Every morning, without fail, I take a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV.) Willingly and happily! I may make a crazy face as my eyes tear up a little (and my toddler asks if I’m ok,) but this shot of vinegar is one of the best things I can do for my body each day.
If my husband or friends aren’t feeling well, my recommendation will most likely be to take a shot of apple cider vinegar. My husband always laughs at me, but it’ll usually help!! I’m like the dad with the Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
ACV has become the latest food obsession of 2017 (just like cupcakes were in 2013, coconut oil in 2014, sriracha in 2015 and avocado toast in 2016.) Jump on the apple cider vinegar bandwagon and reward yourself with the vast health benefits of drinking a daily shot of ACV!
What type of apple cider vinegar should you be using?
- Don’t buy just any ordinary apple cider vinegar that you find at the grocery store! Make sure, when selecting your ACV, that you are buying one that has the Mother. I use Bragg’s.
What is the Mother and why do I need it?
- ACV with the Mother is apple cider vinegar that still has the culture of beneficial bacteria that turns regular apple cider into vinegar in the first place.
Caution: Don’t drink it straight. Always mix it with water. The vinegar is strong and can irritate the lining of your esophagus or stomach.
Why should I be adding apple cider vinegar to my daily regimen?
Help Soothe a Sore Throat
Apple cider vinegar contains anti-bacterial properties that fight infection-causing bacteria. ACV contains insulin (water-soluble prebiotic fiber) which strengthens your immune system. The acidity present in it decreases the pH of the tissue which prevents the growth of the bacteria and the natural expectorant nature loosens and thins the phlegm in your throat.
Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 teaspoons honey
Mix ingredients in a glass of warm water. ACV and honey have antibacterial properties that speed up recovery and the capsaicin in the cayenne pepper helps soothe the pain. If using honey, use raw, local honey as a natural allergy deterrent.
Relieve Heartburn
Aren’t acidic foods on the no-no list for people with heartburn? Some believe the acidic nature of the vinegar aids digestion by helping break down fats. Others think that the acid helps balance acid production in the stomach or that it might help buffer the acidity level in the stomach because acetic acid is a weaker acid than hydrochloric acid (the acid produced by your stomach). Many people swear by apple cider vinegar’s effectiveness and have deemed it one of the best natural remedies for acid reflux. I no longer reach for Tum’s when I get heartburn, instead, I take a shot of apple cider vinegar.
Recipe
Dilute a tablespoon of ACV in water. You can also add a little honey if the mixture is too potent.
Help Clear Your Skin
Many facial cleansers you buy at the store contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can have adverse effects on your skin instead of helping it. Using apple cider vinegar on your skin to help reduce age spots, fight acne, balance the pH of your skin, fight wrinkles and remove toxins from your face. Make sure to use a diluted mixture of 50% water and 50% ACV, and test it on the skin of your arm before putting on your face to test the sensitivity of your skin.
Boost Your Energy
Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning will definitely wake you up! Even if it didn’t have the other amazing benefits, I’d still take a shot each morning for a natural, immediate burst of energy. Sometimes I even take a second shot in the afternoon if I’ve had a crazy day and need a boost.
Alleviate Bad Breath
ACV contains natural acids such as acetic acid and malic acid that help eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath. It has an antiseptic property that helps breakdown plaque and thus fights against the bacteria causing bad breath. It aids in proper digestion which clears bad breath caused by indigestion. Your spouse will thank you!
Recipe
Mix 1 tablespoon ACV in a cup of water and gargle for 10 seconds.
Relieve Upset Stomach, Gas, and Constipation
Apple cider vinegar has antibiotic properties and pectin, which are soothing to the stomach. The vinegar stimulates digestive juices (HCl – hydrochloric acid) that help your body break down food.
Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 8 ounces of sparkling water
- Raw honey to taste
Mix and drink.
Help Lose Weight
Adding two teaspoons of ACV to 16oz. of water and sipping it throughout the day may help boost weight loss efforts. A study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry showed that participants who consumed apple cider vinegar for 12 weeks managed to achieve significant declines in body weight as well as abdominal fat, waist circumference, and triglycerides.
Recipe:
- 1-2 teaspoons ACV
- 8 ounces of water
Mix and drink before meals 3 times a day.
