ACV Elixir for Fat Burning and Optimal Health

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It seems like everyone is always looking for that "quick fix" or magic solution to lose weight. While this is not a quick fix, my ACV elixir might be that magic solution to push you through a plateau. Starting your day with a combination of fat burning and health promoting ingredients may give you the boost you need for good energy, smooth digestion, and prevent diseases like cancer. Now let's dive into each ingredient and what they can do for you!

Apple Cider Vinegar

This stuff is magic. I've used apple cider vinegar for years to heal a variety of things like acid reflux, skin rashes, and sore throats. The benefits of ACV could take up this entire post if I listed them all, so here are the highlights:

• Regulates blood sugar

• May lower cholesterol

• Increases satiety, meaning you feel full longer and can aid in weight loss

• Breaks up mucous, which is beneficial for clearing sinuses and sore throats

• Reduces acid reflux

• Acts as a natural digestive enzyme when taken before meals

• Increases insulin sensitivity, meaning you metabolize carbohydrates more efficiently and reduces insulin resistance

Did you know that acid reflux is typically caused by notenough stomach acid? Taking 1-2 tablespoons of ACV diluted in water can give your stomach the boost it needs to regulate digestion and prevent the uncomfortable effects of acid reflux.

Cayenne

Cayenne is a very spicy ingredient that has thermogenic properties, meaning it stimulates and revs up the metabolism. It's great for weight loss and increasing blood circulation. When taken with the other health promoting supplements in my ACV elixir, cayenne acts as a stimulant that circulates the other supplements to increase absorption.

It also contains vitamins A, E, and C and has been shown to have cancer fighting properties. A dash of cayenne each day can clear congestion, fight inflammation, and aid in overall weight loss. A word of warning -- start small and increase the amount of cayenne you add to your elixir. It's hot!

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has TONS of antioxidants including polyphenols which aid in digestion and weight management. It's anti-inflammatory, reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol while keeping HDL (good) cholesterol stable, increases insulin sensitivity, and lowers blood sugar. Cinnamon aids in blood sugar regulation by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates and preventing a spike in blood sugar.

Some studies have found that cinnamon may combat neurodegenerative diseases in studies with mice. It may also protect against cancer. Further studies need to be done with human subjects but the results with mice look promising!

Note: When buying cinnamon, picking Ceylon cinnamon (often referred to as "true cinnamon), is your best bet. Most cinnamon you find at the store is Cassia cinnamon because it's lower quality and therefore cheaper to produce. Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin which can be toxic in large doses, while ceylon does not have this compound and is safer to consume regularly.

Turmeric

Turmeric is another "cure-all" ingredient that has so many health benefits. It contains curcumin which has been shown to support health cholesterol, reduce systemic inflammation, promote brain health, joint health, and prevent cancer.

However, as with many things, there is a caveat. When consuming powdered turmeric, only about 1% of the curcumin is bioavailable. Adding black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin when consuming turmeric, but ultimately you will not see as many of the benefits listed above when taking powdered turmeric alone.

The solution is to opt for organic turmeric extract, ideally with at least 95% curcuminoids in the ingredients. This extract will allow your body to absorb the curcumin more effectively and give you the health benefits listed above.

Lemon

I like to add a squeeze of fresh lemon to my ACV elixir for an extra boost of vitamin C. Lemon aids in digestion, skin health, promotes hydration, and prevents against kidney stones.

Many similar elixirs will say adding a few drops of lemon essential oil is sufficient. I would caution you against orally consuming any essential oils as they are extremely potent and can cause damage to your digestive tract. Unless your essential oils are organic and sourced from a trusty company, it is likely they may contain filler ingredients that are not safe to consume. To be safe, I would avoid consuming any essential oils by mouth.

ACV Elixir

Mix up this fat burning elixir in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast to rev up your metabolism and break through your weigh loss plateau!

• 1-2 tbsp organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar

• 1 dash cayenne pepper

• 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp organic turmeric extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• water or sparkling water to dilute

1. Mix all ingredients into a glass and stir together until combined. 

2. Make sure you dilute with at least 1-2 cups of water, as ingredients are potent and you do not want to burn your digestive tract.

3. You can dilute with regular water or sparkling water, like La Croix, for extra flavor to mask the taste of the ACV if you do not enjoy it. 

4. Wait at least 30 minutes before consuming any food and drink plenty of water!