To make ACV, apples are crushed and the sugars are fermented. But does this fermentation process automatically qualify ACV as a probiotic? To better categorize the enigmatic vinegar, registered dietitians and gut health experts break down its probiotic properties. Because the probiotic effects of apple cider vinegar may be minimal, registered dietitian Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CND, recommends consuming a wide variety of prebiotic- and probiotic-rich foods. All that said, the gut-friendly benefits of ACV are strongest when it contains “the mother.” This buildup of desirable micronutrients is called “the mother2,” and it usually collects at the bottom of the AVC bottle or floats around in strands, making it appear cloudy. You’ll find this in certain brands, like Bragg organic, raw apple cider vinegar. When it comes to gut health, Singh says ACV with the mother is the kind to look for. While its value hasn’t been well established through research, he says it contains B vitamins and polyphenols, making it generally good for you. Just make sure to dilute it with water or other ingredients, since the acid has been shown to erode tooth enamel and create indigestion. For better gut results, look for ACV with “the mother.”
