Elixir Wellness: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.

What is it?

We like to class apple cider vinegar as a superfood, because it really is special. ACV is the by-product of fermented apples which are full of essential vitamins and minerals. This fermented cider has to be one of the most versatile ingredients you can use for everyday health. You can eat it, cook with it, clean with it and so much more.

What does it taste like?

It really does taste like vinegar, very acidic, tangy and strong, yet slightly fruity. It makes a fantastic salad dressing and delicious added into dips!

What are the benefits?

• Fights acid reflux and heartburn

• Can be used to treat candida overgrowth

• Regulates your natural pH levels

• Balances blood sugar levels

• Promotes good gut bacteria

• Relieves digestion issues such as bloating and constipation

• Helps detox the liver and body

• Lowers blood pressure

• Fights colds and supports immunity

• Controls appetite which promotes weight loss

• Reduces inflammation

• Soothes insect bites

• Helps lower glucose levels in diabetes

• Helps relieve sinus issues

• Helps to break down fat

• May help to relieve nausea

• Strengthens stomach acid

• Anti-fungal properties

How to use it?

1. Weight loss + detox

This is a really affective weight loss aid, energy drink and digestive tonic. This special blend of healing ingredients helps to boost metabolism and burn fat, fight inflammation and reduce sugar cravings. This is because the organic acids (acetic acid) and enzymes in apple cider vinegar alkalises and cleanses the body, making it a better environment for efficient digestion and elimination. ACV contains lots of potassium which maintains a healthy pH balance as well as pectin, a fibre which helps cleanse the digestive system. Enliven your gut with this elixir first thing in the morning on an empty stomach before a healthy and nutritious breakfast.

* 1 cup warm water - boiled but not scolding, we don’t want to destroy the precious enzymes

* 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

* juice of 1/2 a squeezed lemon

* 1 tbsp honey - preferably raw and organic or even manuka

* ground or fresh root ginger

* 1/2 tsp cinnamon

* pinch of cayenne pepper

2. Cold + Flu reliever

Use the digestive tonic as above! Replace the cup of water with a brewed mug of Pukka Lemon, Ginger & Manuka honey tea for an even more powerful immune boosting beverage!

3. Facial toner

• Evens out skin tone

• Improves skin texture

• Minibuses appearance of pores

• Helps balance and restore skin’s natural PH

• fights inflammation and acne.

• Reduces redness

• Dries up breakouts

Mix 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar with 3-4 tbsp water. To make your toner more soothing and aromatic, try adding natural floral waters such as Pukka Rose Water. You can even use brewed Pukka herbal tea for extra antioxidants and essential oils such as tea tree and lavender. These are all really nourishing ingredients which hold many therapeutic properties. Simply apply to a cotton pad and smooth over the skin after cleansing and before any serums, oils or moisturising creams.

4. Clarifying hair rinse

ACV is a powerful hair and scalp cleanser, which helps remove sebum and product build up on the hair shaft. It also if full of B vitamins, Vitamin C and minerals perfect for building strong, luscious and shiny hair. Using an AVC treatment on your hair balances your hairs natural pH resulting in clean, smooth and manageable locks. Simply dilute 3-4 tbsp with 2 cups of filtered water and pour over wet hair after shampooing. Leave it to work its clarifying magic for 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly and condition as normal. We also love John Masters Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier & Colour sealer for a ready made intensive treatment with added herbal ingredients for nourished, frizz free tresses. [Available in store!]

Olivia’s Story,

“Unfortunately a few years ago I had to have my Gallbladder removed and as a result I still struggle to digest fats, even the healthy ones! Obviously I do not want to completely eliminate avocados, coconut oil and nuts out of my diet, because they have so many wonderful health benefits. I then started to look into ways of helping me to feel more comfortable after eating fats. As well as taking probiotics and a good digestive enzyme, I remember apple cider vinegar popping up quite frequently in my search results, so I thought I would give it a go. I drink 1-2tbsp of ACV and 1/2 a squeezed lemon diluted in 1 litre of warm water every morning before breakfast. I feel like this magical mixture worked so well for waking up my digestive system and flushing out any toxins. I felt like my digestion improved dramatically within a few days. If I do over do it on the fats (raw chocolate, copious amounts of almond butter, oops…) I found that apple cider vinegar worked a treat by helping break down the fat. After taking it I felt far less bloated and ‘clogged up’. I guess I could describe how ACV works as like cutting the grease down the sink! So if you feel you’ve over indulged a bit, or also suffer with fat malabsorption, try mixing 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in some warm water and sip slowly after your meal. This is a really soothing remedy and I highly recommend!”

GOLDEN RULE

Always buy organic apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’ which are strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria. This gives the cider its murky appearance as the wonderful raw goodness and live enzymes have not been filtered away. We love BIONA apple cider vinegar and is always available in store!

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