I think the fascination with this all started when my friend said he not only rinsed his hair in this but his dogs coat. Supposedly it made the dogs hair super shiny and also could cure fleas? Of course, I am all for a natural way of doing things...but I was skeptical too. I was not about to rinse my hair in VINEGAR, and I was NOT going to smell like this all day! So bare with me, I promise you will be just as amazed as me!
So, first I wanted to establish what exactly this was. Yeah, I knew it was probably something that had quite the smell and looked like apple juice, but other than that... I've got nothing. Vinegar is the result of fermentation: or breaking down of sugars by bacteria or yeast. Vinegar can be made from all sorts of things -- like many fruits, vegetables, and grains -- apple cider vinegar comes from pulverized apples. The main is ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid. This is colorless but provides the sour taste we all know and well love in vinegar. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light. The mother can be used to add to other vinegar to hasten maturity for making more Apple Cider Vinegar. When I first saw the mother, I'm not gonna lie, I thought it looked pretty gross and well it looks like something you would discard... but defiantly NOT!! If you're up for it, drink this as well! It is believed to have antibacterial and anti fungal properties!
Literally, the list could go on and on for all the uses of this product. Everything from bathing in it, washing your dog (shiny coat, rid of fleas), preventative techniques... I mean you name it, Apple Cider Vinegar can do it. So, here are just a few things I found:
Diabetes: This is one of the most researched topics with ACV. It has been linked to lower the blood 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%." -- WebMD. The Acetic Acid may play a role in this. It appears the the acid slows the digestion of starches in the body which ultimately lowers blood glucose.
Heartburn: If you mix just 1 tablespoon of ACV and 4 ounces of water (more if you'd like), this has been found to be a natural remedy for heartburn-- not the yucky heartburn meds!
Face: If you dilute ACV and water 50/50, it can be used on your face as a toner. Just use a cotton ball and apply! Careful not to get your eyes, just like any other facial products, it can sting. ACV is VERY acidic.
Hair: It is said to treat dandruff by destroying the fungus Malassezia furfur and restoring the PH balance of the scalp. Some people recommend applying a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar, applying it to the scalp, and leaving it to dry. Others suggest applying a couple of tablespoons of straight vinegar to the scalp and leaving it on for an hour or two before rinsing.
PETS! Can help rid of fleas and ticks! Also gives just about the shiniest coat EVER!
Okay, so here is my caution. This is a vinegar product (duh haha) which means is VERY ACIDIC! If you choose to drink this in the pure form, always water it down! It could potentially harm your GI tract and the enamel on your teeth! So, please use caution!
Well, I hope you find some use out of this and maybe research a little more! I find things like this so interesting! I hope everyone had a wonderful first week back! Have a great hump day tomorrow :)
Stay Happy and Healthy!!
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