˄

2.17.15

Apple Cider Vinegar benefits natural health and wellness

You probably already know that a shot of apple cider vinegar, or ACV, on the regular can help cleanse and balance your bod – but do you also know that it can do everything from cure insect bites to clean your dishwasher? Apple cider vinegar is kind of like the Meryl Streep of superfoods: there really isn’t anything it can’t do. James Colquhoun, co-founder of Food Matters and former TCM guest editor, gives us the lowdown on twenty five ways to use this superstar superfood morning, noon, and night…

When I was first introduced to apple cider vinegar when making the Food Matters movie, I was absolutely blown away by its incredible health benefits, and have continued to be astounded by this little elixir of goodness to this day.

A natural, inexpensive, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, metabolism-firing, immunity-building miracle worker, apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries for its positive lifestyle effects, and I, for one, couldn’t be more of an advocate.

Here are my top 25 reasons for grabbing a bottle (or ten!) of this liquid marvel and making it a part of your daily life.

*Note: I am talking about the organic, unfiltered, and raw version of apple cider vinegar, that contains the ‘mother’ strand of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria.

25 Things You Never Knew You Could Do With Apple Cider Vinegar

SPEEDS UP METABOLISM + AIDS WEIGHT LOSS

Apple cider vinegar is known to kick metabolism into overdrive! An effective fat burner, it helps reduce overeating (allows you to recognize when you are full, quicker), speeds up the body’s metabolic rate and helps alkalize the body. For results, one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water should be consumed before each meal.

ERADICATES DANDRUFF

Having a bad scalp day? Let apple cider vinegar help! Add apple cider vinegar to water in equal parts, and then bathe your scalp in the solution for up to two hours (apply via a spray bottle). This will cleanse your scalp and rid it of dandruff. You can do this a couple of times a week for severe dandruff.

SHINES HAIR

To remove the product build-up that dulls hair, wash your hair with normal shampoo, and then rinse with apple cider vinegar before conditioning. Cue a shiny mane!

CLEARS UP SKIN

I love what apple cider vinegar can do for the skin! For a natural astringent, apply a washcloth soaked in diluted apple cider vinegar to your face. This will restore your skin to its proper pH level, and make your face feel smoother and less oily (even reducing fine lines in the process). If you have any specific trouble spots (i.e. age spots or acne), a dab of neat apple cider vinegar will do the trick.

DETOXES THE HOME

A simple cup of apple cider vinegar added to 3.5 liters of warm water makes for a super shiny antibacterial cleaner on most surfaces, including wooden floors and tiles. Too easy!

HEALS A SORE THROAT

If you add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of water, you have a very effective throat gargle. Gargle every hour at the first sign of a sore throat.

TREATS INSECT BITES

If you suffer an insect bite, a dab of apple cider vinegar and water (a 50/50 mixture) can be applied directly to the bite to alleviate pain and promote healing.

SOOTHES SUNBURN

As we look forward to spring in the Northern hemisphere, apple cider vinegar is amazing at helping reduce the irritation of sunburn – calming the skin and cooling the heat. Mix up a solution of 25% apple cider vinegar and 75% water, and apply directly to any sunburn with a washcloth. Alternatively, you can always add apple cider vinegar to a bath.

CLEANS THE DISHWASHER

Instead of adding poisonous chemicals to your dishwashing machine to remove build-up, apple cider vinegar works just as well (if not better) and keeps it smelling fresh. Toss a cup of it into the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle.

ENHANCES MOOD

Apple cider vinegar taken before meals helps break down proteins into amino acids. Such amino acids are instrumental in the creation of tryptophan, which plays an important role in the release of the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, serotonin. This helps you feel relaxed and happy.

INCREASES ENERGY

Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes which help prevent exhaustion. Add a tablespoon to a small glass of water.

CURES ACID REFLUX AND HEARTBURN

Whenever I suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar sorts it out pronto! Helpful in breaking down food in the stomach, it is a natural and effective way to aid digestion.

CLEANS DRAINS

Tired of spending a fortune on nasty drain chemicals? You don’t have to anymore with your own natural DIY solution of apple cider vinegar, baking soda and salt. Mix half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt together, and pour it down your drain, followed by half a cup of apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar and baking soda react with each other to clean the drain. After three hours, flush the drain through with water.

To read all 25 ways you can use apple cider vinegar in your day-to-day,
visit Food Matters by clicking through here!

Bottom banner image
From our friends

Comments


  1. I drink apple cider vinegar in hot water almost every day…but with chocolate candy and gummy vitamins…

    lynn @ the actor’s diet | 02.17.2015 | Reply
  2. I haven’t tried it yet. Does other vinager work the same. And how often should I drink it. How do you mix it


Leave A Comment


*