Raw organic apple cider vinegar (the only apple cider vinegar you should be consuming) is made by fermenting apples in a wooden barrel. It's not the clear vinegar you may see in your grocery store simply labeled "Apple Cider Vinegar." The right kind has a brownish tinge to it and floating "stuff" inside. The floating "stuff" is called "mother" and is formed from the pectin and apple residue. Always make sure you buy Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother.

Why should you include apple cider vinegar in your diet?

• Apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss. It contains enzymes that help your body get rid of all the toxins you may have ingested, breaks down unwanted fat in the body, AND it can keep you feeling full longer and therefore control your appetite.
• It has been found to greatly improve digestion and eliminate heart burn.
• Apple cider vinegar contains hefty amounts of calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, malic acid (fights infections from harmful bacteria and fungus), and pectin (regulates high blood pressure).
• ACV clears skin irritations like acne and contact dermatitis. It can also help to get rid of warts, varicose veins, and other skin problems.
• Apple cider vinegar is often used to ease arthritis and stiff joints.
• ACV can be used to soothe sunburn, whiten teeth, and to lighten age spots. It can also be used as aftershave and facial toner.
• Apple cider vinegar can give you healthy, shiny hair. Use ACV as a hair rinse once a week (right after shampooing) for shiny, voluminous hair!

With so many GREAT uses, you'd be silly NOT to include ACV in your diet. So...

How should you include apple cider vinegar in your diet?

• ACV Cocktail — Combine 1-2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar with 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey and 8 ounces of filtered water. Drink this cocktail 1-3 times a day, preferably before or with each meal. (I'd suggest starting out with 1 teaspoon of ACV and honey to make sure your stomach can tolerate the mixture. If you don't experience any stomach problems, then you can increase the amounts to 2 teaspoons of each.)
• Salad Dressing — Apple cider vinegar is the "magic ingredient" in my Famous Salad Dressing! Get the recipe here: Famous Salad Dressing.
• Fruit & Veggie Smoothie — For those who don't enjoy the strong taste of ACV, a healthy fruit and veggie smoothie is a great option! The different flavors of the fruits and veggies will help mask the vinegar taste. Here's one of my favorites: Isabel's Hidden Greens Smoothie.

The benefits of apple cider vinegar, and the ways to use it, are truly endless. I highly recommend making sure you include a minimum of 1 tablespoon of ACV in your meal plans every single day so you can see the dramatic results for yourself!

What is YOUR favorite way to add apple cider vinegar to your diet?