Unless you’ve been living under a rock for all of 2017, chances are that you’ve heard of apple cider vinegar more than once. This magic ingredient, health tonic, beauty elixir has suddenly exploded across the world as a household staple for its ability to cure just about anything, if the internet is to be believed.
So, what’s all the hype about this weight loss inducing, acne curing, tummy trouble banishing elixir anyway?
Apple cider vinegar is made from the humble apple juice, which is first fermented into apple cider, and then fermented a second time to make the sour, acidic, vinegar. It has probiotics and prebiotics both, which means it’s great for the stomach and overall gut health. The best kind of apple cider vinegar is one which is raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurised. This ensures that the ACV contains the ‘mother’ or the beneficial properties of the bacteria and enzymes.
ACV has become an obsession in health circles around the world, and here’s why you should add it to your cabinet too.
Regulates Body pH Levels
Probably ACV’s strongest suit, it helps regulate the pH in our inner systems, maintaining healthy alkalinity levels. It also helps with common tummy troubles like bloating, acid reflux, and other digestive issues.
Cold & Flu Remedy
ACV is great for the lymphatic system – it helps to clear sinuses, provides relief from allergies, and can even soothe a sore throat. Because it also helps in settling the stomach, it provides an all-round solution for all cold and flu symptoms.
Detoxes the Body
ACV works as a clarifying solution that helps detox the liver by flushing out toxins, and stimulates blood circulation. Many across the world are adding apple cider vinegar to their juice cleanses for this same reason.
Improves Metabolism
Some studies show that ACV gives a boost to your metabolism, and consuming it mixed in water before a meal suppresses your appetite, which in turn aids weight loss. Though it can’t replace a healthy diet, it definitely provides a boost to your weight loss goals!
Eases Joint Pain
ACV is great for those who are dealing with muscle or joint pains. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for back, neck, shoulder joint pain relief. It’s also recommended for those with arthritis issues.
Beauty Elixir
Apple cider vinegar is also fast becoming a staple in beauty cabinets. When raw ACV is used as a toner, it helps curb blemishes and acne. It soothes skin that has suffered a sunburn. ACV is also good for the hair – you can use it as a conditioner to rinse your hair with for a natural shine, and as a dandruff treatment as well.
We can’t get enough of this ubiquitous elixir, so here’s all its benefits explained in a colourful infographic:
Now that you know why ACV is so popular in health circles, let’s see how you can incorporate it in creative ways in your daily lives.
HOW TO USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
- Add a tablespoon of ACV to homemade herbal infusions or teas for an immune boosting kick.
- Make a detox tonic with ACV, warm water, cinnamon, and honey, and drink it every morning for increased energy and to kickstart your metabolism.
- Add it to salad dressings in place of other vinegars.
- Use it to pickle vegetables.
- Add it to baked goods like cakes, muffins, and pancakes.
- Mix it with spices and seasoning to use as a marinade for vegetables and meat.
- Add a splash to homemade cocktails.
- Mix it in bath water to soothe sunburns.
Note of caution: It is not advised to drinks shots of ACV as it’s sometimes recommended on the internet. Always dilute it, whether consuming or applying on the skin! ACV is too acidic and if consumed undiluted can be harmful for the inner lining of the stomach as well as teeth enamel.
How do you use apple cider vinegar?
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Will definitely try this- seems simple