Ancient folk remedy, household cleaner, and popular cooking ingredient. Vinegar in all its forms can be used for even more purposes than there are versions of it.
With the resurgence of homeopathic health and beauty remedies, the type of vinegar that’s becoming the most popular is by far Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV).
ACV has shown itself to be the king of vinegar. This is thanks to all the different benefits that can be derived from it.
From hair conditioner to acidic facial exfoliation to lowering blood sugar levels and fighting against seasonal allergies, ACV has proven its worth time and time again.
Facial Astringent / Acidic Exfoliator
This is definitely my favorite “beauty product.” My aesthetician recommended I start using a daily chemical/acidic exfoliator to help improve my complexion. If you’ve purchased or priced any of the brands that can do this, you know how expensive they can get.
Instead, I discovered this “recipe” that works wonderfully, especially when I bother to do it on a regular basis.
Take 5-6 generic aspirin (preferably uncoated) and crush them with a spoon into a small bowl. Add enough 50/50 ACV and water to make a thin paste then apply the results to your face, neck, and décolletage area. Leave on for about 1-2 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
Follow up with your regular moisturizer, or a dab of coconut oil. Do this regularly, and you’ll see the youthful glow you had as a kid begins to come back in just a matter of days.
General Health
Seasonal Allergies, UTIs, and heartburn. Most of us these days suffer from all three at least occasionally. I find when my allergies get especially bad if I mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with enough local honey to taste and add 3-4 Oz of hot water and feel better. Mix this, and you get a warm and soothing drink that gives all the benefits of its ingredients that also doesn’t taste too bad.
Do this twice a day, first thing in the morning and shortly before bed and you’re giving yourself a good barrier to infection and discomfort.
Blood Sugar Reduction
Here’s the big one and helpful news for diabetics or people who may be at risk for developing diabetes. There are even scientific studies to back it up.
Elevated blood sugar, a.k.a. Hyperglycemia can be a problem for people whether they’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or not. The condition is thought to be one of the major causes of many chronic diseases. This means it’s a good idea for all people to work to keep their blood sugar stable.
ACV has been shown to have several benefits regarding insulin production, function and blood sugar levels. These include:
• Enhances insulin sensitivity
• Lowers blood glucose and insulin responses
• Lowers blood sugar
Studies have shown that two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in the evening can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by 4%. Remember that “tea” recipe above?
If your blood sugar levels have gotten to the point your doctor is talking about treatment, check with him/her first before increasing your ACV consumption. If used with a prescription med that also lowers sugar levels, you run the risk of your levels becoming too low, which can be dangerous.
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