Humble but Mighty – Apple Cider Vinegar

In Blog, LifeLines by Amanda Chong

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is one of the most popular natural remedies in folk medicine.

Traditional uses of ACV are vast and here are just a few of its health benefits:

  • Detoxifies the body: Toxins often accumulate in our bodies, and the malic acid in ACV helps to eliminate these dangerous compounds.

    By doing so, ACV supports healthy kidney, bladder, and liver function.

  • Alleviates allergy symptoms.
  • Aids in flu prevention.
  • Aids in digestion.
  • Eases heartburn and nausea.
  • Increases satiety and helps to promote weight loss.
  • Reduces insulin resistance.
  • Lowers cholesterol.
  • Lowers blood pressure and improves heart health.
  • Enhances metabolism.
  • Alkalizes the body: A big reason ACV is so effective for so many health conditions is that it makes the body more alkaline. The more acidic your body is, the more susceptible you are to sicknesses. Even though ACV is acidic, it has an alkalizing impact on the body during digestion, unlike other kinds of vinegar.
  • Contains potent antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

How to Select the Right Apple Cider Vinegar?

Many people know the benefits of ACV but not everyone knows how to choose the right kind.

When choosing an ACV, please be sure to pick one that is raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized to enjoy its mighty nutritional benefits.

Raw, organic ACV is made from sweet varieties of organic apples. These apples undergo a double fermentation process, which produces enzymes and creates many of the vinegar’s health-promoting characteristics. As the sugar in the apples is broken down, the first ferment yields what we know as “hard” cider or alcoholic cider. The second fermentation creates ACV.

Organic ACV is unpasteurized and contains what is known as the “mother of vinegar”, which is the strand-like sediment that makes the ACV appear somewhat cloudy and murky. Also known as Mycoderma aceti, the mother of vinegar is created when acetic acid bacteria and a type of cellulose develop during the fermentation process. It is rich in proteins, enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria. 

However, due to its not very appealing appearance, most vinegar manufacturers pasteurize and filter their ACV, getting rid of the mother of vinegar. Unfortunately, many useful nutrients are also lost and removed in the process.

Choose NewLife™ Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for Exceptional Quality 

NewLife™ Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is naturally produced from delicious organic apples from New Zealand. 

It is undistilled, unpasteurized raw apple cider vinegar. It appears cloudy because it contains the amazing naturally occurring “mother” of vinegar formed from pectin and apple residues that gives the extra health benefits.

Adding ACV to your lifestyle is just one way that you can utilize a simple, natural provision that costs so little for so many benefits. For general wellness, mix 1 teaspoon of NewLife™ Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 tablespoon of NewLife™ Pure Raw Honey in a glass of water and consume two or more times daily. You can also use ACV to add some zest to your salad and dishes.

100% natural, certified organic with no artificial colouring, flavouring or preservatives.

Unfiltered and unpasteurised. Product of New Zealand.

ACV LIFE HACKS FOR HEALTH

Nosebleeds

If you are injured or prone to nosebleeds, soak a cotton ball in ACV and lightly pack your nostril. Lean forward for 10 minutes, pressing the nostrils together. ACV contains properties that help to constrict blood vessels and slow bleeding.

Diarrhoea

Although many things can cause diarrhoea and it is sometimes just a way that the body rids itself of dangerous compounds, it should not be ignored. The pectin in ACV helps to form bulk in the stool, which works against diarrhoea and can eliminate the bacteria that causes it. In the intestines, gut flora helps to turn pectin into a soothing coating that protects the irritated colon. Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 240ml of water, and sip the mixture throughout the day.

Bad Breath

Simply gargle with ACV to avoid bad breath.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand is pressed or squeezed at the wrist. People who work long hours with their hands performing repetitive motions suffer from this condition. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ACV can be used as an effective remedy. If you are bothered by the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with 240ml of water and drink 3 times a day on an empty stomach.

Bed Wetting

Mix 2 drops of ACV in 180ml of water and drink at least one hour before bed. ACV helps to reduce acid levels in the stomach, which often contribute to excessive bedwetting.

Workout Endurance

Do you often feel fatigued halfway through your workout? During exercise, lactic acid collects in the muscles and contributes to a heavy or fatigued feeling. ACV helps push the toxins produced as a by-product of exercise out of your body and balances pH levels. For an extra boost to get you through a tough workout, mix 1 tablespoon of ACV in 240ml of water and drink during your workout. Follow this with 270ml of water.

Chicken Pox

Mix 1 cup of ACV in 5 cups of water. Wash the affected areas with a clean cloth dipped in the mixture. This will help reduce swelling and keep the infection from spreading.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is unsightly and can be painful. This fungus begins as a white spot and eventually becomes a yellow spot under the tip of your finger or toenail. The fungus can spread and go deeper into your nail, causing it to discolour and thicken with crumbling edges. ACV can be used to help with nail fungus in two ways: you can drink 2 tablespoons of ACV mixed in 240ml of water 3 times daily to help balance pH levels, and massage a mixture of 2 tablespoons ACV and 1 tablespoon water into the affected nail 3 times a day.

Hangover Helper

Consuming alcohol leaves toxins in our bodies, which contributes to that nasty hangover. ACV helps balance pH levels while replenishing minerals including potassium, calcium, iron, sodium and magnesium. What does this mean for you? It means that you will recover much quicker. Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV into 240ml of water and drink—repeat this step two more times during the day. You may also add some raw honey for taste.

FOR HOUSEKEEPING CLEAN & CHEMICAL-FREE

General Cleaning

For clean toilets and a fresh-smelling bathroom, pour some ACV into your toilet and allow it to sit overnight. Clean windows, glasses, wood and tile floors, and mirrors with a mixture of ½ cup ACV and 1 cup water.

Unclog Drains

Commercial drain cleaners are dangerous and can cause stinging of the eyes, rashes, respiratory damage, and other medical conditions. To avoid this, use a mixture of ACV and baking soda. This solution is not only better for your health but also better for your pipes. To unclog drains, funnel ½ cup of baking soda into your drain and follow it with 1 cup of ACV. After the foaming stops, flush the drain with hot water and wait five minutes. After this, flush with cold water. If you have a slow-running drain, you can pour in ½ cup of salt followed by cold water. Do this monthly to keep your drains running smoothly.

Chase Away Fruit Flies

If you have ever battled fruit flies, you know how much of a nuisance they can be. Pour some ACV into a container with a few holes and watch the flies disappear.

Remove Water Rings from Furniture

To remove the white rings left by wet glasses, mix equal parts of ACV and coconut oil, and apply the mixture to your furniture with a soft cloth. Use another clean cloth for shining—be sure to go with the wood grain.

De-mildew Bathtubs

Give heavy mildew full-strength attention and for lighter stains use a 1:1 mixture diluted with water. You might add a few drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil and lemon oil, to the mix too for a fresh scent.

Clean Your Washing Machine

Give your washing machine a good cleaning with 2 cups of ACV poured into the machine (without clothes) and run a full cycle.

Freshen Clothes

Remove musty odours and brighten colours by adding 1 cup of ACV to the wash cycle. 

Another tip for keeping bright colours like red from staining other clothes is to soak new garments in pure ACV for 20 minutes before the first wash. This helps to lock in colours and prevent running or fading. 

Remove Yellow Clothing Stains

Eliminate the yellow ring around the collar with a 12:1 ratio of warm water to ACV. Soak overnight before washing.

Degrease the Kitchen

Degrease your stove, countertops, etc. with a 1:1 ratio of ACV and water.

Remove Coffee or Tea Stains from Dishes 

Scrub with a 1:1 ratio of ACV and salt.

Clean Cutting Boards 

Cutting boards are hotbeds for bacteria. A thorough wipe down with pure ACV will keep them bacteria-free.

Clean the Fridge

Clean your whole fridge with a 1:1 ACV water mix. Remove mildew from the door seals by wiping them down with full-strength ACV.

A Handy Tool in the Pantry
  • Delicious salad dressing—Mix flaxseed oil, ACV, a little bit of honey, and herbs; sprinkle dressing over a fresh salad.
  • Marinate—Marinating meat in ACV helps to tenderize the meat and kill harmful bacteria. Add your spices and herbs to ¾ cup of ACV and marinate meat in the mixture for a few hours or overnight.
  • The perfect poached eggs (aka Eggs Benedict)—Bring a small pot of water to a rapid boil and pour in a splash of ACV. Crack one egg, be careful to keep the yolk intact, and slip the egg into the boiling water. With a spatula, keep the water moving by swirling gently around the egg.
  • DIY buttermilk—If the original recipe calls for buttermilk but you can’t find one in the nearby supermarket, take one tablespoon of ACV and add enough milk to make 1 cup (240 ml). Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, and now you have your buttermilk!

FOR BEAUTY

Spot Treatment

If you are looking to reduce the size and inflammation of a pimple overnight, you can use ACV for this purpose. Take 2 tablespoons of ACV and mix it well with 1 cup of water. Store the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz it onto a cotton pad. Place the cotton pad against the affected area for a minute. Don’t rinse your face until the next morning, and you will find that the pimple has reduced in both size and redness.

Facial Steam

Prepare this liquid mixture to be placed in a facial steamer. Add 4 tablespoons of ACV and a few drops of NewLifeTM Wonda Oil to 2 cups of water. Allow the steam from this mixture to seep into your pores. This will help cleanse and clarify your skin and effectively treat both acne and dark spots.

Detox Masks

You can prepare a detox mask by adding a tablespoon of ACV to any clay mask you have. Using it in your clay masks will help detoxify and exfoliate your skin as ACV is great at balancing the pH level of the skin. You will be left with glowing, smooth skin.

Foot Soak

Whip up a quick DIY foot soak at home, add 2 parts of water to one part of ACV and soak your feet in the mixture for about 15 minutes for a refreshing experience. The exfoliating properties in ACV will help remove the dead skin from your feet.

Natural Toner

Use ACV as a facial toner for smooth, glowing skin. A very basic recipe is to mix 2 parts of water with one part of ACV. However, the ratio depends on your skin type.

Start with a small mixture of 1 part ACV to 4 parts of water. If it is too strong for your skin, add more water. If it does not seem strong enough and you are not noticing any of the benefits, add more ACV. You can customize your toner by adding rosewater (1 teaspoon), essential oils such as chamomile or lavender (2-3 drops). If you have oily skin, add 3-5 drops of NewLife™ Wonda Oil.

Tangle-free, Shiny Hair

Add a boost of shine to your hair using ACV. Mix equal parts of ACV and water, rinse your hair with this mixture right after you shampoo your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before you rinse with plain water. ACV also helps treat dandruff and itchy scalp.

Healthy, Shiny Nails

Mix equal parts of ACV and water, soak your nails in this mixture for 10 minutes, and rinse off with normal water for bright, healthy, clean and shiny nails.

Makeup Brushes Cleanser

Mix a quarter cup of water with 1 teaspoon of ACV, mix well and soak your makeup brushes in this mixture for about 5-10 minutes and rinse off with water. ACV cleanses all the product out of brushes leaving you with sparkly, clean brushes.

Sunburn Relief

Treat your sunburnt skin by mixing equal parts of ACV and water, pour it into a spray bottle, and spray it over the affected area multiple times during the day or as frequently as you can.

Teeth Whitening

ACV acts as a natural bleach as well as a potent cleanser. As a deep cleaning agent, it helps to remove the bacteria that affect the natural colour of your teeth. As a bleaching agent, it helps to balance the pH in your mouth and make your teeth shine. Mix a ½ spoonful of ACV with one cup of water. Rub your teeth with this mixture every day before bedtime using a toothbrush, and brush your teeth later with toothpaste as usual.