For the last 4 years I’ve been drinking apple cider vinegar daily. First thing in the morning I whip up a little shot and down it goes. It’s not a magical weight loss elixir, but it does have tons of incredible uses and benefits.
If you’re on the coconut oil train, this is it’s sister cure all. They are often used together for even greater results! Apple Cider Vinegar can be used for a million different things, even cleaning your house and face. That’s right, face.
Here’s the deal…
ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) is made from aged apples that are crushed and fermented. Make sure you get the organic, raw and un-filtered kind. These types have the most vitamins, minerals and healthy bacteria. (Mmmmm delicious!)
While it is pretty amazing, it’s still VINEGAR. It honestly tastes and smells TERRIBLE, but it’s TOTALLY worth it!
1. Detox Time
Apple Cider Vinegar helps your body reach a natural alkaline pH level. It’s full of vitamins and minerals which can cleanse your liver and intestines. One of the best parts about it is that it can aid in digestion, de-bloating and weight loss. Boom!
There was one diabetes study a while back that found participants who took two tablespoons of vinegar prior to two meals per day lost an average of two pounds over the four-week period. Of course every body is different, but with all of the additional benefits, why not!?
I Like to use Bragg’s ACV to make this healthy shot each day, first thing in the morning.
- 2 Tbs ACV
- 1 Cup Filtered Water
- Sprinkle of Turmeric & Cayenne Pepper (also helps with digestion)
If you just can’t handle this little elixir as is, try adding a bit of raw honey to the mix to cut the vinegar taste. You will literally feel your insides get warm as it gets to work
2. Give Your Skin a Healthy Glow!
There are two awesome ways I LOVE to use it to help my skin stay free of pimples and acne. The first is simply by drinking the detox elixir above. (Two-fer!)
The second is using it as a toner on your skin. Because of all of the anti-bacterial benefits, ACV will actually help clean and heal the skins surface. (Don’t worry, the smell will quickly evaporate) I also will add it to my Aztec Secret Clay Mask once a week for some amazing feeling skin! (My husband just LOVES my vinegar smelling green goblin face walking around the house. haha). After, I usually use a small amount of coconut oil to really moisturize and continue the amazing skin transformation.
3. Ditch the Dandruff
You can use the vinegar as a rinse after shampooing your hair to help cleanse your roots and actually add shine, naturally!
4. Bye Bye Yeast
Ok…this one isn’t pretty. I seriously debated even writing about this benefit when choosing which to mention, but I think it is super important for fit girls. Yeast infections happen to most of us, some more than others (this girl), and the number one thing the Dr. will tell you is to wear loose clothing and try not to sweat. Well, that’s nice in theory, but when you basically live and work in spandex it’s easier said than done. The Candida, or yeast, can cause fatigue, sugar cravings (which makes it worse) and of course, yeast infections. Drinking ACV will really help prevent infections, but can also be used topically or in a bath to help with (cough-cough) the uncomfortable feeling associated with them.
5. Perk Up Those Pearly Whites
Just by rubbing a little on your teeth you can help remove stains from your teeth naturally. I like to dip my toothbrush in ACV and a little baking soda for even more whitening effect! It saves a TON of money and is way better for your body.
So if those reasons weren’t enough for you to want to run out and grab a bottle, here are a few more:
- Lowers Cholesterol
- Heals Sunburn
- All Purpose house cleaner
- Salad Dressing
- Natural Aftershave
- Air Freshener
- Reduce Heartburn
- Soothe Sunburn
- Cooking (anytime it calls for vinegar)
Pretty crazy right? I still haven’t tried all of the amazing uses for Apple Cider Vinegar, but I definitely plan to. Have you tried it yet? What are your thoughts? Comment below and let me know what you like to use it for!
