RAW Apple Cider Vinegar

For centuries, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for many, many things.  From dressing a salad to polishing armor to making pickles.  It's one of nature's secrets (for those of us that have been living under the proverbial western medicine and nutritional ROCK!)

 ACV basically comes from pulverized apples.  Apples that have been broken down by the fermentation process (the process in which sugars in food are broken down by bacteria and yeast - the good kind of bacteria and yeast I should add).  The apples turn into an alcohol and then, the longer they ferment, you get vinegar.

 The main ingredient is acetic acid- but it also has many vitamins, minerals, aminos, etc.  With that said, I am always keeping my eyes and ears open to those "folk remedies" that seem to get buried underneath modern day medicine nutrition. 

Below is a list of just some of the benefits of raw ACV:

• Helps to prevent brittle teeth and hair loss
• Fights allergies, sore throats and runny noses (yes, when you are sick this actually helps).
• Helps to regulate blood sugar and decrease bad cholestrol
• Those with diabetes: "The effect of vinegar on blood sugar levels is perhaps the best-researched and the most promising of apple cider vinegar's possible health benefits. Several studies have found that vinegar may help lower glucose levels. For instance, one 2007 study of 11 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%." (A co-worker of mine has diabetes and we just started her on ACV a few weeks ago.  She has noticed a difference already).
• Anti viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
• Helps maintain a proper pH level in your body for a healthy alkaline state (alkalinity in your body is KEY)
• Helps improve bowel irregularity
• Helps to clear up skin conditions
• Natural "de-tox" by improving digestion
• Natural cure for constipation
• Helps to break down fats so your body can use them rather than store them

Personal Use:
Almost every day, I will put: 
2 Tablespoons of RAW ACV in 1 (one) gallon of water and drink it throughout the day.
(I personally use the BRAGG'S brand.  Be sure you get RAW, UN-PASTUERIZED ACV.  The other stuff is junk.  Don't bother. You can purchase BRAGG'S at most grocery stores and all health food stores).

Other uses:

• WOMEN! Raw ACV is the best all-natural face toner I have ever found.  Mix 1 parts ACV to 4 parts water.  Shake it up in a small bottle.  Apply to a cotton swab and rub on your face/neck in the morning and evening. It helps to improve your skin's texture and overall complexion, gets rid of excess skin, oil, and guess what? It's CHEAP! (Taking it internally as prescribed above will help as well)  Don't waste all your money on over the counter beauty products.  Go natural!
• NON-toxic household cleaner, deoderizer, and disinfectant.  Dilute ACV in water in a spray bottle and clean away.  I know, it smells like smelly feet at first. But give it 15 minutes and the smell will disappear.  (Unlike those household cleaners that smell like poison)