ACV & You

For centuries, people have recognized Apple Cider Vinegar’s (ACV) health benefits to fight infection, promote digestion, and even in fighting osteoporosis and lower cholesterol. Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine. It is also both eco- and hair-friendly. Many of you may not know that ACV can eliminate dandruff and scalp acne, clears gunk, natural oils and build-up from your hair and scalp, help balance the pH of your hair, and close the hair cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft, resulting in shinier hair. You won’t believe how many ways apple cider vinegar can be used to promote healthier skin and hair! Find out some of the couldn’t-be-simpler ways to put it to work for you, below:
1. Hair rinse: Apple cider vinegar gets rid of residue build-up on hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 quart water and use as a final rinse after shampooing.
2. Overnight facial: Get rid of blemishes and make your skin more youthful by patting apple cider vinegar on your face before bed. You’ll have softer, smoother skin in the morning!
3. Lightening age spots: Dab areas with straight apple cider vinegar and leave on overnight.
4. Dandruff fighter: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts warm water to balance scalp pH and control dandruff. You can also apply undiluted vinegar to the scalp. Allow it to penetrate, then shampoo with a mild shampoo.
5. Eczema: To help relieve the itching and dryness of eczema, apply a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to the affected areas.
6. Varicose Veins: Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the varicose veins at night and in the morning, and take two teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water twice a day. Shrinking of the veins will be noticed after one month.
When buying apple cider vinegar, look for “the mother”, the amazing naturally occurring strand-like chains of connected protein molecules; these live cultures work most efficiently when taken internally. I recommend Bragg’s Raw, Unfiltered, Organic ACV. Many commercial apple cider vinegars have been pasteurized, filtered, refined or distilled in order to make the product look good and more appealing to the general public. Unfortunately this extra processing destroys much of the healthy goodness.