Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has stood the test of time. It has been used for centuries, passed down from generation to generation as a “cure-all,” from remedying a cold to cleaning a coffee pot. Vinegar has many healthy properties due to its acetic acid content. ACV’s benefits include controlling blood sugar, reducing cholesterol, and managing weight¹.

Some stray away from this excellent nutraceutical due to its mouth-puckering taste. That excuse no longer holds water because organic apple cider vinegar comes in delicious gummies and easily swallowable capsules. So why is organic ACV a valuable supplement for our health?

What Are The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Kills Harmful Bacteria

Vinegar is used in many cleaning agents because of its ability to kill harmful bacteria. We receive the same benefits when we consume organic ACV mixed in a glass of water, on a salad, or within a mixture of items such as sauces and dressings. The acetic acid in organic ACV kills harmful bacteria and prevents these bacteria from multiplying in our bodies.  Vinegar has also been used for thousands of years as a preservative. It helps arrest bacteria from food-borne pathogens such as E-coli from growing on food and spoiling it¹.

Antimicrobial & Antioxidant Properties

Organic Apple cider vinegar is valuable for our health because it contains antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are essential because they protect our cells against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced naturally when our body breaks down food. They are also created from smoking or exposure to radiation². Eating foods and taking supplements that contain antioxidant properties are one of the best things you can do for your health.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Organic apple cider vinegar has been shown to help regulate our blood sugar levels. Although studies are up in the air about whether supplementation of organic apple cider vinegar can help with diabetes, they have found it beneficial for reducing high blood sugar⁴. For those currently on medicine to regulate their diabetes, you should consult a doctor before taking apple cider vinegar. Those who are non-diabetic should avoid refined sugar and add organic ACV to our diet to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Weight Loss Aid

For those looking to shed a few pounds, organic apple cider vinegar should be on your next shopping list. The acetic acid present in this vinegar has been shown to increase our metabolism. Acetic acid increases the activity of enzymes in our bodies which in turn breaks down fat. The caloric value of organic ACV is meager, and it will promote satiety, the feeling of being full.

Choosing ACV With “The Mother”

First, let us look at the process of making organic apple cider vinegar. The forming of ACV is a two-step process. The first step is adding yeast to apple juice to break down sugars that form alcohol. The second step is adding “good” bacteria to turn the alcohol into acetic acid.

You will find what is referred to as “the mother” in high-quality organic apple cider vinegar. This is the murky silt you will find at the bottom of the bottle of organic ACV. “The mother” contains probiotics, strands of proteins, enzymes, and “good” bacteria. When purchasing apple cider vinegar, you want to ensure that your bottle contains the vital element of “the mother”⁵.

Choosing Organic Vs. Non-Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

There seem to be more and more consumer messages on the labels of food products at the grocery store. From organic and gluten-free to Non-GMO and lactose-free, one has to wonder if these pertain to our bodies and whether we should be concerned.

There is a vast difference between organic and non-organic apple cider vinegar. By buying organic apple cider vinegar, you avoid harsh chemicals and receive the wealth of healthy nutrients stripped away in the filtering and pasteurization process of non-organic apple cider vinegar. Look for the “USDA-certified organic label” and “non-GMO Project Verified” on your bottle of apple cider vinegar to ensure you are receiving the highest quality product. A much simpler way would be to supplement with organic ACV gummies or capsules⁶!

References:

1. 6 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Backed by Science, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar.
2. 11 Surprising Vinegar Benefits + Side Effects, https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/vinegar-health-benefits/.
3. Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Diabetes? https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/apple-cider-vinegar#:~:text=Although%20there’s%20not%20much%20research,fasting%20blood%20sugar%20and%20HbA1c.
4. Antibacterial action of vinegar against food-borne pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9713753/.
5. What is the Mother in Apple Cider Vinegar? https://enzymedica.com/blogs/ingredient-science/what-is-the-mother-in-apple-cider-vinegar.
6. The difference between organic apple cider vinegar and non-organic, https://www.northcoast.organic/organic-apple-cider-vinegar-and-non-organic/.