularly taking ACV. Also practice caution when taking other forms of ACV, like tablets. Supplements may be mislabeled, exposing you to excessive ACV, and leaving you prone to burns or intoxication.