You’ve probably heard various claims about apple cider vinegar and what it can do for the body. Below our consultant nutritionist outlines how apple cider vinegar is made, the significance of The Mother and the main benefits of taking apple cider vinegar supplements.
Try our apple cider complex gummies made with The Mother for a tasty way to get a dose of vitamins and minerals in an easy, convenient supplement.
How is apple cider vinegar made?
Apple cider vinegar is made through a process of combining fermented apple juice and water. The juice from crushed apples is combined with bacteria and yeast to start the fermentation process, converting the sugars to alcohol. In the second stage, the alcohol is then converted into vinegar.
It has a variety of uses from salad dressing to homemade cleaning products and nutritional supplements.
What is The Mother in apple cider vinegar?
During the production of apple cider vinegar as the alcohol is turned into acetic acid, the microbial culture left prior to distilling and pasteurisation is referred to as The Mother. It usually comprises cellulose, yeast and bacteria and is considered a probiotic. It’s similar to the SCOBY used in the fermentation and production of kombucha. It’s often found in unpasteurised vinegar and can give it a cloudy appearance with some residue. Filtered apple cider vinegar has had The Mother and any remaining sediment removed, leaving a clear liquid.
How to take apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very acidic and can damage the esophagus and tooth enamel if drunk straight and undiluted. Although there is no standard recommended dose, in order to prevent these issues many people drink one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Do not exceed two tablespoons a day.
If you experience any adverse effects or feel at all nauseous, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor. People who have lower potassium levels should avoid using apple cider vinegar as it has been known to worsen this condition.
Some people prefer to take supplements like our apple cider complex gummies for a tastier, more convenient version with all the same benefits as the raw product.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar
Although further scientific studies are ongoing, apple cider vinegar does contain vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants which have key health-giving properties. As with any individual vitamin, no one product is the answer to all our health issues but some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar can provide the benefits below.
1. Can aid digestion
Apple cider vinegar that is raw, unpasteurised and still contains The Mother is considered a probiotic food. Probiotics are foods which have been fermented, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, and contain good bacteria which can promote a healthy gut and promote good digestion. The proteins, enzymes and healthy bacteria supports your gut microbiome, which in turn supports a functioning immune system and helps you to extract nutrients effectively from the food you eat.
2. Apple cider vinegar can help with blood sugar control
According to some studies, apple cider vinegar can help to lower blood glucose levels, which can be helpful for those suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Apple cider vinegar alone won’t keep your blood sugar in check but when combined with a healthy diet and exercise it can help to keep levels under control.
3. May aid weight loss through feeling fuller for longer
Studies have indicated that apple cider vinegar could help people trying to lose weight. It can lead to a feeling of fullness, which can result in people eating fewer calories and overall weight loss. Again, this alone isn’t likely to influence weight loss but when paired with a long-term healthy diet and lifestyle habits it can support weight loss.
4. Can help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides
The results of some smaller studies indicated that taking apple cider vinegar can help to lower cholesterol and lower levels of harmful triglycerides, (fats in the blood). High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body can increase your risk of suffering a stroke, heart attack and other heart problems.