Citric acid is good and bad

Citric acid is contained in half of food products and has a range of useful properties, but it can also negatively affect health. People who follow their health, are interested in the benefits and harms of citric acid. This should be understood in more detail.

Chemical properties of citric acid

White matter can be classified as a natural or synthetic antioxidant. In the process of heating more than 175 ° C, it decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. Citric acid has a low level of toxicity, rapidly dissolves and mixes perfectly with other chemicals. It is worth noting that it is harmless to the environment. The composition of citric acid depends on the method of production. It is found in citrus fruits, needles, berries, makhorka stems, etc. But today it's not profitable to get acid from fruits. Therefore, it is synthesized from sugar-containing products (sugar, sugar beet, molasses, sugarcane) by fermenting some fungi of the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium in the culture fluid.

How useful is citric acid?

1. In cooking, this substance is called the food additive E330-E333. It gives the products a sweetish taste and serves as an antioxidant. The substance is absolutely safe for health with a moderate amount. In production, it is added to mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces, canned food, various drinks, processed cheeses, jellies, confectionery, etc.
2. Citric acid helps to remove toxins from the body. It has a beneficial effect on digestion, improves immunity and burns carbohydrates . It is produced exclusively in solid form, so it does not harm the mucous membranes.
3. During a cold, citric acid softens the sore throat. It is necessary to prepare a 30% solution of citric acid and rinse their throats during each hour. Instead of dry citric acid, you can slowly dissolve lemon slices without skin, so that the juice gets on the walls of the throat.
4. A positive property of citric acid was noted with hangover syndrome. In this case, it helps to remove toxic substances from the poisoned body faster.
5. A huge benefit of this substance is the renewal of new cells, increased skin elasticity and a reduction in deep wrinkles. Therefore, people with a low acidity of the stomach are advised to eat fruit with the content of this substance, but strictly according to the prescription of the doctor.
6. Citric acid tightens the expanded pores of the face and has a whitening effect. To wipe your face, you should use a 2-3% solution of citric acid or lemon juice. After performing a number of regular procedures, the skin will become clean and will get a pleasant matte shade.
7. The substance is useful for the beauty of nails. It carefully takes care of the plate, as a result of which the nails become smooth and shiny. But it is too often impossible to apply this remedy. Experts recommend using its courses.

Harm to citric acid

The human body already contains citric acid, so use it with caution and observe the dosage. Too saturated solutions can contribute to irritation of the skin, especially in people with sensitive skin. Irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach may also occur. It is important to remember that inhaling dry citric acid is not advisable, so as not to provoke irritation of the respiratory tract.

Citric acid is a very valuable product, but it is useful in moderate amounts. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it separately from food products. The only exception is the fruit in which it is contained.