What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made in a two-step fermentation process. First, apples are crushed and juiced. From there, naturally occurring yeast converts sugars in the apple juice into ethanol (alcohol). Then, a second fermentation happens, where acetic bacteria convert the alcohol into acetic acid. That’s apple cider vinegar.
What does “the mother” mean?
Many labels for apple cider vinegar say it contains “the mother.” While it may sound creepy, it isn’t. The mother is the cloudy substance in the bottle that often settles at the bottom. The reason for keeping the mother in the bottle is it contains the prebiotics, proteins, enzymes, minerals, polyphenols, vitamins, and other compounds produced by friendly bacteria and unfiltered apple juice.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
While there are a lot of myths about apple cider vinegar, there are clinical studies that have shown benefits in the following areas:
Helps control appetite and manage weight gain Helps maintain healthy glucose levels and cholesterol Prebiotics (in the mother) are linked to promoting gut health
How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements
For anyone just starting to add apple cider vinegar to their diet, Boardman says to start with 750 mg of acetic acid per day, but you can definitely add more after a week by taking it two to three times per day.
