Apple Cider Vinegar is amazing! It contains over 90 different healthy substances like lots of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, calcium, B vitamins and even bioflavonoids.

Apple Cider Vinegar Contains Potassium

Potassium is one of the most important minerals because it promotes cell growth and replaces dead cells. It keeps fluid in our cells. Bacteria need moisture to live, so they practically suck the fluids from our cells, especially when we are stressed because when the body is stressed, resistance (immunity) is low. That is one of the reasons small problems can turn into full blown illness and disease. When there’s enough potassium in our cells, it will draw moisture from the harmful bacteria instead of the harmful bacteria taking moisture from us.

Ok soooo where do we get potassium from? Fresh fruits and vegetables, berries, sprouts, leaves, roots AND…take a wild guess…APPLE CIDER VINEGAR!

Assists in Weight Loss

The part that many of you will want to hear is that apple cider vinegar helps to burn fat AND it cleans a fatty liver (which many people have) with its main ingredient, acetic acid. Acid is also needed to absorb protein, minerals, calcium, iron, B vitamins and pretty much all of out nutrients.

To help lose weight, take apple cider vinegar before each meal (like 2 teaspoons in half a glass of water) because it stimulates the thyroid and helps stomach acid.

Or, try my Hot Morning Elixir–it contains ACV, lemon, and a few other ingredients. It’s great because it’s one of the 9 drinks that are OKAY to have while fasting.

Helps to Lower Blood Sugar

Research performed at Tokyo University in Japan, discovered that the acetic acid found in vinegars inhibits the activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, including sucrase, maltase, lactase and amylase. This inhibition results in select sugars and starches passing through the digestive system without being digested, having less impact on blood sugar levels.

Researchers at Arizona State University surveyed people afflicted with type 2 diabetes. They found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (diluted with water) right before bed lowered the blood sugar levels by 4 to 6 percent by the next morning.

Another study led by Dr. Johnston at ASU gave subjects, some with insulin resistance and some without, 20 grams of apple cider vinegar and 40 grams of water. Results showed that the after-meal blood sugar levels of the subjects with insulin resistance was 34 percent lower when they drank apple cider vinegar. Though not eating meat and dairy anymore and cutting out refined carbs and sugars would help with insulin resistance, apple cider vinegar serves as a natural health assistant for people who need a little extra help cleaning up their bodies.

Gets Rid of “Stinky Scalp”

Apple cider vinegar is loaded with natural probiotics making it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. Using it can kill bacteria and sooth irritated or inflamed scalp. It’s also quite acidic meaning it can help restore the moisture to your scalp and maintain the pH balance without removing your natural oils.

As for your hair strands, apple cider vinegar, with its acidic base, mantle and close hair cuticles. Flatter cuticles not only means smoother, softer hair but also shinier hair.

I love to use ACV and water as a scalp rinse in between washes–especially when I wear my hair in twists or braids. I mean, who needs shampoo and conditioner when you have this!?

Here’s what I do:

First of all, dumping apple cider vinegar straight from the bottle onto your hair will cause damage, so please don’t do it. The key is to dilute it with water—usually one part apple cider vinegar with about 5 parts water. I mean, there are really no hard core rules about the ratio–Every recipe is different. Just in the large plastic cup and fill one-fifth of it with ACV, then fill up the rest of the cup with water.

After shampooing, I tip my head back and slowly drizzle it over my scalp (keeping my eyes and mouth closed), raking through my roots as I pour.  I let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute, then rinse it out and follow with conditioner. Yes, your shower and hair may end up smelling like salad dressing for a bit, but they’ll both fade by the time your hair dries.

(Note: If I’m in between washes, I skip the “shampoo” step)

How often should you ACV on your hair?

Once a week is usually a good rule of thumb. Even diluted, it’s still vinegar, which means it’s not exactly the most moisturizing, hair-coddling ingredient in the world. You can also play with the ratios—if you don’t notice a difference after a few rinses, try increasing the ACV levels a tiny bit.  

The above points are not an exhaustive list of acv benefits; There are tons of other noteworthy wonders. Want to read all about them? I recommend this book. Take apple cider vinegar with water or make salad dressings with it. Drizzle it over your food. Put a spoonful in your smoothies. However you choose to incorporate ACV into your diet, just try not to drink it straight as undiluted vinegar can weaken tooth enamel and consequently lead to sensitivity, decay and cavities. Pro-tip: Drink any beverage containing ACV through a straw so that it bypasses your teeth.

In conclusion, your mission–should you choose to accept–is to add more apple cider vinegar to your life. Your body will thank you!

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