Your doctor isn't going to like this!
As a Health Coach, I often get asked about what products I personally use on a daily basis. Last month, I told you how I use coconut oil and I was flooded with emails from people telling me how they use it and how much they love it! Thanks so much for all the great ideas! This month I decided to tell you about another one of my secret weapons for better health and your doctor isn't going to like it. Why? Because it's going to improve your health and you'll be visiting your doctor less and less. What's the secret? Apple Cider Vinegar!
The healing power of apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been known for centuries and has been used for various things from cleaning to cooking. Hippocrates discovered that natural, undistilled apple cider had amazing healing benefits and often used ACV as an antibiotic, antiseptic and a health tonic. ACV has a wide number of uses and health claims. Recent studies claim that apple cider vinegar can cure the hiccups, fight off colds, lower your risk of heart disease, type II diabetes and even cancer. It's seemingly impossible to sort through the plethora of benefits that scientists have discovered, but not to worry, I did some of the work for you! I throw a shot of ACV in my water every morning to get some of these wonderful benefits. Here are a few other useful things ACV can do!
1. Cure a Sore throat - the moment you feel a sore throat coming on, start guzzling ACV to ward off the infection. The vinegar creates an acidic environment that makes it difficult for germs to survive. Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water and gargle every hour or so.
2. Heal & prevent acne - Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that help keep acne at bay. It works as a natural toner, reduces red spots and balances pH levels, leaving your skin looking and feeling soft & healthy! Apply to a make-up pad and dab all over the face. (It's also said to have some anti-aging effects! Sign me up!)
3. Balance your inner pH- As I mentioned above, ACV helps balance the entire body by keeping the pH levels in check. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) lead to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection and disease. Just like ACV helps balance your skins pH, it also helps to balance pH inside the body.
4. Make a tasty salad - ACV is a great addition to any salad. It not only makes a great dressing, but you get the added bonus of having extra protection from bacteria and E Coli that could be hiding in your sprouts. Add it directly to your salad with a little bit of salt & pepper, or add your favorite herbs such as dill, basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, or thyme.
What to look for : Organic, unpasteurized, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Make sure it contains the "mother" – the cloudy, pulpy substance at the bottom of the bottle. The "mother" is where all the beneficial bacteria and enzymes are found.
Keep in mind: Don’t drink straight ACV. It is acidic and may cause damage to the enamel of your teeth, instead try mixing it with water.
Although many of the above claims have not been proven, and ACV may not be a cure-all, by adding some apple cider vinegar to your diet, you can take advantage of some of its benefits.
