Apple cider vinegar has been known as a miracle-working tonic for centuries, but it has recently seen a boost in popularity in the social media health and beauty world. The vinegar has been well-known for aiding digestion and boosting overall gut health. A sip of the golden liquid has even been said to cure the hiccups or a sore throat.
I have always been interested in beauty and health fads, and whether or not they are truly beneficial. So, after hearing the endless list of benefits, I had to see if this so-called “magical” liquid really works. With that goal in mind, I decided to incorporate ACV into my daily skincare and diet routine, and I am excited to report back with my findings.
Step one, of course, was to acquire the vinegar. After a bit of research, I found that Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar is the most popular brand, and it is sold at most commercial supermarkets. I headed to my local Whole Foods to pick out a bottle, making sure that it was organic and contained “the mother,” which, despite sounding super ominous, is where most of the nutritional value of the vinegar comes from. The “mother” is a cluster of enzymes and beneficial bacteria, and it is the secret weapon in ACV’s magical health benefits.
Image Courtesy of Pexels
Now, with my vinegar – mother and all – in hand, I decided to do some further research, and decide how to best incorporate the liquid into my daily routine. I read that ACV, when consumed is beneficial in regulating body pH levels and blood sugar, helping to boost satiety and cut cravings. Plus, when applied properly to the skin, it can act as a DIY toner for acne prevention. This is because the acids exfoliate while balancing skin pH and reducing redness. Other, more unconventional uses for ACV are to stop hiccups, cure seasonal allergies and even get rid of pesky dandruff!
However, I decided that based on my personal interests, I would focus on the digestive and skincare benefits of ACV. Each morning, before breakfast, I consume 1-2 tablespoons of the vinegar in a glass of water. I prefer hot water, but this is totally up to your preference. The liquid smells pungent, but when diluted properly it is not unpalatable. That being said, honey can be added if the flavor is too much at first.
After just a few days of drinking my ACV concoction, I have felt great and noticed its benefits. I truly have been craving less sugar and have been feeling more satisfied after my meals. Also, as somebody who is often prone to acid reflux, I can confidently state that my daily dose of ACV has made that issue diminish.
As for my skin, every other day I have been applying a diluted mixture of ACV and water to my face and rinsing it off minutes later. My skin has been feeling smooth and less greasy since doing so; however, I cannot comment on the vinegar’s ability to cure acne since I did not have any major spots.
So far, I have loved the results I’ve noticed from my daily dose of ACV, and my ACV skin toner, and I can’t wait to try even more ways to use the wonderful golden vinegar. However, as with most things, ACV is best used in moderation. Remember, the vinegar is highly acidic, so it is important that you always dilute it so you do not risk burning your throat or skin.