Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy that has been used for generations to treat indigestion, high blood pressure, diabetes and skin conditions. While apples are the major ingredient, apple cider vinegar is quite different from simple apple juice or even apple cider. Raw apple cider vinegar is allowed to ferment at room temperature, typically in wooden barrels, with no heat or pasteurization that could destroy the natural enzymes and bacteria present in the vinegar.
Ingredients
Organic, non-genetically modified apples are the main ingredient in raw apple cider vinegar. During the fermentation process, the apples retain their potassium and pectin. Potassium is a vital electrolyte that helps regulate the body’s use of sodium. Pectin helps regulate blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol. Malic acid and acetic acid provide antibacterial properties and help slow the digestion of starch, respectively.
The 'Mother'
The “mother” or “mother of vinegar” is only found in raw, unprocessed apple cider vinegar. It is a brown, cobweb-like structure made from live enzymes and beneficial bacteria. Dr. Edward Group of the Global Healing Center says the beneficial properties of apple cider vinegar can be traced to the “mother,” and using clear, pasteurized vinegar will not yield the same results.
Nutritional Information
A 1 tbsp. serving of raw apple cider vinegar contains no calories and is naturally fat- and cholesterol-free. Vinegar loses its sugar during the fermentation process and is therefore not only sugar-free, but also free of any other carbohydrates. Apple cider vinegar does contain a small amount of potassium, just 11 mg per 1 tbsp. serving. Major brands of raw apple cider vinegar are gluten-free and kosher-certified. The label should also say it is USDA organic-certified.
Safe Storage
Raw, organic apple cider vinegar requires no refrigeration. It can be safely stored at room temperature until the expiration date printed on the label. Over time, the “mother” structures might grow, and the liquid might darken, but this is natural and as long as the product has not expired, it is safe to consume.
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