Alongside kombucha and green smoothies, apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular health drinks you can find. But did you know that there are two types of apple cider vinegar? There is raw apple cider vinegar (the most common) and pasteurized apple cider vinegar. We already know raw ACV, so what is pasteurized apple cider vinegar?
Raw apple cider vinegar is the unfiltered or unprocessed version of ACV. It retains the “mother,” a group of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that gives the vinegar a cloudy appearance. On the flip side, pasteurized apple cider vinegar is a processed ACV that undergoes a heat treatment to sterilize and remove the mother in the vinegar.
In this article, we’ll tackle everything about pasteurized apple cider vinegar – from its benefits to how it works to improve our well-being.
What Does Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar Look Like?
Unlike raw apple cider vinegar, the pasteurized version of ACV is clear and contains no visible particles. This is because pasteurized ACV undergoes a heating process where the mother is separated, making its appearance and taste more toned down than raw ACV.
What Does Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar Mean?
Pasteurized ACV is a healthy drink made from fresh apples. Mixing the apple juice and yeast makes the fermentation process. It undergoes a process of heating the liquid at a certain temperature and cooling it before use.
The heating process cleans away harmful bacteria and viruses and keeps the nutritional value of the beverage. This also makes ACV uncloudy and shelf-stable. Due to its sterilizing function, pasteurized ACV is considered safer to drink.
What is Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar?
Unpasteurized organic apple cider vinegar is the organic or natural form of ACV. It has an amber color and a cloudy appearance, typically known as “mother of vinegar.” Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is a raw version of the beverage; it does not undergo any pasteurization process.
While the heating process in pasteurized ACV makes the product smell and taste fresh for an extended period, the process kills good bacteria.
When to Use Raw vs. Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar?
Cooking with ACV
Do you like to cook? Both raw and pasteurized ACV are helpful for cooking.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Of the two, raw apple cider vinegar is your best option, as it can add complexity and depth to your food dishes.
The acidity of ACV also enhances the flavors of soups and stews, as well as tenderizing meat.
Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar
Pasteurized apple cider vinegar is a milder ACV. If you want a subtle flavor on your dishes where vinegar does not dominate, you will find this very reliable. It’s still great for marinades and salad dressing but not as potent as the raw ACV.
Pasteurized apple cider vinegar is a good substitute for baking soda and buttermilk. They are suitable for baked goodies as the acid creates a leavening effect like baking soda.
Is Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar Safe During Pregnancy?
There is no scientific study that pasteurized apple cider vinegar is dangerous during pregnancy. But while both raw and pasteurized ACV is great for one’s health, it is safer for pregnant women to consume pasteurized ACV.
But can you drink unpasteurized apple cider when pregnant? According to a study, pregnant women should avoid consuming unpasteurized items containing Toxoplasma, Salmonella, Listeria, and other bacteria.
While there’s no study suggesting unpasteurized or raw apple cider vinegar, it is ideal to avoid them during pregnancy.
Raw apple cider vinegar keeps the “good” bacteria, while pasteurized removes them during the heating process. Thus, it is safer to ingest pasteurized apple cider vinegar than raw ACV.
Here are some benefits of drinking pasteurized vinegar as a pregnant woman:
Treats Morning Sickness
Generally, the acid of apple cider vinegar has been shown to aid various gastrointestinal concerns. Hence, it may benefit pregnant women experiencing nausea while pregnant. Take note, though, that there’s no scientific study to support this practice.
If you are to consume pasteurized vinegar during pregnancy, only use around 1 teaspoon in a large glass of water. Too much acidity may cause aggravated nausea.
Relieves Heartburn
Heartburn is often experienced during the second trimester. While it’s unknown whether pasteurized ACV can aid a pregnant woman with morning sickness, it may benefit heartburn.
To use, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of pasteurized ACV to a glass full of water. You can drink them up to twice a day.
Alleviate Leg Cramps
Leg cramps can cause sleep disruption, and it’s common for pregnant women. This condition is often caused by low potassium and pressure on one’s circulatory system due to the growing uterus. ACV, however, is high in potassium and thus may alleviate the symptoms.
Better Digestion and Metabolism
A study has found that apple cider vinegar, in general, can change one’s digestive enzymes. It appears that ACV has improved the way the body absorbs carbohydrates and fats.
To use: add up to 2 tablespoons of pasteurized ACV in a tall glass of water. You can drink them at least twice a day.
Where to Buy Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar?
It’s easy to locate pasteurized ACV because most physical grocery retailers carry it. You can also buy it online.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
Pasteurized ACV is located in the vinegar or condiment aisle. Choose the brands like Heinz or Bragg.
Health Food Stores
You can find both raw unfiltered ACV and pasteurized ACV at health food stores. You can find a wide selection of both local and international brands here.
Online Retailers
If you have no time to shop at physical stores, you can find vast options of pasteurized ACV at Amazon, Walmart, and other health online e-commerce sites and marketplaces.
Pharmacies
Some drug stores or pharmacies often sell pasteurized vinegar. You may have a narrow selection but trusted, popular brands are usually available.
Warehouse clubs
If you want to buy in bulk to save more money, buy pasteurized ACV at Costco, BJ’s wholesale club, or Sam’s Club.
Benefits of Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar
Health and wellness experts believe that apple cider vinegar helps manage a variety of ailments.
Here are some pasteurized ACV benefits:
Common Cold
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and immune booster effects. You can drink apple cider vinegar to treat sore throat and cold. When doing so, make sure to dilute it with water.
Digestion
Drinking pasteurized ACV may detoxify the body. ACV, in general, contains probiotics, which are great for maintaining gut health, improving bowel regularity, and enhancing the body’s pH level. A good pH balance and a healthy gut can alleviate acid reflux and constipation.
Weight Loss
Drinking apple cider vinegar before meals may make you feel full, thus reducing calorie consumption and food intake. However, note that dieting and weight loss efforts are not ideal for pregnant women.
A study suggests that adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV may help reduce body weight and keep you healthy. Thus, you can use it as a healthy beverage.
You can improve your health with Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanse Recipes. Read our post – What is the Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanse Recipe? to learn how to make them.
Conclusion
Pasteurized apple cider vinegar is a safe and convenient way to drink healthy beverages. Build a stronger and healthy body by ingesting pasteurized ACV at least once or twice daily. Pregnant or not, never hesitate to include it in your daily life.
Want to learn how to use apple cider vinegar for cleaning? Check out our post – Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleaning?
