What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is apple cider that has been fermented using yeast and bacteria which forms live probiotic organisms like Lactobacillus. Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar also contains a substance called ‘the mother’. The mother refers to the combination of yeast and bacteria formed during fermentation. This gives ACV its cloudy appearance, and sometimes visible strands that float in the liquid. This is why it’s important to buy raw, unfiltered, ‘with the mother’ ACV. Without it, you won’t reap the benefits of all the live organic acids and bacteria.

During the fermentation process, yeast ferments sugars into alcohol and then bacteria consume this alcohol which creates acetic acid. Many of the benefits of ACV are thanks to the acetic acid content (as well as its distinct bitter taste), and the rich quantity of nutrients, polyphenols (plant-based antioxidants) and beneficial bacteria.

What are Apple Cider Vinegar’s health benefits?

• Gut health – The fermentation process creates a live liquid full of organic acids and beneficial bacteria to support a healthy gut environment. Apples contain the prebiotic pectin, a type of soluble fibre that bacteria in the gut feast on. This may be another way that ACV encourages a healthy gut microbiome.
• Healthy digestion – There’s some evidence that ACV can help balance stomach pH by neutralising stomach acid, helping reduce reflux.
• Skin health – Thanks to its astringent and antimicrobial properties, ACV is commonly used to inhibit bacterial growth and tone the skin. Due to its acidic properties, it’s important to dilute ACV with water before applying to the skin. Apply to skin with a cotton pad, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse.
• General health and wellbeing – ACV is packed with nutrients that support everyday wellbeing. Try incorporating it into your next salad dressing or marinade to reap the benefits.

Pssst… Apple Cider Vinegar is an ingredient we use in our range of Bio-Fermented Liquids. It provides an extra boost of gut support and is a much tastier way to consume your ACV. As one of the oldest known natural health remedies and an ingredient that has been used medicinally for hundreds of years, it’s about time ACV got it’s time to shine!