Modern technologists consider the old expensive method of producing such a common substance as citric acid from citrus fruits as ineffective. The benefits and harms of the commercially synthesized food additive E330 - “lemons” - depend on many factors: the purpose and rules of use, as well as human health.
An irreplaceable product is used not only in the preparation of culinary masterpieces and in cosmetology, but also for medicinal purposes and in everyday life. Crystalline white powder of citric acid is beneficial for the human body in most cases, but some precautions must be taken when using it.
Lemon production and its chemical composition
For the first time, citric acid (the benefits and harms of which were studied later) was isolated from the juice of unripe citrus fruits by the Swedish pharmacist Karl Scheele. It happened in 1784 and since then in science this substance has been called the food additive E330, but the method of its synthesis has changed significantly. The technology for extracting citric acid from citrus fruits, stems of tobacco crops and needles turned out to be very costly, and the resulting amount of crystalline powder did not allow reaching industrial scale. Therefore, a synthetic antioxidant began to be produced using sugar-containing products (sugar beet or cane, molasses) and specific strains of mold fungi - penicillin and aspergillus.
The product is rich in vitamins C, A and E, as well as vital minerals - sulfur, phosphorus and chlorine. Chemical structure E330 is a tribasic hydroxycarboxylic acid, the derivatives of which - salts and esters - are called citrates.
properties of citric acid
The described food additive is easily soluble in water and ethyl alcohol. When heated to high temperatures(more than 175 degrees) decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide and water. A natural or synthetic antioxidant - citric acid - brings benefits and harms depending on the purpose and dosage.
White crystalline powder has a low level of toxicity, harmless to the body and the environment in reasonable amounts. In nature, "lemon" is found in most fruits and vegetables, it is easily recognizable by its sour, slightly tart taste.
In what areas is it used?
In the food industry, citric acid is used as a flavoring agent, antioxidant and preservative. Helps preserve texture, taste and appearance food products. Citric acid, the benefits and harms of which have been thoroughly studied today, is widely practiced in the manufacture of fruit jams, sauces, jellies, mayonnaises, confectionery, various canned food and processed cheeses. Thanks to its culinary benefits, the E330 food additive is used as: a flavor enhancer that gives products a spicy “sourness”; a natural preservative that destroys bacteria, fungi and mold, and also normalizes the pH of products; vitamin C supplements; marinade for meat dishes, giving tenderness to the protein structure; ennobles the taste and reduces the acidity of the wine.
Manufacturers of quality cosmetics value citric acid for its antioxidant properties. They help to normalize the pH level of beauty products (creams and gels), bringing it closer to the natural balance of the skin; enhance the anti-aging effect of cosmetic products; have a depigmenting effect on the skin; effectively fight acne and its consequences.
In medicine, citric acid is a component of the agents involved in the citrate cycle (Krebs) - the central part of the catabolism processes that regulate the key stage of cell respiration. It helps to soothe a sore throat during a cold and reduce the severity of a hangover.
In everyday life, citric acid is widely used as a cleaning agent: it can polish a kettle and a washing machine from scale to a shine, tidy up kitchen surfaces and silver. Gardeners also recommend adding it to mixtures when feeding plants.
Citric acid: benefits and harms to humans
The therapeutic properties of the food additive E330, or "lemon", produce a positive effect in a variety of ailments and deterioration in human well-being. Many people are often surprised by the advice of doctors recommending drinking citric acid water for colds to treat and relieve throat discomfort; drinking warm water with the addition of E330, which cleanses the liver of toxins by stimulating bile secretion, and also frees the intestines from poisons and bacteria. Water with citric acid (it can bring benefits and harms depending on the concentration of the powder in the liquid) promotes the synthesis of bile, normalizes digestion.
One glass of this drink, consumed daily on an empty stomach, improves the functioning of the digestive tract, relieves heartburn and constipation. In addition, lemon water cleanses blood vessels and arteries, and serves as a good addition to the main treatment for people with hypertension. This drink, when rinsed, has a bactericidal effect on the oral cavity, freshens breath, and eliminates various microbes.
For weight loss
Nutritionists quite often recommend that patients include water with citric acid in their diet in order to reduce weight. Such a drink can bring benefits and harm to the health of those who lose weight if you treat its use differently: adhere or not observe the proportions during its preparation; eat right or not reduce the amount of junk food, which contains excess salt, sugar and fats; monitor your well-being or ignore contraindications.
If you use "lemon" in a dissolved form on an empty stomach, then it will help reduce appetite and increase the viscosity of saliva, start metabolism, normalize the work of the stomach and cleanse the liver. At the same time, the calorie content of citric acid is 1 kcal per 100 g of product! Its glycemic index is low, it does not exceed 15 units. It is very easy to prepare a detox drink by squeezing the juice of one lemon in 1000-1500 ml of water or adding 5-10 g of citric acid crystals. A piece of crushed ginger root, fresh mint and lemon balm will help enhance the effect of a cleansing cocktail.
In cosmetology
For people with problematic oily skin and enlarged pores on the face, citric acid (the benefits and harms in this case are due to its concentration) as part of a mask or solution for wiping the skin (2-3%) helps to even out the complexion, giving it a natural matte shade, to narrow pores, improving the texture of the surface of the skin, as well as clean it, making it soft and pleasant to the touch. To prepare a peeling mask for a face with a “lemon”, a small pinch of the substance on the tip of a knife is enough.
In addition, the hair becomes manageable when combed and regains a healthy glow when rinsed with acidified water (a weak solution of citric acid from 0.5 teaspoon of crystals per 1000 ml of water) after washing with shampoo. This remedy is also beneficial for health and improving the appearance of the nail plates: they become smooth and shiny. But it is impossible to use "lemon" in cosmetology too often, it is used in courses to solve a particular aesthetic problem, and then they take a break.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers, children and the elderly
What does citric acid bring to expectant mothers - benefit for the body or harm? Against the background of the prohibition of most medicines for colds, tea with a moderate amount of citric acid (or natural lemon juice) will have a healing effect on a pregnant woman and fetus.
A drink of water and a few crystals of citric acid can be an indispensable tool for removing swelling from the limbs during childbearing and after childbirth. In addition, "lemon" normalizes bowel function, improves the functioning of the immune system and delicately helps the body to produce lactose. If the baby food package is labeled food additive E330, and the child is not allergic to citric acid, then there is no cause for concern. However, it is not worth exceeding the daily dose of this substance, which is approximately 50-60 mg per 1 kg of the baby's weight. If a child accidentally ate a lot of citric acid crystals, then he urgently needs to rinse his stomach and call an ambulance.
In old age, a drink with citric acid helps to improve vision, gives strength, relieves discomfort in the joints, prevents the process of thrombosis, and is a good prevention of varicose veins. At diabetes a warm drink of water with "lemon" significantly reduces blood glucose levels.
Contraindications and harm "lemon" if used improperly
Experts recommend that before starting the regular use of food citric acid, discuss the benefits and harms of such a practice with your doctor, and also undergo an examination to make sure there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. A harmless powder in people with gastric diseases can provoke a worsening of the condition. Incorrectly prepared solutions with a high concentration of citric acid can cause stomach pain, vomiting and coughing in a person.
It is known that the crystalline powder "lemon" when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes and other organs causes significant harm, causing damage to them. For safety reasons, it is necessary to strictly observe the weak dosage of the substance indicated in the recipes. It is impossible to increase the concentration of citric acid on your own, as this can lead to irritation of the gastric mucosa and disruption of its integrity, the appearance of cramps, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and fever, bloody stools, increased urge to urinate, headache pain, increased blood pressure, weakness, nervousness and swelling.
Long-term use of citric acid adversely affects the structure of tooth enamel, causing its gradual destruction. Regular and uncontrolled irritation of the stomach lining with a strong lemon solution can also lead to gastritis and ulcers. It is necessary to strictly monitor your well-being during the use of citric acid, adhere to the daily dosage, if the slightest discomfort appears, stop taking the drink with this product.
Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid used as a food additive to add a sour taste to a dish.
In addition, it prevents the appearance of a bad smell, mold, harmful microorganisms in finished food products. "Lemon" is a white crystalline substance, soluble in ethyl alcohol and water. As an acidity regulator, the compound is labeled under the codes E330-E333. Its esters and salts are called citrates.
Citric acid is found in Chinese magnolia vine, lemon (especially unripe fruits), citrus fruits, berries, needles. It has antitumor, rejuvenating and antibacterial properties. Improves digestion, removes toxins, cleansing the body. With moderate consumption, stimulates appetite, stimulates the pancreas, improves digestion.
The chemical formula is C6H8O7.
For the first time, citric acid was obtained from immature lemongrass fruits in 1874 by the Swedish chemist Karl Scheele. On an industrial scale, it is produced by synthesizing mold strains and sugar or sugary substances.
The largest producers of citric acid in the world are China, Russia, which produce four hundred thousand tons of food additives per year.
Beneficial features
The effect of citric acid on the human body:
- It has a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive system: it removes toxins, salts, accelerates the burning of carbohydrates in anaerobic conditions and the digestion of food. Promotes systematic weight loss.
- Normalizes the functioning of psycho-, neuro- and endocrine systems.
- Improves eyesight.
- Strengthens immunity.
- Increases the level of calcium in the body.
- Gives firmness, elasticity to the skin, stimulates cell renewal, eliminates wrinkles. To eliminate age spots and even out the tone of the face, citric acid is recommended to be used as a peeling. Lotions, masks and creams containing an organic compound effectively remove toxic substances from the body.
- Reduces food intoxication of the body. Therefore, it is recommended to take it to relieve the symptoms and consequences of a hangover.
- It has antiseptic properties. To relieve a sore throat, rinse your mouth every hour with a 30% citric acid solution until relief occurs.
The useful properties of the E330 concentrate depend on the area of \u200b\u200bits use. However, before using the product for medicinal purposes, consult a doctor, as the acid has strict restrictions on use and can be harmful to human health.
Application and contraindications
Areas of use of citric acid:
- In the food industry. It gives a balanced taste to dishes, drinks, from lightly salted cucumbers to fruit jellies. In addition, E330 is used in the manufacture of processed cheeses (to improve elasticity) and the preservation of fruits and vegetables (to maintain elasticity, "crunch" products). The additive plays a special role in the production of bakery products, since it functions as a leavening agent for dough. The combination of baking soda (E500) and lemon concentrate (E330) causes a violent reaction, accompanied by the release of carbon dioxide, which gives lightness and splendor to flour products.
- At home. Due to its ability to dissolve, citric acid helps to easily remove scale, plaque, rust from surfaces, therefore it is part of cleaners and detergents.
- In the cosmetic industry to improve, brighten the tone of the face, remove freckles, tighten enlarged pores. However, remember that a high concentration of the compound in skin care products causes a chemical burn of the epidermis. Citric acid makes the nail plate smooth, shiny, strong, while its too frequent use leads to the opposite effect: softening of the nail.
- In pharmaceuticals. E330 is part of drugs that improve energy metabolism. In addition, the sodium salt of citric acid (E331) is used in medicine to prevent blood clotting, reduce acidity in peripheral renal acidosis, as a laxative. A 5% solution of sodium citrate is used to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate using the Pachenkov method, and 4% as an anticoagulant in the hardware delivery of donor blood components.
When working with a concentrated solution of citric acid, remember that excessive intake of the compound with food can damage tooth enamel, cause exacerbation of gastritis, ulcers, bloody vomiting. In case of contact with the eyes, on the skin - redness, burns, allergies. Inhalation of a dry preservative irritates the respiratory tract, accompanied by a coughing fit. Therefore, for safety reasons, use citric acid with caution only in a diluted form, adhering to the concentration indicated in the recipe.
Food additives E330 - E333 is a synthetic product that aggressively acts on tooth enamel, mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity. People with impaired kidney function, digestive organs are prohibited from using citric acid. Otherwise, it will spur the inflammatory process, cause pain.
To avoid the appearance of microcracks on the surface of the tooth enamel, after each intake of foods, drinks and products containing "lemon", it is necessary to rinse out the mouth without fail.
Operating principle
Citric acid has a diuretic effect. The principle of its action is based on the removal of excess fluid from the body, due to which saliva becomes viscous, a person's taste perception changes, the desire to eat is suppressed, which leads to a decrease in body volume.
According to the opinion of the health organization committee, daily rate consumption of citric acid should not exceed 120 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is optimal that this indicator be in the range from 66 to 80 milligrams per kilogram of weight.
In what cases does the body's need for citric acid increase?
With elevated physical activity manifestation of the consequences of stress, under the influence of extreme external factors.
When to limit the intake of citric acid?
With erosion of tooth enamel, hypersecretion of gastric juice, gastritis, stomach ulcers.
Signs of a lack of a compound in the body: desire to eat something sour. Deficiency of organic acids causes alkalization of the internal environment, which is extremely rare. Considering the fact that the E330 food additive is used in cooking for the production of fizzy drinks, jelly, sweets, sauce, preservation, mayonnaise, ketchup, jam, tonic drinks and iced teas, people more often develop an overabundance of the compound in the body than a deficiency.
Overdose symptoms: inflammation and exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract, sour taste in the mouth, tooth decay, abdominal pain, cough, vomiting. An excess of citric acid increases the content of calcium ions in the body, causes a burn of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity.
Sources
Products containing citric acid:
- black currant;
- cranberry;
- cowberry;
- raspberry;
- lemons;
- oranges;
- grapefruit;
- a pineapple;
- strawberry;
- cherry;
- apricot;
- peach;
- quince;
- Rowan;
- citrus juices;
- tomatoes;
- plum;
- barberry;
- gooseberry.
When baking confectionery and bakery products, citric acid is replaced by lemon juice, and when preserving, vinegar.
The effect of citric acid on the condition of the hair
Additive E330 helps eliminate excessive oiliness of the scalp by narrowing the pores.
Due to the strong hardness of tap water, hair loses its natural shine after washing, becomes dull, brittle and lifeless. To give them a healthy glow, silkiness is recommended after washing off the shampoo, rinse the hair with a solution with the addition of two grams of citric acid per liter of boiled liquid. After that, do not rinse your hair under running water. Wait for them to dry naturally. In order not to dry out the scalp and tips, it is not recommended to use a hair dryer to accelerate the evaporation of moisture.
After rinsing the hair with “lemon water”, the hair will become soft, pliable, and acquire a healthy, well-groomed appearance.
To restore weakened and brittle curls after dyeing, prepare a firming mask based on the E330 additive.
The principle of its creation is as follows:
- prepare 2 grams of citric acid powder, 5 grams of honey, 30 milliliters of aloe infusion, one egg yolk;
- mix all the ingredients, except for the herbal extract, mix until smooth;
- add aloe infusion to the resulting mixture.
Apply a firming mask to the strands immediately after preparation, otherwise it will lose its beneficial properties. Spread the "lemon mixture" along the length of the hair, leave for 30 minutes. After the specified time, wash off the mask with warm water without using a balm or shampoo. The duration of the course depends on the condition of the strands. The vitamin composition can be applied to the hair every other day until it acquires a natural shine and strength.
In addition to strengthening hair, citric acid is used to lighten hair in a natural way, without the use of chemicals. To do this, boil, cool the water, dissolve 5 grams of E330 in two liters of liquid. Apply the product regularly to washed hair 3-4 times a week. The lightening effect will become noticeable only if this procedure is performed systematically for at least a month.
Conclusion
Citric acid is a compound widely used in human life. In small doses (70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight), it does not harm human health, but rather cleanses the body of toxins and improves skin condition.
In addition, the substance kills pathogens that develop with infectious, colds. An excess of the substance is dangerous for people with gastrointestinal problems, kidneys, as it provokes a relapse of the disease.
In addition to being used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetology, the E330 food supplement promotes systematic weight loss. To get rid of extra pounds throughout the day, use acidified. The amount of citric acid introduced into the liquid depends on the phase of weight loss. Drink a drink before every meal. In the first week, 2 grams of E330 powder should be dissolved in 250 milliliters of water, in the second - 5 grams, in the third - 10 grams on an empty stomach and 5 grams before each meal, in the fourth - 5 grams before breakfast and 2 grams before lunch, afternoon snack, dinner.
This drink activates metabolic processes in the body, and in combination with honey, mint, ginger, it has an energy, rejuvenating effect. Despite the effectiveness of the technique (minus 7 kilograms in 28 days), doctors do not recommend using this method of losing weight, since it is unsafe for human health and can aggravate the course of chronic diseases.
Please consult your doctor before starting a diet.
Many products that are in the kitchen of every person can be used for completely unexpected purposes. Seasonings and spices can be used as an effective healing and even healing agent, and simple chemicals are quite suitable for body care and also for the treatment of many pathological conditions. So ordinary citric acid can bring us great benefits in everyday life and become an excellent cosmetic find. Let's talk on this page www.site about such a remedy as citric acid, the benefits and harms of it to our body, and also discuss its use in detail.
Citric acid is found in many natural products, people have learned to extract it from lemons. Now such a substance is synthesized chemically. Housewives usually use citric acid in cooking.
Why does a person need citric acid?
What is citric acid for? Only to boil a kettle with it and remove scale from the walls?! Of course not! Otherwise, there would be nothing to write about ... Few people know that citric acid can bring significant benefits to the human body. It cleans effectively gastrointestinal tract from toxins and toxins, optimizes the activity of the digestive system. Such a product is able to reduce the excessive acidity of gastric juice. In addition, citric acid activates and accelerates the processes of burning carbohydrates in the body by an order of magnitude, and also removes toxins through the skin.
There is evidence that such a substance can improve the quality of vision, increase immunity and have an antitumor effect. Also, its use helps to optimize the activity of the psycho-neuroendocrine system and increase the amount of calcium in the body.
The benefits of citric acid and that it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin. This product is able to add firmness, elasticity, remove wrinkles and activate cell renewal. The use of citric acid as a peeling makes it possible to quickly cleanse the skin of various defects, eliminate age spots, and also make the face healthy, fresh and radiant. If this substance is present in lotions, as well as masks and creams, the use of such products will ensure the effective elimination of toxic substances.
Citric acid is often used in the production of various detergents or cleansers, because one of its useful qualities is the ability to dissolve calcium. With the use of such products, you can easily eliminate white coating or scale from various surfaces.
What else is citric acid useful for humans? Experts say that citric acid can be useful for girls and hair care. It is able to reduce the oiliness of the scalp, slightly narrowing the pores. It is known that the water that flows from the tap is characterized by an increased level of hardness, making the hair dry, hard and brittle after washing. To give your hair a silky and healthy glow, you should add a little citric acid to the water. Also, this product can be used to lighten hair.
Some girls actively use citric acid to eliminate excess weight. It is believed that such a substance is capable of accelerating the metabolism by an order of magnitude, contributing to the speedy burning of fats. And this is not all the areas where citric acid can be used, its use is somewhat wider in fact. Let's talk about this further.
The use of citric acid
Citric acid will help to cope with sore throats with acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections and tonsillitis. Its solution just needs to gargle with an interval of half an hour or an hour.
Citric acid will improve your health after drinking alcohol. If you are suffering from a severe hangover, add just a little citric acid to your water. Drink the resulting solution in small sips.
For hair care, dilute half a teaspoon of citric acid in a liter of warm water. Rinse your hair with this solution.
Combine half a teaspoon of citric acid with a teaspoon of honey and one egg yolk. Mix this composition well, then add a couple of tablespoons of aloe juice to it. Apply the resulting mixture to the hair, wrap yourself in polyethylene and a towel. After half an hour, wash off the mask with warm water. Use daily.
To get rid of excess weight, traditional medicine experts advise diluting a teaspoon of citric acid with a glass of water. The resulting solution can be sweetened with honey, mint or ginger can be added to it. Such a drink should be taken once a day immediately before a meal. In some recipes, it is advised to drink this drink before each meal.
Take one hundred grams of blackcurrant, eight egg whites, half a teaspoon of citric acid, and two hundred grams of fatty homemade sour cream. Combine all these ingredients and mix well. Apply this composition to the thighs and abdomen, wrap yourself in polyethylene and a warm cloth on top. After forty minutes, rinse with cold water. This mask will help restore skin elasticity, add softness and silkiness. Do not forget about the observance of the dose and time of use of the prepared remedy. After all, it should be borne in mind that citric acid in concentrated form can cause skin irritation. And that's not all the dangers it poses. Therefore, let's talk about who is dangerous for citric acid, what harm can be from its use.
Is citric acid harmful?
In no case should it be allowed to get into the eyes. If you are going to take citric acid internally, be sure to adhere to the recommended dosage, otherwise you may experience severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach. This condition can be manifested by pain, coughing and even bloody vomiting. The harm of citric acid can appear if its crystals are inhaled. It can irritate and burn the respiratory tract.
When used correctly, it can bring significant benefits to a person. When used in cooking, it is worth remembering that citric acid in a tablespoon by weight pulls 20 grams and 5 grams in a teaspoon.
A small concentration of citric acid is found in berries, citrus fruits of evergreens, leaves and stems of herbaceous, shrubby tobacco species.
Let's talk about the role of this acid, about where, how, for what purpose it is used.
You will learn all about the health benefits of citric acid and water with it, about the dangers of the E330 food supplement for health.
How to choose a good "lemon"
A good product is bought in specialized grocery stores. Consider when buying packaging.
It should contain the following information:
- full name of the manufacturer;
- city name;
- date of manufacture;
- best before date.
The product must be labeled, by which you can set the shift that produced the goods.
The purchased product is used as an ingredient to improve the taste of confectionery, meat dishes, for canning,.
Composition, chemical properties, glycemic index
Chemical formula (HOOSCH2)2C(OH)COOH. In the professional slang of chemists - a tribasic carboxylic acid. Outwardly, these are colorless crystals, similar to granulated sugar.
It is highly soluble in water, ethyl alcohol, quickly reacts with other chemicals.
Heating to 175.5 degrees leads to the formation of aconitic acid. When interacting with potassium permanganate, berthollet salt, acrylic acid, ethylene oxide are formed.
Tribasic carboxylic acid has a glycemic index of 15. The index value shows how sugar is being absorbed by the body. For products with a smaller number, assimilation is slower.
Blood sugar levels will be higher when eating foods that have a higher index. Glucose has a value of 100.
General Health Benefits
Salts, esters of a chemical called citrates (sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate) are used to improve the quality of food products, where they known as additives E330-E333.
Thanks to the pleasant taste used in food production. Using it, they achieve the highest quality dough in the production of bakery products.
It is an acidity regulator and a preservative that preserves the presentation of food products, freshness and taste. Protects oils, fats, margarine from a nasty rancid smell.
Is acid good for humans? Its positive effect on hair, skin. The cosmetic industry on its basis produces elixirs, lotions, shampoos for hair and skin care.
These drugs will help restore the natural color of the skin, eliminate its defects.
The use of this acid promotes the following positive processes in the body:
- kills microbes;
- improves the digestive process;
- restores vision;
- enhances the action of antioxidants that protect the body, reduce the risk of developing cancer.
The benefit, harm of the product will be revealed by the program "About the most important thing":
What is useful for the body
Both products are good for the body.. Only acid is not a natural product, its internal content is determined by the chemical formula. The natural product contains a lot of vitamins, various acids, useful substances.
Crystals need to be diluted with water, and lemon juice is used without dilution.
Crystalline substance can be taken with you on a hike, expedition, it is convenient for residents of the Far North: it is practical where there are difficulties in providing natural citrus fruits.
It is also suitable for those who are fond of culinary business.. You don't have to buy a whole lemon when you need 1 gram of an artificial substance at the tip of a knife.
Colorless acid crystals - preservative. Their presence in products improves the quality of taste, prolongs the shelf life of culinary products.
Depending on each specific case, a person chooses one of these products himself.
When losing weight
Colorless crystalline substance is an accelerator of digestive processes, chemical reactions in the body. The use contributes to:
- rapid removal of toxins from the body;
- improves digestion;
- frees the body from carbohydrates.
Using an aqueous solution of this substance, adding a little honey, a person drowns out cravings for sweets. By restricting access to the body of carbohydrates, a person strengthens the tendency to lose weight.
If a person is prescribed a diet, then compliance with it has a medical purpose. Consultation with a specialist is necessary before using acid solutions.
The beneficial properties of acid are widely used in many areas of human activity.
Substance E330 is used in the pharmaceutical industry. With its help, drugs are created that improve energy metabolism.
Thanks to the sodium salt (E331) of citric acid, blood reserves are preserved.
The use of a 5% solution of sodium citrate acid helps to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate using a special technique.
In folk medicine, a crystalline dry mixture is used to maintain healthy skin and hair.
Mask for increased oiliness of the head, hair. Mixed in a bowl:
- herbal decoction of chamomile petals;
- honey - 2.5 tbsp. l.;
- citric acid - ½ teaspoon;
- yolk - 1 pc.
How to use:
Cooking technology:
- put the butter in an enameled bowl, warm it up a little, add sugar, grind;
- combine the resulting mass with soda, lemon;
- pour in the stirred, beaten egg;
- add flour in small portions, stirring the mass;
- knead the dough;
- separate 2/3 parts. Roll out, put on the bottom of the pan;
- place the jam on the rolled out part of the dough;
- put the rolled out second part of the dough on top, connect with the bottom part of the dough;
- put in the oven, heated to a temperature of 200 degrees;
- baking time in the oven - 20 minutes.
The additive is used during the preparation of marinade for meat, which helps to soften the meat fibers, makes them tender, and enhances the taste of meat.
Citric acid is a useful product, applies everywhere. The substance is an acid and should be handled with care. It is recommended to hide well from children.
The usefulness of the product depends on the correct use. Violation of this condition may adversely affect human health.
In contact with
Citric acid is found in half of the foods and has a whole spectrum useful properties but it can also have a negative effect on health. People who monitor their health are interested in the benefits and harms of citric acid. This should be dealt with in more detail.
Chemical properties of citric acid
White matter can be categorized as natural or synthetic antioxidants. When heated above 175°C, it decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. Citric acid has a low level of toxicity, dissolves quickly and mixes well with other chemicals. It should be noted that it is environmentally friendly. The composition of citric acid depends on the method of extraction. It is found in citrus fruits, needles, berries, shag stems, etc. But today getting acid from fruits is unprofitable. Therefore, it is synthesized from sugar-containing products (sugar, sugar beet, molasses, sugar cane) by fermentation in the cultural liquid of some fungi of the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium.
What is useful citric acid?
- In cooking, this substance is called food additive E330-E333. It gives foods a sweetish taste and acts as an antioxidant. The substance is absolutely safe for health in moderate amounts. During production, it is added to mayonnaises, ketchups, sauces, canned food, various drinks, processed cheeses, jellies, confectionery, etc.
- Citric acid helps to remove toxins from the body. It has a beneficial effect on digestion, improves immunity and burns. It is produced exclusively in solid form, therefore it does not harm the mucous membranes.
- During a cold, citric acid soothes a sore throat. It is necessary to prepare a 30% solution of citric acid and gargle with it for every hour. Instead of dry citric acid, you can slowly suck on peeled lemon slices so that the juice gets on the walls of the throat.
- The positive property of citric acid was noted in the hangover syndrome. In this case, it helps to quickly remove toxic substances from the poisoned body.
- The great benefit of this substance is the renewal of new cells, increasing skin elasticity and reducing deep wrinkles. Therefore, people with low stomach acidity are advised to eat fruits containing this substance, but strictly according to the doctor's instructions.
- Citric acid tightens the enlarged pores of the face and has a whitening effect. To wipe the face, you must use a 2-3% solution of citric acid or lemon juice. After performing a series of regular procedures, the skin will become clean and acquire a pleasant matte shade.
- The substance is useful for the beauty of nails. It carefully cares for the plate, as a result of which the nails become smooth and shiny. But you can not apply this tool too often. Experts recommend using it in courses.
Harm of citric acid
The human body already contains citric acid, so it must be used with caution and observing the dosage. Too saturated solutions can irritate the skin, especially in people with sensitive skin. There may also be irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach. It is important to remember that inhaling dry citric acid is undesirable, so as not to provoke irritation of the respiratory tract.
Citric acid is a very valuable product, but it is useful in moderation. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it separately from food products. The only exceptions are those in which it is contained.