You may already have a bottle of apple cider vinegar stashed away in your cupboard for the occasional salad dressing or marinade, but have you ever thought to use it daily to aid in your appearance and overall health? If not, apple cider vinegar has long been touted for its amazing health and beauty benefits.
First off, it is important to buy raw organic apple cider vinegar to really experience the benefits. Raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains what is known as “the mother” of vinegar – strand-like protein enzymes that are stripped out of clear vinegar as it is processed. It’s these additional living nutrients that pack the punch in raw ACV.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Prevent Indigestion – Sip before eating, especially if you know you’re going to indulge in foods that cause heartburn. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon ACV to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you dine.
Clear a Stuffy Nose – Mix a teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water and drink. This helps with sinus drainage because ACV contains potassium, which thins the mucus.
Hiccup Help – Hiccups are often caused be low stomach acid slowing the digestion of protein, or eating too much. ACV can be a great solution. It restores the acid balance in the stomach and eases irritating spasms of the diaphragm.
Natural Energy Booster – While ACV may not contain caffeine, it’s packed with nutrients and enzymes that can help give you an added energy boost. Add 2 teaspoons of ACV with a cup of water, some honey, a few dashes of cinnamon, and maybe even a dash of cayenne for an added kick. Combine in a shaker and reap the benefits of added energy, increased metabolism and overall health.
Weight Loss Aid – ACV is a great aid in weight loss when taken before a meal because it suppresses your appetite and controls blood sugar levels. Obviously, diet and exercise are key, but give ACV a try too. Just add a couple teaspoons to a glass of water and
drink before meals or sip through-out the day.
Relieve Arthritis Pain – The potassium in ACV may be especially beneficial because it works to prevent calcium build-up in the joints,
which is linked to joint stiffness.
Improve Bone Health – The abundance of calcium, potassium and magnesium makes ACV a good candidate for maintaining bone health.
Soothe a Sore Throat – As soon as you feel the tingle of a sore throat, take ACV to help head off the infection. Turns out, most germs can’t survive in the acidic environment vinegar creates. Mix ¼ cup ACV with ¼ cup warm water and gargle every hour.
Bye-Bye Bad Breath – Due to its acidic properties, ACV makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Add ½ tablespoon of ACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth 10 seconds at a time until cup
is empty.
BEAUTY BENEFITS:
Alleviate Age Spots – ACV contains sulfur that fights the effects of aging, including age spots. Dab age spots, or liver spots, with ACV every night before bed. Do not wash off until morning. If you feel a stinging sensation, dilute the vinegar with water.
Sunburn Soother – Sooth those sunburned shoulders by applying a water-diluted ACV soaked washcloth to instantly soothe and promote healing. You can also add a cup to your bath and soak in it with the added benefit of softer, more moisturized skin all over.
Acne Remedy – ACV kills bacteria and balances skin’s pH level. It also absorbs excessive oil from our skin, which is a leading cause of acne. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and rub on your T-zone.
Bath Solution – Add one to two capfuls of ACV to your next warm bath. It draws toxins out of the body, leaving behind toned and moisturized skin.
Wart Removal – Try placing a cotton pad soaked in ACV on top, then secure with a bandage. Leave on overnight and remove in the morning. If you stick to this consistently for a week, you should start to see results.
Ease Varicose Veins – ACV is great for varicose veins because it improves circulation in the vein wall and helps to ease the bulging and swelling vein so it is less noticeable and less painful. Simply dab it on before going to bed.