Apple Cider Vinegar Uses For People

Raw, organic apple cider vinegar is a natural liquid made from apples which have been allowed to ferment, preferably in wooden buckets. Used throughout recorded human history to treat various ailments, apple cider vinegar is still used to good effect today for some health issues. According to Paul Bragg, N.D. Ph.D., known by many as the "father of the health movement," un-distilled, organic, and raw apple cider vinegar can be called one of Mother Nature's most perfect foods.

Diabetic Aid

Strong evidence from studies by the American Diabetes Association suggests that apple cider vinegar can significantly improve postprandial insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant subjects. Additionally, people with Type 1 diabetes can use apple cider vinegar, in the raw state, as a salad dressing or condiment to reduce hyperglycemia. Based on the findings from these studies, apple cider vinegar may be used as a preventative for those who are diagnosed as pre-diabetic, in addition to other necessary dietary changes.

Appetite Control

Drink a glass of water with one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar added before meals to induce a sense of fullness or satiety, earlier. Although satiety is subjective from one person to another, the results of a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that satiety was increased after a bread meal in healthy subjects.

Skin Care

Nutrients found in apple cider vinegar, such as acetic acid, potassium and live enzymes provide skin care benefits when taken internally or applied directly to the skin. Used along with baking soda, which exfoliates the skin, it makes an inexpensive and effective skin toner.

Indigestion

The stomach relies on hydrochloric acid or HCI to breakdown food during the digestion process. Lack of enough HCI is one cause of indigestion. Use apple cider vinegar to perform a simple test to determine if your stomach is short on HCI. Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. If your heartburn or indigestion symptoms improve, then you need more HCI and can take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals. If your symptoms worsen, you probably have too much HCI and apple cider vinegar is not needed.

Calcium Absorption

Boron is a mineral found in apple cider vinegar which is used in the body's processing of calcium. Early studies by the Central Research Institute in Aichi, Japan, indicate that the amount of calcium absorbed increases when vinegar is added to the diet. These studies were conducted with lab animals and more research is needed, but the results are promising in light of current osteoporosis concerns.