Apple cider vinegar is known for its potent odor, sour taste, and its versatility. Some people use it to clean their kitchen floors; others use it to kill weeds. So why do so many radiant actors and celebrities swear by it? They boldly praise it for its many health and beauty benefits. In particular they speak about apple cider vinegar (ACV) that is raw, organic, and unfiltered which contains cloudy, brown material known as “the mother.” This is the affordable, easy-to-find health and beauty formula that is chock-full of nutrients and brimming with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Here are a few reasons to give it a try.
Skin: Scarlett Johansson told Elle UK she uses ACV as a cleanser on her face. “I researched natural skincare and found that apple cider vinegar is really effective…Using it as a toner can be harsh, but if you have breakouts it can be really healing.” Not only does it kill bacteria, but as a bonus, it becomes alkaline which balances the pH of your skin. This prevents bacteria from making a home on your face in the future. To use as a facial toner, first wash your face as usual. Then, mix one part ACV with 2 to 3 parts water, and then apply with a cotton ball to gently blot your forehead, nose, and chin. It depends on your skin, but some people leave the cotton ball on the troublesome area for at least ten minutes. You can also reapply it several times a day, but wash your face thoroughly after each use and use a moisturizer to prevent the vinegar from overly drying out your skin. ACV is also said to reduce age spots by applying a combination of one tablespoon of orange juice with two tablespoons of ACV to your spot.
Hair: After shampooing, add a splash of ACV to one cup of water, then apply this to your hair. Rinse well. This will increase the shine and body of your hair. Or to target dandruff, you can take a quarter cup ACV and a quarter cup of water, and use a spray bottle to apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for up to an hour before rinsing.
Feet: Equal parts of warm water and ACV make a great do-it-yourself pedicure. Soaking your feet this concoction will leave your feet soft, clean, and fungus-free.
Sunburns: Next time you notice a sunburn, you can soothe your skin by adding one cup of vinegar to the bath water, and soaking in it for ten minutes. Even if you don’t have a sunburn, this kind of bath can draw out toxins from your skin.
Varicose veins: ACV is known to reduce them thanks to its high levels of vitamins.
Helps burn belly fat: According to a Japanese study, obese participants who added apple cider vinegar to their salads were leaner and had less visceral fat than the control group who skipped the vinegar. And results were evident in eight weeks. Apparently, the vinegar produces proteins inside our bodies that break down fat so it can be used instead of stored. It is also said to reduce cravings. Fergie told People magazine that she takes two tablespoons of ACV twice a day–once before lunch and once before dinner to maintain her slim figure. Miranda Kerr and Megan Fox likewise insist that consuming apple cider vinegar helps them stay slim and healthy. “It just cleanses out your system entirely,” Fox once said.
ACV touts a surprising additional list of health benefits such as helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, promoting proper digestion by both cleansing and making the digestive tract more alkaline, and breaking down mucous to fight sinus infections and sore throats. Hey, it even treat warts.
ACV like all vinegars is an acid, so moderation is key. Many nutritionists say to consume a maximum of 2-3 tablespoons a day, and they advise to dilute it with water and/or juice before drinking it. Heidi Klum mixes one to two tablespoons of it with 12 to 16 ounces of water, and drinks it before a meal. Some people prefer to add something sweet like honey or stevia. If you do drink ACV, you’re advised to either use a straw or swish water in your mouth afterwards to minimize the effects of acid on the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, if you have diabetes or other medical concerns, talk to your doctor before experimenting with ACV because it contains chromium which can alter insulin levels.
Some people are highly skeptical about a product that touts to do so much. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’ve just poured myself my first cup of ACV mixed with water…and it’s not too bad!
Want to get your acting career started? Sign up or login to Casting Frontier and start auditioning today!
Related articles:
3 Actors Share Their Health and Fitness Routines
Selena Gomez’s Speech on Mental Health at McLean Awards
Actors on Self-Care
