Mother is the fermented brown sediment composed of strands of proteins and enzymes that are found only in organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which give it a murky appearance. It consists of dozens of strains of good bacteria, which we often refer to as probiotics. These help keep your digestive system running smoothly, so that you can get the most out of the food that you consume.
Probiotics are also great for the immune system, the majority of which is located in your digestive tract. The good bacteria in your digestive system compete for resources with the bad bacteria, and maintaining a healthy balance can help prevent you from getting sick.
The mother also contains enzymes, which are essential for breaking down foods so that your body can make use of the nutrients you consume. Most raw foods contain enzymes, but the enzymes are often destroyed by cooking; adding in a supplementary source like apple cider vinegar is a great way to make up for this. While some health benefits may be related to acetic acid, other studies have shown that the "Mother" offers most of the additional health benefits.
Consuming raw apple cider vinegar on a daily basis has been shown to be useful in maintaining normal body processes, including healthy blood sugar levels. It works with your body to increase insulin sensitivity and to ensure a slow, steady release of sugar into the bloodstream.1 Studies have also suggested that apple cider vinegar may help boost feelings of satiety, keeping you feeling fuller for longer, and possibly helping you to lose weight.2