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I'm a person who's so thrifty in nature, or just because I am a mother now I have to make sure i am getting a good deal on every penny i spend and get the most "bang for my bucks", it's like getting more spending less ;)
Since I am curious person, I like browsing and doing research over the net during my spare time, I have become so conscious when it comes to health since I got a family of my own. So I opted going through some holistic approach when addressing family's simple health problems.
And I was so grateful upon finding out about this so-called Apple Cider Vinegar, which I personally considered a "gold mine".
What is Apple Cider?
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From the french term "vin aigre" "sour wine" cider vinegar is made from bacterial activity that converts fermented liquid (cider) into a weak solution of acetic acid. And one kind of healthy cider vinegar is an Apple Cider Vinegar or commonly known as ACV, is a type of vinegar which is made from cider of apples which are about pale to medium amber in color. It is done through fermenting pressed apple juice until its natural sugar turns into vinegar. Studies and many people's personal testimonies have proven that apple cider vinegar have aided and addressed various types of ailments and health conditions.
Apples themselves are already a health wonder freely given to us by mother nature. They are one among the healthiest and most nutritious health stuff around. Commonly known for being rich in Vitamin C, has no fats, low in calories, only around 47 calories in a one medium-sized apple and very rich in fiber. They are a powerful source of antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids. However, take note that the secret of the super antioxidant power of an apple is in its skin so always look for an organic one.
Whilst eating this super fruit can offer you heaps of nutrients and health benefits, so do its cider can give you as much health benefits as the fruit. Apple cider vinegar could even promise positive effects on your beauty regimen, well the thought might put you off, because how could a smelly stuff be smeared on your face? well, it really does. It could treat skin problems such as: age spots, acne, pimples and other skin conditions. From health to beauty, name it, cider got it!
Apple cider vinegar undeniably and truly is an amazing creation that can be used as medicine. Simply mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 4 tablespoons of water. Add in a couple tablespoons of honey and you’ve got an amazing concoction. In fact, you can make your own apple cider at home.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:
Internal:
- Rich in enzymes and potassium (Vitamin K)
- Support a healthy immune system
- Helps control weight
- Promotes digestion and ph balance
- Helps soothes dry throats
- Helps remove body sludge toxins
External:
- Helps maintain healthy skin
- Helps promotes youthful, healthy bodies
- Soothes irritated skin
- Relieves muscle pain from exercise
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Apple cider vinegar also helps to aid digestion, blood circulation, and it has also been documented to improve kidney and blood vessel function, which can help combat heart disease. Fertility can also be improved through apple cider vinegar! Lastly, apple cider vinegar has also been found to be a great ally in maintaining body weight and lowers high blood pressure.
The following are the uses of apple cider vinegar as medicine:
Cold/Flu/Sore Throat
Gargle the apple cider vinegar and honey mixture. Apple cider vinegar and honey both will soothe your throat, cough, and can help settle the stomach. The antibacterial properties can be attributed to both honey and ACV.
Headache
For headaches, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey. Mix well and drink the entire liquid. The mixture will help ease the pain.
High blood pressure
For high blood pressure, mix two tablespoons with a glass of water. Consume this mixture 3 times a day in order to lower blood pressure!
Chronic Fatigue
Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of honey. Store this mixture in a sealable jar. Consume two tablespoons of the mixture every night before bed. The potassium and enzymes present in it can give you an extra boost of energy.
Sinus Pain/Congestion
Add two tables spoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. Do this as many times as possible throughout the day to combat the sinus pain.
Burns
Apply apple cider vinegar to the burn as many times as possible throughout the day. It will reduce pain and redness significantly.
Acne
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to every 2-3 parts water (depending on how much you want to make). Wash your face with this mixture 2-3 times a day.
Obesity/Weight Loss
Every morning on an empty stomach, mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one glass of water, this increases satiety (feeling full) and reduces amount of food consumed.Take note that the good quality kind of ACV contains the "mother" of vinegar, a cloudy stuff that sinks in the bottom of bottle, that substance contains beneficial enzymes, bacteria, pectin and trace minerals that are good for the body.
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Personally, I choose Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar, because they've been known for so many years using only organic produce.
Apart from being medicinal, and all-natural, all-purpose kitchen staple, ACV has also become a preferred beauty elixir. Just be sure to only use a raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
The following are some uses of ACV for beauty purposes:
As Face Toner
I myself personally uses ACV, for convenience not to be doing every now and then mixing few drops of ACV and few drops of water in a cotton ball, I instead store a mixture of water and ACV in a bottle on 50/50 ratio. Do this at least once a day, i prefer at night. If you have extremely sensitive skin try adding more water in a mixture and use less frequently. If you can't take the smell you may add essential oil like lavender oil. As usual, we moisturize our face after applying toner, organic moisturizer like jojoba oil is much preferable.
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As Hair Rinse
Naturally, apple cider vinegar is high in acetic acid (AcOH) that could easily rid off build ups from the hair. Just always remember to use the organic "with the mother" vinegar, unpasteurized and unfiltered. Also shake well the bottle before using. Just 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons ACV are all you need. In a spray bottle mix two tablespoons ACV with one cup water (use the same ratio if you prepare a larger quantity,something like 1/3 cup of ACV mixed with one liter of water). Some references use higher concentration of ACV because oily hair likes more ACV than dry hair. Start from the lower dilution and experiment to find the dilution that works best for your hair type. After shampooing apply the ACV rinse, massaging into your hair and scalp. Leave for a couple of minutes. Then rinse your hair thoroughly. You don’t need to use a conditioner. Don’t get the rinse into your eyes as it will sting. As your hair is drying, you may smell vinegar, but once your hair dries, the smell is gone. Do this treatment once or twice a week. For great smelling hair you could add essential oils like rosemary oil which helps in encouraging hair growth.
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To Clean Makeup Brushes
The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar can be attributed to malic acid present in it that's why it can be your good cleaning tool as well. Just combine one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and one or two thick slices of lemon to scent the concoction. Clean brushes with the mixture, rinse with water, and lay out to dry. here is one sample video of how to use ACV to clean you make up brushes.
Truly apple cider vinegar is a wonderful stuff we could have around, surprisingly there are still more amazing uses of ACV that could be offered to us, such as the following:
As disinfectant - Just dilute a half-cup ACV with one cup water and it could clean surfaces and leaves a good smell.
As air freshener - Dilute a cup of ACV with one cup of water, making it a natural deodorizer.
Flea Repellant - A quarter of apple cider vinegar to three quarter water.
Weed killer - 1 part apple cider vinegar to 8 parts water in a spray bottle.
Produce Wash - 4 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
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