Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother: Benefits, Uses, Evidence

What is Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother?

Apple cider vinegar with mother contains strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give it a murky appearance. This raw, unfiltered vinegar is produced from fresh pressed apples that are allowed to ferment naturally. The 'mother' consists of cellulose and acetic acid bacteria that develop during the fermentation process. These components are said to provide health benefits that make apple cider vinegar with mother superior to regular filtered vinegars.

How is Apple Cider Vinegar Made?

To make apple cider vinegar, apples are first crushed and pressed to extract the liquid. Then the juice is combined with yeast to convert natural sugars into alcohol. Bacteria are added to ferment the alcohol into acetic acid, the main active component of vinegar. Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar retains the mother of vinegar formed during fermentation. This organic residue settles at the bottom but can be shaken to distribute it throughout the liquid.

Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized Vinegar

Most supermarket vinegars including apple cider vinegar are pasteurized to remove any sediment and create a clear liquid. However, raw, unpasteurized vinegar contains the mother of vinegar and is said to provide more enzymes, probiotics and nutrients than filtered varieties. While unpasteurized vinegar may have added benefits, it may also contain harmful bacteria without proper processing and handling.

Purported Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother

For centuries, vinegar has been used as a health tonic and all-purpose household remedy. Modern research shows that apple cider vinegar may offer certain benefits, especially the raw, unfiltered type. However, evidence is still limited to confirm many proposed uses.

Weight Loss

Some small studies show apple cider vinegar may promote weight loss by:

• Improving satiety and making you feel fuller
• Boosting metabolism slightly
• Reducing fat accumulation
• Balancing blood sugar

It's believed the acetic acid in the vinegar produces these effects. But results are mixed and any effects appear small. More research is needed on using apple cider vinegar for weight loss.

Lowering Blood Sugar and Managing Diabetes

Several studies indicate vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, particularly after meals. It may also decrease fasting blood sugar levels in those with prediabetes or diabetes. The acetic acid in vinegar is thought to prevent spikes in blood glucose. Using apple cider vinegar regularly may provide modest benefits for diabetic patients but medications are still necessary.

Improving Heart Health

Animal and human studies suggest apple cider vinegar may lower triglycerides and total and bad' LDL cholesterol levels. This may reduce heart disease risk factors. The acetic acid may also lower blood pressure slightly in people with hypertension. More research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Relieving Indigestion and GERD

Some proponents claim apple cider vinegar can provide quick relief from heartburn, sour stomach, acid reflux and other digestive issues. Theres little scientific evidence supporting this use. However, the acetic acid may have some antacid properties that relieve symptoms temporarily in some people.

Boosting Immunity and Fighting Infection

Advocates suggest apple cider vinegar increases immune function,, prevents the growth of bacteria and viruses, and lessens seasonal allergies. There is little evidence to support these claims. However, the probiotics and good bacteria in the mother of vinegar could potentially benefit immunity and prevent infections.

Improving Skin Health

Apple cider vinegar is commonly used as a natural remedy for skin conditions like dry skin, eczema, burns, acne, wrinkles and sun damage. The protective antioxidants and anti-aging compounds like polyphenols may benefit the skin when applied topically. The antibacterial and antifungal properties could also prevent or improve certain skin issues.

Detoxification and Cleansing

Some alternative medicine practitioners recommend using apple cider vinegar to detox' the body of harmful toxins. There is no evidence that vinegar can detoxify the liver, blood or lymph system as claimed. However, the amino acids and antioxidants may offer some cleansing benefits and improve overall health when consumed regularly.

Evidence for Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Uses

Most proposed health benefits of apple cider vinegar are based on animal studies or very small human studies. Larger scale human research is needed to substantiate many of the suggested therapeutic uses. Here is a look at what current evidence says about the top applications of apple cider vinegar.

Weight Loss

Several small human studies show some promise for apple cider vinegar aiding weight loss. A 2009 study had 175 obese but otherwise healthy adults take a placebo, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 2 tablespoons vinegar or no treatment for 12 weeks. Those taking 1 or 2 tablespoons daily lost more weight and body fat than the placebo group.

Another study in 2018 followed 39 adults who took 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar daily for 12 weeks. They lost an average of 2.6 pounds and had lower triglycerides. But a larger 12-week study in 2020 found vinegar had no effect on body weight or composition compared to a placebo.

Overall, evidence is weak and results are mixed on apple cider vinegar for weight loss. Any effects appear small. More quality research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Blood Sugar Control

A few human studies show apple cider vinegar may improve blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion, particularly after carb-heavy meals. But sample sizes are small.

A study in 2004 had insulin-resistant subjects take 1 or 2 tablespoons vinegar daily for 12 weeks. Both doses improved insulin sensitivity and fasting blood glucose compared to placebo.

Another study had people with prediabetes take 2 tablespoons vinegar with cheese snacks between meals. Vinegar blunted blood sugar and insulin spikes compared to placebo. The effects lasted up to 4 hours.

More studies confirm vinegar improves post-meal blood sugar control. But results are mixed on effects for fasting blood sugar. Vinegar may provide modest benefits for diabetics but more quality research is required.

Heart Health

A few studies indicate apple cider vinegar may support heart health. Animal research shows it reduces cholesterol levels. An 8-week study from 2018 gave rats 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar daily. They had lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol compared to controls.

Human studies are limited but promising. A small study in 2006 found vinegar lowered triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol in people with normal cholesterol levels. Another study showed vinegar decreased blood pressure slightly in rats with hypertension.

Overall, current evidence is weak but suggests apple cider vinegar may improve some heart disease risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure. More studies confirming these effects in humans are needed.

Indigestion and Acid Reflux

Many people use apple cider vinegar to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid reflux and other GI issues. But theres little scientific evidence supporting this remedy.

Some medical experts warn vinegar may irritate the esophagus and stomach lining, especially for those with ulcers or reflux disease. However, one lab study found vinegar inhibited the H. pylori bacteria linked to stomach ulcers.

Anecdotal reports suggest apple cider vinegar may temporarily relieve indigestion for some people. But research is lacking to recommend it as a proven treatment for any digestive complaint.

Immunity and Infections

Apple cider vinegar is often touted for boosting immunity and preventing colds, flu and other infections. This may be partly true thanks to the healthy bacteria and antioxidants vinegar contains.

Studies show vinegar has antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus. The acetic acid is thought to provide these antibacterial benefits. Vinegar also contains polyphenols that may stimulate immune function.

But human research is limited. One small study suggests 2 tablespoons of vinegar daily may reduce seasonal allergies. But larger human studies confirming benefits for colds, flu, allergies or other infections are lacking.

Skin Health

Applying apple cider vinegar topically is commonly used as a home

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.