Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Open up your pantry and grab this little gem and prepare to use it for more than just salad dressing. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries for a plethora of uses and is often touted as a natural remedy for many ailments. In fact, the usage of ACV can be dated back to 400 BC when Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used it to treat a variety of illnesses. Most notably, ACV is used to: aide in heartburn relief, lower cholesterol, promote proper digestion, and to fight sinus infections and sore throats.
While I encourage you to run to your local health supermarket and purchase this magical elixir, don’t just grab any bottle off the shelf. What is important to note is that not all vinegars are created equal. When selecting which apple cider vinegar to purchase, make sure it is raw and organic and contains the “mother”- a web-like substance that contains strands of enzymes and proteins. Clear vinegars are of often processed and therefore devoid of health benefits. My preferred brand of ACV is Bragg.
Beauty Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Longing for gleaming, silky smooth hair? Look no further than ACV. I use it twice a month to clarify my hair for mega shine and softness. Acetic acid, the main ingredient in ACV, removes buildup from styling products and works to both condition and strengthen the hair. Bonus- ACV also helps to balance hair’s ph level, promote hair growth, and improve the condition of dandruff.
Here’s my formulation for shiny locks:
Shampoo hair. Rinse, and massage 2 tablespoons ACV mixed with 1 cup of water into your strands and let soak for several minutes. Rinse again. Voila! Splendiferous strands that demand attention.
While I regularly tout exercise and organic, whole foods nutrition as the foundation for flawless skin, adding an ACV Toner to your skincare routine can certainly add to a brighter, clearer complexion. Notably, an ACV toner works to regulate the ph balance levels in the skin, sans harsh and toxic chemicals, leaving your skin glowing and clear.
All skin types can benefit from adding this step. For oily or acne-prone skin, an ACV toner has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to clear blemishes and reduce redness. For normal to dry skin, ACV works to exfoliate; a key element to glowing, healthy, look-at-me skin.
Here’s my formulation for an ACV toner insta-glow:
Saturate a cotton pad with a mixture of 2 Tbs of ACV to 4 Tbs. of purified water. (feel free to adjust as necessary- I keep my potion in a glass jar by my sink.) Want to get fancy with it? Add in some lavender oil for a more spa–like facial experience.
Mega beauty bonus- thoroughly and efficiently clean your makeup brushes with ACV too. The anti-bacterial properties can remove the buildup on your brushes that often lead to breakouts. Mix 1 teaspoon ACV to 1 cup water and add in some lemon slices for an all-natural cleaning solution.
Weight Loss Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Glossy hair and vibrant, clear skin are only part of this ultimate beauty elixir’s prowess. ACV is often lauded for its impact on weight loss too.
Consumption of ACV controls blood sugar and insulin levels. Furthermore, ACV increases feelings of satiety; in other words, helping control your appetite. Since it’s brimming with organic acids and enzymes, ACV speeds up your metabolism and helps you burn fat faster. Bottom line, ingesting ACV daily can aide in accelerating your weight loss results.
Here’s my formula for my daily dose of ACV:
1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV to one cup of water, once a day. Feel free to adjust accordingly (some people add more or less vinegar and/or drink it more often than once per day). If you find the taste a bit hard to swallow at first, add some raw honey to sweeten the potion to make it more palatable. It’s important to note to always dilute the ACV due to its acidity, as it can be hard on the enamel of your teeth otherwise.
Simply stated, ACV is often touted as a transformative cure all. I say, Bravo to that! The copious health and beauty benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar have certainly captivated me. This all-natural, affordable, and versatile elixir should be a must-have in everyone’s beauty arsenal. If you’re interested in learning more health tips and tricks, sign up below!