Are you wondering about the goodness of citric acid? Or are you at a loss as to whether it is good or bad for you? Well, read on to clear your doubts and adapt the goodness of citric acid. Citric acid is the primary component of citrus fruits like limes and lemons.
It is this acid that gives the citrus fruits its sour and tart flavor. Citric acid is manufactured for use as food additives, nutritional supplements, and cleaning agents. However, there is a lot of difference between natural citric acid and the manufactured version.
Both the varieties are good for health, especially the one that comes from natural sources like fresh citrus fruits and vegetables. From doing away with kidney stones to rejuvenating the health and beauty of your skin, there is almost no end to the list of health benefits of citric acid. Read on to find out in more detail.
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that was obtained from concentrated lemon juice by a researcher in Sweden in the year 1784. This colorless and odorless compound was continued to be acquired from ripe and juicy lemons until the 1900s when extensive research revealed another source of citric acid. This other source was Aspergillus niger or black mold which procures citric acid upon the metabolism of sugar.
The unique sour and acidic taste of citric acid make it an excellent agent of preservation and flavoring primarily used in candies and beverages. Citric acid is also suitable for the stabilization or preservation of medicines and the disinfection and sterilization against pathogens. Read on to find out more about the uses, sources, and health benefits of citric acid.
Citrus fruits are the natural sources of citric acid(1). These citrus fruits include limes, lemons, grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, and pomelos. The other fruits that also contain citric acid include pineapples, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, tomatoes, and cherries. Besides, citric acid is a byproduct of wine, cheese, bread, and sourdough as well.
[Read: Benefits of Lemon Water]
Care to know about a handful of quick and fun facts about citric acid? Well, check them out right here.
Did you know that most industries in the world thrive on the characteristics of citric acid? The properties of citric acid make it an indispensable component of a wide range of industries.
The industry of food and beverages use almost 70% of citric acid, the manufacturing of dietary and pharmaceutical supplements use 20% of citric acid, and about 10% of the citric acid goes into the industry of cleaning and disinfectant agents.
Citric acid is one of the most commonly used food additives across the world. It is utilized to enhance the acidity and flavor of foods and to preserve the food.
Foods and drinks such as soda, candies, powdered beverages, frozen food items, and dairy products consist of citric acid. Canned vegetables and fruits also contain citric acid.
Citric acid is almost a staple constituent of the production of nutritional supplements and medicines. The manufactured citric acid is blended in with medication for the stabilization and preservation of the active ingredients. It is also used to mask the bitter taste of syrups and chewable medicines.
Supplements of minerals such as calcium and magnesium also consist of citric acid as the later enhances the absorption of the minerals in the digestive system.
Citric acid is an excellent disinfectant against a wide range of viruses and bacteria. Research reveals that citric acid is also useful in the prevention of the attack of the human norovirus that causes foodborne diseases.
Citric acid is a constituent of general cleaning agents and disinfectants that are of use in the removal of stains and scum, rust, lime, and grime. It is a safe and environment-friendly alternative to chemicals.
One of the incredible health benefits of citric acid is the role that it plays in the elimination of painful kidney stones.
[Read: Home Remedies for Kidney Stones]
Maintenance of pH value is one of the most significant health benefits of citric acid.
Physical energy and fitness are the two most valuable health benefits of citric acid.
Why take supplements and drugs when you can rely on citric acid for nutrients? That’s right! There is nothing like a good dose of citric acid to make the nutrients get absorbed more quickly and efficiently into the digestive system.
Did you know that citric acid can make your skin glow? It is one of the primary ingredients of a variety of homemade and industrially manufactured face masks and face packs.
One of the significant health benefits of citric acid is the cure of soreness and congestion of throat.
Ever felt dead nauseous while traveling in a bus or while flying across cities in airplanes? Well, citric acid can come to your rescue.
[Read: Home Remedies For Nausea]
With all said and done, there now remains not an inkling of doubt that citric acid is excellent for health. It is not only indispensable in the culinary department and a handful of industries, but is incredible for the cure of a variety of ailments.
While manufactured citric acid is good for health, it is always preferable to opt for the natural type. Take a teaspoon or two of freshly squeezed lemon juice every day and apply lemon juice to your skin as well to implement the innumerable health benefits of citric acid.
Yes, however, you should be very cautious whilst using it, especially for people having sensitive skin as the acid could be intense on the skin.
To name a few beans, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, rhubarb, and tomatoes, tend to contain high amounts of vitamin C/Citric acid in them.
Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and pomelos are few of the fruits that tend to contain citric acid in them.