What is citric acid necessary for? The benefits and harms, the purpose of this product, as well as its properties will be presented in this article. In addition, we will tell you about how you can replace the ingredient in question, how it should be dissolved and so on.

general information

What is citric acid? The benefits and harms of this ingredient are not well known. But before telling you about what properties this product has, you should tell in detail about its features.

It is a white which is perfectly soluble in ethyl alcohol and water. Esters of this ingredient are called citrates. In its effects, such a substance belongs to natural antioxidants.

History of origin

For the first time, citric acid was isolated from the juice of unripe lemons at the end of the XVIII century. Today, most experts say that this component is found in almost all food products, and is also part of a huge amount of berries. By the way, citric acid has been found even in the needles, and shag.

Scope of application

What is citric acid used for, the benefits and harm of which will be presented a little further? This product is actively used in the food industry. It is used as a good acidifier. However, some housewives use acid and for domestic purposes. For example, thanks to it, you can quickly soften hard water, as well as clean dishes from plumbing.

What else is citric acid used for? Recipes using this product known to many cooks. This additive is often used for the preparation of various sauces, mayonnaise, ketchup, jelly, canned food, jams, as well as confectionery and other products.

We can not say that citric acid is an excellent preservative. It is used to increase the shelf life of many products (fish, vegetables, winter salads, meat, mushrooms, etc.).

It should also be noted that this product is used not only to improve the taste of certain dishes. After all, citric acid can also change the structure of some products. For example, quite often it is added. As a result, the dairy product becomes elastic and is easier spread on toast. In this case, the caloric content of citric acid is zero.

Citric acid: the benefits and harm of the product

We will tell about harm of this product slightly below. As for the benefits, then it is a lot in citric acid. In the process of cellular respiration, this substance is an integral part. This fact is due to the fact that citric acid has antioxidant and bactericidal properties.

The benefits of the product in question are beyond doubt, as it stimulates cell renewal, increases the elasticity of the skin and reduces deep wrinkles.

Many representatives of the weaker sex are known. For the skin, this fruit can play the role of a natural peeling. After all, it cleans all integuments well, leveling the complexion and masking the existing defects.

The beneficial properties of lemon and citric acid are obvious, as it contributes to the rapid elimination of toxic substances through the pores. That is why such a substance is almost always added to various rinses and creams.

Harm and contraindications of citric acid

Undoubtedly, citric acid is very useful for the body. However, like any product, this substance has its own contraindications. The harm of citric acid is that it adversely affects the condition of the teeth. With excessive use of this product there is a greater likelihood of caries. Therefore, experts recommend including citric acid in your diet in moderation.

What else harm to the body can cause a solution of citric acid? Taking this substance inside, you must remember its strict dosage. After all, too large quantities of the product can cause the strongest irritation of the gastric mucosa. As a result of such exposure, erosion and ulcer are formed in a person.

What can be replaced?

If you could not get this substance in the store, then you can easily find a replacement. For example, in the food industry instead of citric acid quite often use the usual After all, it is a natural source of this product.

When canning vegetables, mushrooms, fish and other ingredients, citric acid can be easily replaced with table vinegar.

How to properly dissolve? Product price

Citric acid is a food product in powder form, which is freely sold in all stores. It is packaged in packs of different volume and can cost from 20 to 30 Russian rubles per 50 grams.

If this or that amount of citric acid is indicated in the recipe, then it is recommended to dissolve it before adding the powder to the dish. As a rule, ordinary drinking water is used for this. The resulting solution is injected into a cream, sauce or dough. By the way, in the case of the last use, citric acid is used for a reason, and for extinguishing table soda. If you properly dilute the powder substance, then at the exit you can get a very lush, tasty and fragrant pastries.

Citric acid is in the kitchen of each housewife.

But we know about all the beneficial properties.

After all, in addition to the culinary advantage, this substance is used as a medicine, for cosmetic purposes, and simply in housekeeping.

Composition and rules for the use of citric acid. What benefits does it bring to the body?

We all used to think that citric acid comes from lemon. But this is not true. The main production method is biosynthesis from sugar or sugary substances (molasses) by industrial strains of the mold fungus Aspergillusniger. Those. it is a chemical product and as a food additive has the code E – 330. The salts and esters included in the composition are called citrates. It is also a flavoring, preservative, and antioxidant, which is used to preserve the texture of certain foods.

Speaking in simple terms, citric acid is a white crystalline powder, sour to the taste. It is naturally present in citrus fruits, but it is uneconomical to use it from fruit.

With the seeming innocence of this product, apply it carefully. First of all, you need to decide for what purpose it is intended. After all, the use of citric acid can bring both health benefits and harm.

This substance is widely used in the food industry. It is added to fruit jams, jellies, sauces, mayonnaise, canned food, processed cheeses. It is an indispensable tool in the conservation season. It is found in nature in many fruits and vegetables and has quite a tart, lemon juice-like taste. But lemon juice is not made from citric acid.

Refers to organic acids that are associated with participation in the processes of digestion. Citric acid has beneficial properties: it changes the acidity regulator (pH) of the medium to the alkaline side, favorably affects the composition of the microflora, and reduces the risk of developing many gastrointestinal and other diseases.

It is also used for flavoring soft drinks, tea  and others. In order to balance the pH of food and keep it for a longer shelf life. Ultimately, the likelihood of survival and multiplication of bacteria and mold will decrease.

In medicine  used in the composition of the means that are involved in the Krebs cycle (citrate cycle), which is the center of the intersection of metabolic pathways in the body. It also has other useful properties.

Lemon acid included in many cosmetic preparations:

It is added to the compositions for masks and wraps (enough pinching at the tip of the knife);

Rinsing the hair with a solution of 05 tsp. 1 liter of water will make them silky and add a healthy glow;

It has a bleaching (depigmenting) effect on your skin, helping to get rid of freckles and age spots;

It makes the nail plate shiny and smooth.

Remember:

1 tsp LC \u003d 8 grams

5-10 grams LC \u003d 1 lemon

Calories - 0 kcal

1 tsp LC: 2 tsp. water - for cooking

0.5 tsp-1 tsp LK: 1 tbsp. water - can be used as a drink

What is the use of citric acid for the body

14 advantages  warm drinking lemon water:

1) Stimulates gastric secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, improves digestion. Indispensable for normal metabolism.

2) Cleans the liver. Those. encourages the liver to produce bile, which is an acid necessary for normal digestion. This reduces the risk of heartburn and constipation. Drink a glass of lemon water in the morning to clear the liver and initiate the beginning of the digestive system.

3) Reduces the risk of purulent inflammation of the skin (for example, acne, boils). It can be used as a peeling.

4) Removes toxins and other harmful substances from the body. For this purpose, you are gaining popularity, detox water. Its method of preparation is very simple: it is necessary to squeeze the juice of one lemon (or 5-10 grams of citric acid) in 1-1.5 liters of distilled water. Water instantly saturated with vitamins and minerals. In the resulting drink, you can add fresh mint, lemon balm and a piece of ginger root. Such a drink will remove toxins from the body. Also he has a diuretic and mild laxative effect. A gradual improvement in digestion will help detoxify the entire body.

5) Reduces the feeling of sweetness in the body, which is caused by all acidic environments. Citric acid is invaluable. for the body of a diabetic. In order to lower the level of sugar in his blood, immediately before a meal it is necessary to use a solution of citric acid on the tip of a knife in 50 ml of water.

6) Promotes cleansing of blood vessels and arteries.

7) Reduces the appearance of purulent inflammation of the skin (eg, acne, boils).

8) Is able to reduce high blood pressure.

9) Assists in the fight against obesity. Citric acid contains substances that break down fat. Take one glass of solution before each meal for a month. And also it enhances the secretion of gastric juice and speeds up the metabolism.

10) “Sour” flavored products are used in herbal medicine (treatment with the help of medicinal plants).

11) Kills bacteria in the mouth and freshens breath.

12) Minimizes threats to ligaments, tendons and connective tissue. Included in the active nutritional supplements that are designed to protect your joints.

13) Maintains moisturized healthy skin and improves immunity.

14) The invaluable health benefits of the citric acid have a hangover syndrome. It helps detoxify the poisoned organism.

Exceptions: what harm citric acid

heartburn  (especially strong acid reflex);

the ulcer  oral cavity, esophagus or stomach.

In these cases, citric acid can cause an irritating "burning" sensation, because it is not metabolized in the body and is still in an acidic environment when passing through these areas of the gastrointestinal tract.

Concern and causes him erosive effect on tooth enamel. It is believed that citric acid harms the teeth by making it (tooth enamel) loose, and subsequently causes caries and erosion.

Small percentage of the population suffering from allergies  on citric acid.

There are also opinions that industrial citric acid (and it is E330) is involved in the growth of cancer cells in the body, which causes irreparable harm to it. However, there is no scientific confirmation of this fact. In defense of this substance, it should be noted that the moderate use of citric acid and its correct use will only bring benefit to your body.

Remember the following rule: for a specific purpose, you can use citric acid only in small doses. For some people, it is generally contraindicated. Be sure to consult with your health care provider to use it with health benefits.

Citric acid: use in life

Citric acid has beneficial properties, in particular, in that it is used as a detergent, as a component of air freshener, candles and personal care products, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry.

Many household cleaners contain toxic and harmful chemicals. Given that women still make a whopping 70% of the housework, they are vulnerable to these toxins. Citric acid has more gentle properties and does not bring such harm.

She is reduces water hardness  and creates a foam that makes it especially useful in soaps, detergents, and as a cleansing agent.

The chemical composition of citric acid cleans dirt from the surface of clothing. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and benefits from the fact that it works great on most surfaces, even in hard-to-reach places.

Eight reasons to use citric acid as a detergent:

1. Removes rust stains. Dissolve sachet (25g) in 1 liter of hot water and use to remove rust.

2.Kills bacteria, clean the kitchen surface. You can disinfect with a solution consisting of nine parts of water and one part of acid.

3. Removes scale and disinfects inside the washing machine. To do this, run the longest cycle with hot water, adding two tablespoons of the substance.

4. Cleans the kettle from scale. Use the solution at the rate of 10 g per 1 liter of water.

5. With a solution of one liter of warm water and two tablespoons of the tool you can clean the water taps and shower doors. Spray this solution on the surface, wait a little, then rinse and wipe.

6. The windows can be washed using two liters of warm water mixed with two tablespoons of acid. Spray applied to the window and wipe.

7. You can get a sparkling clean toilet by pouring ¾ cup of citric acid into it. Leave overnight. Do not flush. The next morning, brush and rinse.

8. Get rid of wine stains, with one part of lemon substance and 2 parts of baking soda. Sprinkle the stain, adding water droplets until it sizzles. Wait a few minutes and then gently scrape.

Is always wear gloves  and keep scouring away from the eyes.

Undoubtedly, citric acid with its properties brings benefits to our health and full life. But, as the great late medieval doctor Paracelsus said: “Only a dose makes a substance poison or a medicine.”

Surely everyone in the bins will find one or two bags of such a common product as citric acid. Most likely, you use it as a means for removing scale in a kettle and a washing machine, in canning and preparing some dishes. But do you all know about this product? Let's try together to understand what citric acid is and why it is needed at all.

Citric acid: what is it?

We will not go deep into subtleties of chemistry, we will give simple definition to this product. Citric acid is a pure white substance with a crystalline structure (like granulated sugar) and an acidic taste. Differs in ability to melt at t \u003d 153 ° C, and at higher temperature breaks up to water and carbon dioxide. It is very soluble in water, with less success - in ethyl alcohol, with difficulty - in diethyl ether.

For the first time, citric acid was isolated by a Swedes chemist Karl Scheele in the 18th century (1784) from the juice of unripe lemons. Up to the 30s of the 20th century, it was developed from citruses. And since 1935, in the USSR, this product began to be produced using the biosynthesis method from sugar using the mold fungi Aspergillus niger. But now the main raw material for the production of citric acid is beet molasses (in other words, beets). The high content of this substance is noted in many products of natural origin. These are citruses and pomegranates, pineapples and berries (cranberries, currants, gooseberries), green peppers, stems and leaves of the shag, and even needles. Most citric acid is found in Chinese lemongrass and green lemons. So the name of this substance justifies unconditionally.

The useful citric acid

Citric acid is actively involved in metabolic processes occurring in the human body. Moreover, it promotes the elimination of toxins and excess salts, the burning of carbohydrates, and the strengthening of the nervous and immune systems. Therefore, it is still useful for the body.

But, despite the weight of the advantages of citric acid, there are some dangers in it.

If ingested in large amounts, such symptoms as coughing, blood vomiting, pain and irritation of the stomach lining may occur. And inhalation of dry citric acid powder threatens to irritate the respiratory tract. In general, with careful handling and use in acceptable doses, this product is completely harmless.

Where is citric acid used

Citric acid has received the status of a food additive with the code E330 assigned to it, the use of which is officially authorized in the food industry in many countries. Therefore, in cooking and in production this product is successfully applied in several directions:

As an acidulant (to give a pleasant taste), acidity regulator and freshener in the manufacture of alcoholic (liqueurs, wines) and non-alcoholic (lemonade), effervescent and dry, carbonated and non-carbonated (juices, teas) beverages;

As a flavor enhancer in the manufacture of confectionery products (cakes and pastries, ice cream and mousses, fillings for chocolates and caramel, oriental sweets);

As a preservative to increase the shelf life in the production of sauces (ketchups, mayonnaise), sweet jams and jellies, processed cheeses and frozen products, canned meats, fruits and vegetables and fish;

As an active substance that protects against decomposition (due to the presence of heavy metals) in the production of fats and oils to reduce the likelihood of bitterness.

So if you carefully read into the composition of at least one of the products mentioned, you will surely find citric acid in the list of ingredients used.

Citric acid in cosmetology and medicine

In the cosmetic industry, this miracle powder is used as an acidity regulator in the production of creams and lotions, shampoos and elixirs, hair clips and balms, effervescent bombs for the bath. In private, a weak solution of citric acid can be used to whiten the skin of the face, remove age spots and freckles.

In medicine, citric acid is used in the production of drugs that help improve energy metabolism in the human body and accelerate metabolic processes.

But this is not the whole list of applications for such a universal substance. It turns out that citric acid is used in the oil and gas industries when drilling wells. It neutralizes cement, thereby eliminating calcium ions from the drilling mud.

What can replace citric acid

Of course, when cooking some dishes (including baking) or cosmetics at home, this powder can be safely replaced with natural juice squeezed from fresh lemon. But on the scale of industrial production one cannot do without it (how much then will one have to “gut” citruses?).

Here it is, it is useful and at the same time causing alertness of citric acid. To use this powder or not - you decide.

One of the most popular food additives that is actively used in the culinary and food industry is (formula of citric acid - E330) - an acid of organic type with a weak effect, which can be found in various fruits and vegetables, especially citrus. The maximum amount of E330 is in and (up to eight percent is approximately forty-seven grams per liter of juice).

If you take into account the usual conditions, the citric acid has a white color and the form of crystals of the small fraction. Powder perfectly dissolved in.

In the human body, too, there is a lemon E330. E330 derivatives are salts that are involved (and are simply indispensable) in the process of bone formation, as well as in the process of adjusting the size of calcium crystals. Salts additives in biochemistry are of great importance, as it is an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which are actively involved in metabolic processes.

For the first time began to produce citric acid from citrus juice in early 1890 in Italy. Today, the most large-tonnage method of this food additive is the biosynthesis of various sugary components using industrial strains of the mold fungus Aspergillusniger.

According to estimates for 2017 in the world, 1.6 million tons of E330 were produced, which is mostly produced in China. To date, more than fifty percent of the production of this dietary supplement is added to the compositions of various beverages, thus regulating their acidity level, as well as acting as a preservative: approximately twenty percent are used in the production of various foods, about twenty percent are added during the production of various detergents. means. And only ten percent are actively used in cosmetics, the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals.

Citric acid, E330 - use in food

This supplement today is in the kitchen of any housewife. Both E330 and its salts (citrates of sodium, calcium and potassium) are actively used in the production of various foods and beverages (especially non-alcoholic) in order to improve the taste, regulate the level of acidity, and also as a natural preservative.

E330 forms chelate complexes (compounds), which take an active part in the delivery to the body of various useful and nutrients in a fairly easy and digestible biological form. Buffer citrate properties are used to adjust the pH in household chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations.

As emulsifiers, the food additive E330 is added during the production process - this additive prevents separation, is also added to the caramel in order to reduce the crystallization process, and to any food as a stimulant of taste.

E330 as a food additive is present together with sodium bicarbonate in various effervescent beverages, as well as in other effervescent products (powders and tablets), in cosmetology-type products (bath bombs, aromatic salts, etc.). E330 additive is quite often found in the composition of cleaning products.

It is also worth noting that the additive is actively used in cooking, as it has preservative properties, adds flavor to the products, and is also used as a substitute for vinegar.

Citric acid in cooking

Citric acid is actively used in cooking. There is a wide variety of recipes with blanks for the winter using the E330.

The recipe of cooking with citric acid at home: you need to take a liter jar, put four sweet peas on the bottom, or three cloves, two cloves, one thin, two plates. After that, laid out small tomatoes. Pour boiling water over the jar and cover with a lid. In order for the tomatoes not to burst, it is recommended to pierce each tomato with a needle at the footboard before placing them in the jars. Banks with boiling water should be left to stand for fifteen to twenty minutes. While tomatoes in boiling water insist you need to cook the marinade. For one liter of marinade you need to take one tablespoon, three tablespoons, one teaspoon of citric acid. Marinade bring to a boil. Drain the water from the cans, pour boiling marinade, roll up. It is recommended to use tomatoes in a month. A recipe with citric acid for the winter is a great and much more delicious alternative to the vinegar recipe. Marinating with citric acid is much more beneficial for the body, and products are stored for a long period of time.

The combination of soda and citric acid is actively used in baking - they play the role of a baking powder.

Add citric acid can be in a variety of drinks, in the dressing to the soup (to adjust the acidity), creams, etc.

The use of citric acid in everyday life

E330 can be used to clean the kettle from scale. How much citric acid do I need to add to scale? On one kettle you need to fill one bag of lemon, pour water, bring to a boil and leave to stand for half an hour, then simply rinse the kettle thoroughly.

How to clean the washing machine with citric acid from scale? To do this, you need to pour two bags of citric acid into the drum of the machine, put one kitchen towel, set the maximum washing temperature and start the washing. It is recommended to clean the washing machine with citric acid once a month - this way it is possible to keep the heating element working for many years.

Clean with citric acid can be all the plumbing in the bathroom. How do citric acid clean the faucet in the bathroom? To do this, take a toothpaste, soda and citric acid in equal proportions, apply to the desired areas, leave for a few minutes, then rinse with water.

Citric acid - harm and good

If you use citric acid with food, it does not cause any harm to the body. At acceptable dosages, the food-grade E330 supplement has a beneficial effect on the body, filling it with health and vitamins.

E330 is always in reasonable quantities in the human body, taking an active part in metabolic processes, and if you combine the use of E330 with a variety of food products, it activates the Krebs cycle, therefore, significantly speeding up the metabolic processes.

Modern technologists consider inefficient the old expensive method of producing such a common substance as citric acid from citrus fruits. The benefits and harms of the food additive E330 synthesized on an industrial scale - “lemon” - depend on many factors: the purpose and rules of application, as well as human health.

An indispensable product is used not only in the preparation of culinary masterpieces and in cosmetology, but also for medicinal purposes and in everyday life. The white crystalline citric acid powder is generally beneficial to the human body, but some precautions must be taken when using it.

The production of "lemon" 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 is called food additive E330, but the method of its synthesis has changed significantly. The technology of extracting citric acid from citrus, stems of tobacco crops and needles turned out to be very expensive, and the resulting amount of crystalline powder did not allow to achieve industrial scale. Therefore, they began to produce synthetic antioxidant 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 essential minerals - sulfur, phosphorus and chlorine. The chemical structure of Е330 - tribasic hydroxycarboxylic acid, derivatives of which - salts and esters - are called citrates.

Citric Acid Properties

The described food additive is easily dissolved in water and ethyl alcohol. When heated to high temperatures (more than 175 degrees) it disintegrates, releasing carbon dioxide and water. Natural or synthetic antioxidant - citric acid - benefits and harm, depending on the purpose and dosage.

White crystalline powder has a low level of toxicity, in reasonable quantities harmless to the body and the environment. In nature, "lemon" is found in most fruits and vegetables, it is easy to recognize by its sour, slightly tart taste.

In what areas is it used?

In the food industry, citric acid is used as a flavoring, antioxidant and preservative. It helps to preserve the texture, taste and appearance of food. Citric acid, whose benefits and harms are thoroughly studied today, is widely practiced in the manufacture of fruit jams, sauces, jellies, mayonnaise, confectionery, various canned foods and processed cheeses. Due to its culinary benefits, the E330 nutritional supplement is used as: a flavor enhancer, giving the products a savory "sourness"; natural preservative that destroys bacteria, fungi and mold, as well as pH-normalizing products; vitamin C supplements; marinade for meat dishes, giving tenderness to the protein structure; refining taste and reducing the acidity of wine.

Manufacturers of high-quality cosmetics appreciate 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 deal with acne and its effects.

In medicine, citric acid is a component of the means involved in the citrate cycle (Krebs) - the central part of the catabolism processes governing the key stage of cell respiration. It helps alleviate the sore throat with a cold and reduce the severity of the hangover syndrome.

In everyday life, citric acid is widely used as a cleaning agent: it can polish the teapot and washing machine with limescale to shine, clean kitchen surfaces and silver. Gardeners also recommend adding it to the mixture when feeding plants.

Citric acid: benefit and harm to humans

The healing properties of the E330 nutritional supplement, or “lemon”, produce a positive effect against a variety of ailments and deterioration of human well-being. Many people are often surprised by the advice of doctors recommending that they use water with cold citric acid to treat and relieve discomfort in the throat; drinking warm water with the addition of E330, which cleanses the liver of toxins by stimulating bile secretion, as well as freeing the intestines from poisons and bacteria. Water with citric acid (it can bring benefit and harm depending on the concentration of the powder in the liquid) promotes the synthesis of bile, normalizes digestion.

One glass of such a drink, consumed daily on an empty stomach, improves gastrointestinal function, relieves heartburn and constipation. In addition, water with "lemon" cleans the blood vessels and arteries, serves as a good addition to the main treatment in people with hypertension. This rinse drink has a bactericidal effect on the oral cavity, freshens breath, eliminates various microbes.

Slimming

Nutritionists often recommend patients to include in the diet water with citric acid in order to reduce weight. The benefit and harm to the health of losing weight such a drink can bring, if you treat it differently: to adhere to or not to keep the proportions during its preparation; to eat right or not to reduce the amount of unhealthy food, which contains salt, sugar and fats in excess; monitor your well-being or ignore contraindications.

If, however, use the "lemon" in the dissolved form on an empty stomach, then it will help reduce appetite and increase the viscosity of saliva, start the metabolism, normalize the work of the stomach and clean the liver. In this case, the caloric 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 simple to prepare a detox drink by squeezing the juice of one lemon into 1000-1500 ml of water or by adding 5-10 g of citric acid crystals. Strengthen the effect of the cleansing cocktail will help a piece of chopped ginger root, fresh mint and lemon balm.

In cosmetology

People with problematic oily skin and enlarged pores on the face citric acid (benefit and harm in this case due to its concentration) in the composition of the mask or solution for wiping the skin (2-3%) helps to even the complexion, giving it a natural matte shade, narrow pores, improving the texture of the skin surface, as well as clean it, making it soft and pleasant to the touch. To prepare a face peeling mask with “lemon”, a small pinch of the substance on the tip of the knife is enough.

In addition, hair becomes compliant when combing and returns a healthy shine if rinsed with acidified water (a weak solution of citric acid from 0.5 teaspoonful of crystals per 1000 ml of water) after washing with shampoo. This tool is also useful for health and improve the appearance of the nail plate: they become smooth, shiny. But too often to use the "lemon" in cosmetology is impossible, it is used by courses to solve a particular aesthetic task, and then make a break.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers, children and the elderly

What brings future moms citric acid - good for the body or harm? Against the background of the ban of most medications for colds, tea with a moderate amount of citric acid (or natural lemon juice) will act to heal the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Drink from water and several crystals of citric acid can be an indispensable tool for removing swelling of limbs during carrying a child and after birth. In addition, “lemon” normalizes the work of the intestines, improves the immune system and gently helps the body in the production of lactose. If baby food packaging is labeled with E330 food supplement, and the child is not allergic to citric acid, then there is no cause for concern. However, you should not exceed the daily dose of this substance, which is approximately 50-60 mg per 1 kg of baby weight. If a child accidentally eats a lot of citric acid crystals, then it is necessary to immediately flush the stomach and call an ambulance.

In the elderly person, a drink with citric acid helps to improve eyesight, gives strength, relieves discomfort in the joints, prevents the process of thrombosis, is a good prevention of varicose veins. In diabetes mellitus, a warm drink made from water with “lemon” significantly reduces the level of glucose in the blood.

Contraindications and harm "lemon" when used improperly

Experts recommend that before you begin regular use of edible citric acid, discuss the benefits and harms of this practice with your doctor, as well as be examined to ensure that there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Harmless powder in people with gastric diseases can cause deterioration. Improperly prepared solutions with a high concentration of citric acid can cause stomach pain, vomiting and cough in humans.

It is known that the crystalline powder "lemon" in contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes and other organs causes significant harm, causing damage. For safety reasons, it is necessary to strictly observe the weak dosage of the substance indicated in the recipes. Independently to increase the concentration of citric acid is impossible, since it can lead to irritation of the gastric mucosa and disruption of its integrity, the appearance of spasms, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and fever, stool with blood, increased urge to urinate, headache pain, increased blood pressure, weakness, nervousness and edema.

Prolonged use of citric acid adversely affects the structure of the tooth enamel, causing its gradual destruction. Regular and uncontrolled irritation of the stomach lining with a strong solution of “lemon” can also lead to the appearance of gastritis and ulcers. It is necessary to strictly monitor your state of health during the use of citric acid, to adhere to the daily dosage, at the slightest discomfort, you should stop taking the drink with this product.

Judging by the name of this substance, it is squeezed out of the lemon and then processed. This is what a simple man in the street thinks when he meets with citric acid. However, this is not the case. The main production method is sugar-based synthesis using special mushrooms. But today we are not talking about the origin of the name or how it is made. We will tell you what the health benefits and harm of citric acid are.

general information

You should know a little more about citric acid, as it is a very specific synthesized product. It is contained in most of the foods that you buy in stores every day. We take it daily, so many people are concerned about the question of how harmful or beneficial it is for our body. We will understand how it acts on the human body.

Properties

Modern medicine has proven that citric acid is one of the best natural antioxidants.  The level of toxicity of this substance is extremely small, which allows you to add it to food with almost no restrictions.

In relation to chemistry, the following properties occur:

• when reheating above 175 degrees Celsius, the substance decomposes into carbon dioxide and water;
• mixes easily with other ingredients;
• it is easily dissolved;
• decomposes quickly and does not endanger the environment.

The specific composition of citric acid is different. It all depends on what products this substance was made of. Ways to get the mass. It can be made from shag, citrus, pine needles, as well as various fruits. But modern manufacturers neglect these methods, citric acid is artificially synthesized from sugar using mushrooms.

We are accustomed to the fact that the letter “E” followed by numbers is a horror to human health. This is not quite true. There are certain groups of completely harmless substances with this label. These include citric acid (E330).

Scope of application

Citric acid is used in many areas.

1. In cooking, this is an excellent additive that gives food a special flavor. In ordinary supermarkets you can find this substance in mayonnaise, fruit jam, sauces, jelly, etc.
2. Aromatization. The substance is used to improve the aroma of tea, various drinks, etc. It is also used to extend the shelf life of products. (Citric acid is not a preservative, since the increase in shelf life is achieved by stabilizing the pH level).
3. Medicine is also one of the uses of this supplement. It is mainly used in media that participate in the citrate cycle.
4. In cosmetology, citric acid is almost as often used as in cooking. It is added to special masks and used for wraps. Of course, in small quantities. It has some whitening effect on the skin, helping to fight with birthmarks and freckles.  With this additive you can make an effective hair rinse.

Now we are mostly talking about what citric acid means to us. What real benefits can it bring to health? Is citric acid harmful to the body? Here are the main questions to answer.

Advantages of use

To list all the benefits of using citric acid, one small article is not enough. Therefore, we will focus on water with citric acid. There are many points that you should try to remember to successfully apply them in the future.

1. Improves the digestive system. Citric acid stimulates the production of gastric juice, so food will be digested faster. Experts recommend its use in slow metabolism.
2. With lemon and citric acid, you can clean the liver, and this is true! This substance is an excellent stimulant of the liver. Thus, bile is secreted more intensively, which leads to an improvement in the work of the entire digestive system. Just one glass of water or tea with citric acid in the morning, and your liver will be ready to work all day.
3. Taking this supplement reduces the likelihood of various pustules on the skin (boils, acne, acne).
4. Copes with the excretion and the body of toxins. It has a mild laxative effect and diuretic effect. Gradual cleansing of the body and improving the work of the digestive system will lead to the fact that your body will work like a clock.
5. For diabetics, this is the number one product. It allows you to remove excess sugar from the body.
6. Cleans the cardiovascular system.
7. Reduces pressure, which is useful for hypertensive patients.
8. Citric acid contains components that break down fats. Thus, with the help of this substance you can fight with excess weight. In addition, the normalization of metabolism contributes to the fact that the body gradually independently stabilizes body weight.
9. It freshens breath and destroys the bacteria in the mouth.
10. It is also used in medicine in medicines that strengthen joints and connective tissue. With regular use of this supplement, your tendons and ligaments will become stronger and stronger.
11. Improves the immune system.
12. Many people know that citric acid copes with hangover. In case of intoxication it is recommended to use it along with alternative drugs.

And this is not all useful properties. Do not forget also how useful this dietary supplement is for domestic purposes. However, citric acid can harm the body. Fortunately, the disadvantages of using this substance are significantly less than the advantages.

What harm can citric acid cause to the body?

Experts do not recommend to use citric acid in some cases. Or take it strictly metered.

1. Heartburn. In this state, the body is very sensitive to any acid, including citric.
2. Ulcer. A very dangerous condition in which any irritation of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to disastrous consequences.

Many note the negative impact of this additive on tooth enamel. It is considered that the acid gradually erodes it. Excessive consumption can lead to chipping of the teeth and caries.

Allergy to citric acid - an extremely rare phenomenon, but still occurs in our time.  In this case, its use is contraindicated. You will have to carefully monitor everything that you eat, as many products contain this substance.

Citric acid intake always involves small doses. Excess dosages can threaten gastrointestinal disorders, heartburn and even poisoning. Before you begin cleansing the body with citric acid or a simple regular intake, you should consult with a qualified technician.

In moderation, almost everything is useful. This rule applies to citric acid.

What is citric acid necessary for? The benefits and harms, the purpose of this product, as well as its properties will be presented in this article. In addition, we will tell you about how you can replace the ingredient in question, how it should be dissolved and so on.

general information

What is citric acid? The benefits and harms of this ingredient are not well known. But before telling you about what properties this product has, you should tell in detail about its features.

Citric acid is a white crystalline substance that dissolves well in ethanol and water. Esters of this ingredient are called citrates. In its effects, such a substance belongs to natural antioxidants.

History of origin

For the first time, citric acid was isolated from the juice of unripe lemons at the end of the XVIII century. Today, most experts say that this component is found in almost all food products, and is also part of a huge amount of citrus fruits and berries. By the way, citric acid was found even in the needles, Schizandra Chinese, and shag.

Scope of application

What is citric acid used for, the benefits and harm of which will be presented a little further? This product is actively used in the food industry. It is used as a good acidifier. However, some housewives use acid and for domestic purposes. For example, thanks to it, you can quickly soften hard water, as well as clean dishes from plumbing.

What else is citric acid used for? Recipes using this product known to many cooks. This additive is often used for the preparation of various sauces, mayonnaise, ketchup, jelly, canned food, jams, as well as confectionery and other products.

We can not say that citric acid is an excellent preservative. It is used to increase the shelf life of many products (fish, vegetables, winter salads, meat, mushrooms, etc.).

It should also be noted that this product is used not only to improve the taste of certain dishes. After all, citric acid can also change the structure of some products. For example, quite often it is added to processed cheese. As a result, the dairy product becomes elastic and is easier spread on toast. In this case, the caloric content of citric acid is zero.

Citric acid: the benefits and harm of the product

We will tell about harm of this product slightly below. As for the benefits, then it is a lot in citric acid. In the process of cellular respiration, this substance is an integral part. This fact is due to the fact that citric acid has antioxidant and bactericidal properties.

The benefits of the product in question are beyond doubt, as it stimulates cell renewal, increases the elasticity of the skin and reduces deep wrinkles.

Many representatives of the weaker sex are known useful properties of lemon. For skin, this fruit can play the role of natural peeling. After all, it cleans all integuments well, leveling the complexion and masking the existing defects.

The beneficial properties of lemon and citric acid are obvious, as it contributes to the rapid elimination of toxic substances through the pores. That is why such a substance is almost always added to various rinses and creams.

Harm and contraindications of citric acid

Undoubtedly, citric acid is very useful for the body. However, like any product, this substance has its own contraindications. The harm of citric acid is that it adversely affects the condition of the teeth. With excessive use of this product there is a greater likelihood of caries. Therefore, experts recommend including citric acid in your diet in moderation.

What else harm to the body can cause a solution of citric acid? Taking this substance inside, you must remember its strict dosage. After all, too large quantities of the product can cause the strongest irritation of the gastric mucosa. As a result of such exposure, erosion and ulcer are formed in a person.

What can be replaced?

If you could not get this substance in the store, then you can easily find a replacement. For example, in the food industry, ordinary lemon juice is often used instead of citric acid. After all, it is the natural source of this product.

When canning vegetables, mushrooms, fish and other ingredients, citric acid can be easily replaced with table vinegar.

How to properly dissolve? Product price

Citric acid is a food product in powder form, which is freely sold in all stores. It is packaged in packs of different volume and can cost from 20 to 30 Russian rubles per 50 grams.

If this or that amount of citric acid is indicated in the recipe, then it is recommended to dissolve it before adding the powder to the dish. As a rule, ordinary drinking water is used for this. The resulting solution is injected into a cream, sauce or dough. By the way, in the case of the last use, citric acid is used for a reason, and for extinguishing table soda. If you properly dilute the powder substance, then at the exit you can get a very lush, tasty and fragrant pastries.

A source

Every housewife in the kitchen there is citric acid. The benefits and harms of this dietary supplement for humans, as a rule, rarely become a subject for reflection. But how can you be so inattentive to the product that we use so often? Correct this omission and go to the scientific intelligence on citric acid.

Citric acid is not taken from the lemon

The name of the additive directly indicates that it is extracted from the popular citrus fruit. In the 18th century, the Swedish pharmacist Scheele did use unripe lemons to produce such an acid. But nowadays it is too unprofitable to produce sourish crystals, indispensable in cooking, from fruit.

The acid, which everyone calls old lemon, is now extracted from sugar, sweet beet, molasses, or sugarcane during fermentation of mold fungi in the liquid. Citric acid is a food additive whose benefits and harms are significantly different from other chemicals. In fact, it is a preservative and flavor, referred to as E330, but to assert that it is better to avoid its presence in the composition of any dishes and drinks, prematurely.

Valuable properties of the additive under the “E”

Citric acid, despite the fact that it is extracted by chemical means, has properties that have fruit with pronounced acidity. This "E" is pleased not only to cooks and connoisseurs of culinary art - citric acid is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Intensive cleaning

Slags and toxins leave the body due to exposure to lemon. Also, this supplement will thoroughly clean your blood vessels, drive out bad cholesterol, stop the silent onset of atherosclerosis.

Immunity stimulation

With low immunity, during epidemics and in the offseason, it is very useful to add citric acid to water or tea. If there is no fresh fruit on hand, these sourish crystals will help the body to successfully defend against pathogenic bacteria and viruses.