by Melissa Picoli |
Apple Cider Vinegar should be given a cape. Seriously, it should be given a beautiful golden cape, ACV written across the back with a thunderbolt, or something of the sort. It deserves recognition. It hangs out in our cupboards, often pushed aside as we reach for its smoother cousin, balsamic, or its useful relative, white wine. It’s true, balsamic is delicious, and adds to food a gourmet quality that is tough to beat; and white wine vinegar works significantly better than Super ACV for cleaning the house. However, for health and beauty, its good ol’ humble apple cider vinegar that is blessed with super powers.
Apple Cider Vinegar can be used externally and internally for beautification. Internally, Apple Cider Vinegar balances our body’s pH balance, a key factor in healthy metabolism and in detoxifying. Our bodies are generally too acidic. This is due to the digestive enzymes our bodies produce to break down proteins, fats, bad food combinations and caffeine. Intuitively, it seems adding something acidic, such as vinegar, would make matters worse, but the contrary is true. Apple Cider Vinegar is a living organism. Much like yogurt, it helps your digestive system break down things that are difficult and time consuming. With ACV, proteins and fats are broken down more efficiently, ensuring your metabolism is kept running strong and hot. Exactly what any of us watching those pounds want.
To use Apple Cider Vinegar as a regular tonic, twice a day drink a mixture of one 8oz cup of room temperature water with 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar, with meals. The first few times, the taste will not be pleasant, but it becomes agreeable. Just think, as you’re gulping: Fast Metabolism. Beautiful Skin. Better Digestion.
Externally, Apple Cider Vinegar is the perfect skin toner and hair rinse. Our entire skin is covered in something called “The Acid Mantle”. In keeping with the superhero theme, think of this mantle as your own precious armor against the myriad oxidants, bacteria, viruses and other microscopic aggressors. Most nuisances hit the acid mantle and either dissolve, or are barred entry into your precious dermis. Unfortunately, we are constantly making a mess of this barrier with our alkaline soaps and chlorinated water, Once disturbed, the acid mantle requires 6-8 hours before it is on full guard again. This is particularly bothersome for our face, neck, hands, and chest: areas that are regularly exposed to outside environments. ACV returns this mantle immediately. It is the skin’s perfect pH balance.
To use as a toner, mix 1 part Raw, Unfiltered ACV and 1 part distilled water in a bottle. After washing, apply to skin with a cotton ball. For break-outs, soak a cotton ball in pure ACV, and press onto blemish for five minutes twice a day. Watch the inflammation go down.
As a bi-weekly hair rinse, Apple Cider Vinegar breaks down chlorine and product build-up, leaving your hair shiny and soft, and more able to absorb beneficial ingredients in your conditioner. To use, simply bring your bottle of vinegar into the shower with you, skip shampoo, and rinse your hair with vinegar, massaging it into your scalp. Follow with a rich conditioner and enjoy.
In so many regards, it’s Apple Cider Vinegar to the rescue.
