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 You will not believe how many uses there are for this remarkable liquid. Apple cider vinegar has been reported to heal many conditions – from weight loss to health concerns. Some people swear by it. For example, apple cider vinegar is used across the world as a natural/alternative treatment for allergies, and is thought to reduce the risk of cancer. Apple cider vinegar is made via fermentation, which is very beneficial for digestion and has in some cases worked as a cure for acne. Apple cider vinegar is also commonly used as a treatment for other skin disorders such as warts. In fact, studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can clear up blemishes and breakouts – avoiding the need for potentially harmful prescription medications such as Retin A or Acutane.

But why exactly does ACV contain so many healing properties?

The secret may lie in its alkalizing effect! Even though ACV is acidic (like a lemon or lime), it creates a perfect alkaline environment in your body that is the exact opposite of what most diseases require to thrive.

And then there’s the incredible concentration of naturally occurring vital nutrients…

Raw, organic ACV is made from organic apples and undergoes a double fermentation process, which produces enzymes and preserves its health-promoting characteristics. Some of the most beneficial nutrients in raw, organic ACV include:

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Potassium: essential for normal heart, kidney and other organ and cellular function

Iron: important for blood health

Magnesium: vital to heart health

Enzymes: boost chemical reactions in the body

Malic acid: protects vinegar from viruses, bacteria and fungus

Acetic acid: slows the digestion of starch and inhibits bacterial growth

Calcium: builds strong bones and teeth

Pectin: helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol

Ash: maintains a healthy alkaline state in the body

Now that you have the facts, I am sharing some things that ACV has helped me with personally. I would recommend this product for several reasons but here are just a few:

(Disclaimer – consult a doctor first if you are taking other medications)

 

Weight Loss

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ACV has been used in weight loss by helping the body flush out more fats and it helps speed up the body’s metabolism to promote weight loss. Acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar can help you shed those extra kilos if taken on a daily basis. ACV prevents uncontrollable sugar spikes and crashes that make you want to nibble between meals. When your blood sugar is stable, it’s much easier to stick to your diet and eat only when your body needs it. ACV will not provide you with a quick weight loss. The changes will be gradual, but permanent. Don’t be impatient and allow it some time. Sometimes losing just one pound a month and not re-gaining it afterwards, can be the real success.

What to do:

The quickest way to drink for weight loss is to mix apple cider vinegar with warm water every morning. You can also sip it throughout the day to shed excess fat.

Relieves Migraines

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Those people who often suffer from migraines (ME) know how intolerable that pain is…The migraine is ready to make your life so difficult and sometimes the migraine is very resistant even to the painkillers. Now you don’t have to spend money on expensive pills and painkillers when you can make this natural drink with salt and lemon at your home in only 5 minutes. You will create this wonderful cure against a migraine.

What to do:

Mix a little bit of high quality salt (Himalayan is great), squeeze 2 lemons and add 2 tablespoons of ACV to some warm water. You will feel the pressure start decreasing and shortly your migraine will be gone.

Conditions & Strengthens Hair

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Your grandmother can probably attest to this old-time favorite beauty use for ACV… If you wash your hair with conventional shampoo, a residue builds up over time. This can cause your hair to become dull and lifeless. The shine that ACV leaves behind is absolutely gorgeous! And think about how little it will cost you compared to the expensive “clarifiers” found at the salon. And this DIY treatment can be done on your time in your own home!

What to do:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ACV with 1 cup of water

Pour onto your hair

Rinse with water

 

Helps Prevent/Reduce Acne

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Not many people realize that our skin comes equipped with a protective acid mantle, which can be maintained by using a pH-balancing toner after washing your face. ACV has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which unblocks pores and keeps acne in check. The malic and lactic acids in ACV also act to exfoliate and soften skin and reduce the red spots known as rosacea. I have suffered with acne my entire life and I use ACV every day. I always use my daily moisturizer but this has replaced my toner!

Here’s how to do it:

• Mix 1 tsp. vinegar to a half-cup of water
• Store at room temperature
• Apply to skin with a cotton ball

 

Lowers Blood Pressure/Cholesterol

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ACV does work in lowering high blood pressure in many people and is worth adding it to your own healthy diet to see what it can do for you. First, it is a great component in helping to lower bad cholesterol, which in turn has a positive effect on blood pressure. AVC is also a detoxifier, and can help your body fight off diseases and release free radicals that wreak havoc on your body on a daily basis, which also indirectly can help to reduce blood pressure. When you use ACV for high blood pressure remedy, you are most likely giving your entire body a boost, not just treating your blood pressure issues.

How to use:

Add 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to warm water. Add honey if the taste is too tart.

Boost Energy

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There are times during the busy day that your energy level dips a little bit.  I can’t tell you how many cups of coffee I have consumed to give me an energy boost.  Then I realized a healthier way to give myself a energy boost that is long term. Both exercise and stress can cause a build-up of lactic acid, which causes fatigue. ACV counters the condition with amino acids. When taken, ACV has an alkaline effect on our bodies, ensuring pH levels are balanced while also boosting energy with a hefty dose of potassium and enzymes. You can use the energy drink to jump start your day, give you a mid morning or afternoon boost, or give you a night-time boost.  This healthy drink will recharge your batteries without the health concerns of many cups of coffee.  Simply make this energy drink in the morning and bring enough to work so that you can take it several times per day.

How to use:

8 oz purified water

1 – 2 tablespoons ACV

1/2 teaspoon Honey

Sprinkle of Cinnamon

Helps With Digestion

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Do you ever feel like you have a rock/small baby hippopotamus in your belly hours after eating a meal? If yes, you may not be digesting your food properly.

These uncomfortable feelings were so well-known to me that I used to just let them slide as “normal”. But there is no such thing as “normal” pain or discomfort: it is an indication from our body that something is not right. So without adequate stomach acid, food is incompletely digested and nutrients are not properly assimilated. This is a BIG. DEAL. Drinking a glass of water mixed with a few tablespoons of ACV 15-20 minutes before a meal can improve digestion and nutrient assimilation by increasing HCl production.

How to use:

Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you each meal.

How to take ACV?

As I mentioned at the beginning….as GOOD as ACV is for you….that’s how BAD it tastes! Which begs the question….how on earth are you supposed to get past that??? Well, for the hard core ACV enthusiasts it’s just added to some water and then “bottoms up!” But for more sensitive folks, like myself, there’s still hope! Just add some raw honey, stevia or agave to give it a little sweetness. Or you can chase it with a little sweetened grapefruit juice. Whatever works for you! I will be honest that it may take you a little while to get used to the taste. You can start with less ACV and work up to adding more as you get used to the flavor. But I’m willing to bet that you will start to crave this drink especially when you start seeing results.

My go-to ACV concoction:

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1 cup of grapefruit juice

 2 tablespoons of ACV

Stir and enjoy!!

(If it is a little too tart, add a tablespoon of honey and mix… This helps make it a little sweeter.)

 

 

Do you use apple cider vinegar in your health and/or beauty regimens? I would love to hear your feedback and how you take ACV!

Brittany 🙂

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