My mother's vinegar many times had the "mother" in it, so I guess it was long enough ago to not be so processed. I just wasn't sure why the organic would be better, but I know the more they process and refine our food, the worse it is for us. I'll have to find some organic vinegar and try it. Her's wasn't for weight control, but to just be healthy, and it worked for her for 96 years.