BRAGG’S… the Cure All Brand!

If you haven’t already heard of Bragg’s Organic ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar), then you should reconsider how much your friends and family truly care about you for not telling you about it!  If you need a shoulder to cry on, we are here for you! This is the exact position we were in a few months ago when we first started using it, only to find some of our friends and loved ones were already in the know.

                                  

Once the initial shock that we hadn’t known about this magical substance (whose initial endorsement dates back to days of Hippocrates -The Father of Modern Medicine) we took charge and have since become fanatics! We’ve been using it a couple different ways and did quite a bit of research, but it wasn’t until people began questioning the noticeable results we’ve achieved that we realized we needed to share so that YOU can benefit, too! So, allow us to enlighten you about Braggs ACV – one of our favorite brands! It’s important for you to know not just HOW, but  WHY it works.

We started taking Bragg’s orally – taking a tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach or mixing drinks we used as “pick-me-ups,” sometimes replacing that sacred mid-day caffeine fix. But before we go sharing our recipes let’s discuss how incorporating ACV into your diet straight up or through other amazing Braggs products, such as their beverages and salad dressing for example, can help improve immunity, metabolism, and vitality within your temple.

ACV is inherently rich in potassium, which our bodies need to carry oxygen to our brains. Maybe this can explain why we experienced something similar to a caffeinated kick in the ass when digesting it. By allowing more oxygen to the brain one may experience improved concentration, alertness, and reflexes. The combined richness in minerals and acetic acid (as well as other amino acids) make it an ideal cleansing agent for the internal organs – acting as a “sponge” drawing toxins out of the liver and intestines. It also improves acidity in the stomach, aiding digestion. Due to these properties people have claimed to notice improvements with GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), in other words “heartburn” to those of us who aren’t into the fancy-pants medical terminology.

We are well aware that to some people the smell of vinegar may pass for a tub of water used to wash a pair of dirty feet in a blind odor/taste test. On the other hand, others actually like and may even crave it.  But if you are one of the former you need to face the fact that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!

 

You guessed it – ACV even help with metabolism and weight loss! Hallelujah! The enzymes found in this fermented potion block those used to transform carbs into sugar, helping to keep insulin level and preventing those spikes that cause excessive hunger later.  Being that there is a considerable amount of fiber, specifically pectin, it helps to prevent weight gain because this type of fiber improves glucose metabolism and helps prevent spikes in blood sugar that can cause increased fat storage. Finally, its acetic acid component has been attributed to activating fat-burning cell, making it an ideal  pre or post-workout regimen. From our own experience, we’ve experienced decreases in appetite leading to no longer desiring large portions of food in one sitting. And if you don’t know, now you know – portion control is KEY to controlling your metabolism. Diet all you want, but that’s the skinny…

Before you go bathing in this stuff, also having its benefits, please note that vinegar that is pasteurized kills many of  the healthful nutrients discussed thus far. Just another reason to love good ol’ Bragg’s for keeping their products organic and unfiltered, allowing the “Mother” of enzymes to remain in her natural habitat.  We stress using only organic and unfiltered vinegar, and of course consulting a doctor prior to usage as the information we share is based upon our usage and research. Unfortunately we are not MDs (but fortunately we don’t have med school tabs – always trying to look on the bright side!)

Getting back to the topic at hand, if you do want to bath in this once in awhile we won’t stop you! Not only can ACV help to improve the appearance and feel if your skin by clearing up acne, it works wonders for restoring your pH balance and making your hair silky smooth, and who wouldn’t want that?! (ehemm, WE DO) Hair and organic/unpasteurized ACV naturally have acidic pH balances, whereas soaps are typically alkaline (other end of the spectrum). The natural pH balance of our hair is preventative against the growth of bacteria and/or fungus on the skin around the hair cuticle. Using products and soaps that have complete opposite pH levels shifts the balance of our hair, you guessed it, making it easier for bacteria and other buildup to remain on the scalp. Because ACV is closer to hair’s natural acidity, it also allows the the cuticles of hair on the scalp to be seal the hair and lock in moisture as opposed to being open and dried out. This is why you notice breakage and hair loss when hair is dry and brittle. It is also due to its acidity and antibacterial properties that it helps with dandruff and psoriasis.

Whew! So now you understand why we want to shout about this from the rooftops! Bragg’s ACV truly is a magical cure-anything multi-purpose potion. Or you can credit science. Either way we hope you walk away from reading this feeling a little (or A LOT) more educated and will give this product a try if you haven’t already. Below you will find some recipes and guidelines for these different uses. Also be sure to visit their website and take a peek at their other great products at www.bragg.com/

 

For astringent:

1 part ACV

1 part DISTILLED water

*keep chilled for best results, helps to close and tighten pore especially when cold

 

For hair:

⅓ cup ACV

1 quart (4 cups) DISTILLED water

*add a couple drops of essential oils such as tea tree (helps clear dandruff), lavender, rose, sage, rosemary

 

For digestion:

Take 1 tbsp before each meal

*start taking one in the morning, and work up to taking two or three

*do not brush teeth immediately after because it can strip teeth of their enamel, or try taking through a straw

Since everyone’s tastebuds are different and not everyone can handle a straight tablespoon, we suggest mixing it with distilled water and/or: liquid stevia, honey, agave nectar, juice NOT from concentrate, lemon, organic maple syrup, and more! If you have your own unique recipe then let us know! We appreciate your comments and feedback!