Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

by Claire, 2 years ago

I have really been enjoying my re-kindled relationship with Apple Cider Vinegar lately as part of my “Get Back On Track” detox plan! I thought I would re-post this great article on it, the benefits, uses and recipes – it was written by our Full Circle Wellness Intern last Winter, Julienne! Happy reading and enjoy the benefits of ACV!

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is made from fresh, crushed apples, which mature naturally in wooden barrels. It has loads of benefits, full of enzymes and good bacteria to help nourish your cells and have a positive effect on your entire body and your environment. Organic, natural, raw ACV is a rich brownish color and has “cobweb-like” substances within. Don’t be turned off by the smell either, it’s rather pungent, but the healing and cleansing benefits is has is comparable to nothing else.

Weight loss – ACV helps to regulate blood glucose levels by inhibiting the absorption of starches and sugars, which cause the spiking and plummeting of blood glucose levels. The pectin in ACV keeps you feeling full, and therefore you eat less.
Balance your pH – Ash is the alkalizing agent in ACV. If you enjoy your coffee, cocktail, sugars, and starches, ACV is perfect for you. It contains acetic acid, which balances your pH and rids your body of toxins. This will also give you a boost in energy! If your body is at it’s proper pH, your body has enough oxygen and you can get through your busy day with ease.
Contains potassium – A lot of the potassium is cooked out of the foods we eat, but potassium is an important mineral to the soft tissues in our body. It keeps our muscles working. It is responsible for keeping our arteries flexible and resilient. It also fights off bacteria and viruses.
Aids indigestion – Indigestion can lead to a number of issues: gas, heartburn, burping, and bloating. ACV promotes the flow of fluids through the body to prevent these unwelcome ailments.
Good for the skin & hair – ACV has long been used as a folk remedy to treat an array of issues. Although not all scientifically proven, there are claims that ACV treats sunburns, callouses, warts, acne, dandruff, itching scalp, dry and thinning hair, lice, and the list goes on. Use it as a shampoo to go chemical free and maintain your soft and shiny locks. Click here to see what the “no-poo” method is, using baking soda for shampoo and ACV for conditioner.
Chemical-free Cleaner – ACV can also be used as a household cleaner. Studies show that it kills off bacteria, common mold, germs, and viruses.

ACV is extremely potent; it’s going to take some time to train your taste buds until you can drink more of the stuff. Below are three recipes that I made when I began experimenting with recipes.

SHOT
Here is an ACV shot mix you can make to start your day. That’s right. Start your day with a shot. It’s still a bit potent, but it gets the job done quick

2 tbsp Water
1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp honey or agave nectar (I prefer agave nectar)
1 dash cinnamon
1 squeeze lemon juice

COCKTAIL
Here is a cocktail to make with your breakfast or take it to go and save it for a pick-me up at lunch time. I like to make it in a blender bottle and shake all the ingredients together.