Why citric acid is useful, how to make it at home

The benefits and harms of citric acid are a relevant topic, since the substance is used in cooking, cosmetology, household and even medicine. To appreciate the acid at its true worth, you need to study its features and learn about all the properties.

What is Citric Acid

Based on the name, it can be assumed that the substance is made precisely from lemon. However, in reality this is not the case. In modern conditions, the substance is obtained by biological synthesis of sugary substances and strains of a special mold. In other words, acid is produced artificially - it is much easier and more profitable than getting it directly from citrus.

The beneficial substance belongs to the category of food additives and is known under the code E-330. It is used as a preservative, flavoring and antioxidant in the food industry. Acid is also actively used in other areas. Outwardly, it looks like a white, fine crystalline powder with a sour taste.

Composition and chemical properties of citric acid

From the point of view of chemistry, the additive E-330 is a tribasic oxycarboxylic acid. It contains citrates - salts and esters, vitamins C, E and A, sulfur, chlorine and phosphorus. Despite the fact that the composition of the substance may seem rather meager, acid is valued for its high concentration of nutrients.

The chemical properties of citric acid are also of interest. The substance dissolves easily in ethyl alcohol and water, and when heated to temperatures above 175 ° C decomposes into carbon dioxide and water. The substance mixes easily with other components and is not toxic to the environment.

The benefits of citric acid for the body

Despite the fact that the health benefits and harms of citric acid are complementary, when used wisely, it is very valuable. Small doses of a dietary supplement have a positive effect on the main body systems.

For men and women

The benefits and harms of citric acid for the human body are expressed in many ways. This substance:

• restores a healthy metabolism and helps improve digestion processes;
• helps in the work of the liver, as it accelerates the production of bile and helps to cleanse the body;
• removes toxic compounds, toxins and even poisons from the body - there are special detox diets based on citric acid;
• acts as a mild natural laxative, has a diuretic effect;
• cleans the blood and improves its composition, reduces pressure and strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• lowers glucose levels, therefore it is an extremely valuable supplement for diabetics;
• has an anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect, both for internal and external use;
• helps to enhance the effectiveness of a weight loss diet;
• strengthens joints, tendons and connective tissue, protects against the development of joint ailments;
• strengthens the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria;
• maintains the health and youth of the skin.

The substance is known as one of the best hangover remedies - it helps to quickly cope with the effects of intoxication.

For the elderly

It is especially beneficial to consume beverages and foods with additives in old age. The substance protects the elderly from joint diseases, prevents the formation of blood clots, and serves as the prevention of varicose veins. In addition, the acid strengthens vision, which often diminishes over the years, and increases the overall tone of the body.

For pregnant and nursing mothers

When consumed carefully in minimal dosages, the nutritional supplement will be of great benefit to pregnant women. The substance will help expectant mothers to protect themselves from colds, help relieve swelling and reduce the manifestations of toxicosis.

During lactation, the substance will increase the production of breast milk. The valuable components in the composition of the substance will be beneficial for both the mother and the baby, as they will help support the digestive processes and prevent constipation.

For children

Citric acid in minimal dosages is completely safe for babies. Even on packages with baby food, you can often find the E-330 marking - this means that the substance is already included in the mixture.

However, for children's use, it is necessary to carefully monitor the amount of substance entering the child's body. The permissible daily dose is only 60 mg per 1 kg of body weight, if you exceed the dosage, poisoning may occur. In this case, the harm to health will be serious, and you will need to urgently call a doctor.

Thus, children are allowed to consume the substance in the formula for feeding. But drinks with citric acid can be offered to a child only after reaching 3 years of age and in small quantities. In this case, you need to ensure that the baby does not develop allergies.

Can I use citric acid for diabetes

Since the substance quickly lowers blood sugar levels, it is highly recommended for diabetics. With this disease, the substance can be added to meat and fish dishes, soups and salads, to ordinary tea.

However, the benefits and harms of citric acid tea are determined by the concentration of the product. You can add no more than a pinch of the substance to one cup of tea, literally at the tip of a knife.

Citric acid for weight loss

Since the substance significantly speeds up the metabolism, the beneficial properties of citric acid are used in order to quickly say goodbye to extra pounds. Citric acid is used as follows - no more than 5 g of the substance is stirred in a liter of water, and then they drink a home remedy before each meal. The substance will not only start the process of removing toxins from the body, but also reduce appetite - this will help not to quit the diet in the middle.

So that the properties of the substance during weight loss do not harm, you can use it no more than 5 g per day. In this case, the acid must be carefully diluted in water and the daily dose must be divided into several parts.

How to drink citric acid water for medicinal purposes

It is possible to consume the substance in its pure form only in very small volumes. However, even under this condition, it is successfully used in traditional medicine.

1. The use of citric acid for gout lies in the fact that this substance, when ingested, prevents the deposition of salts in the joints and normalizes purine metabolism. For the treatment and prevention of gout, it is recommended to regularly take citric acid diluted with water before meals.
2. The use of citric acid as an acidity regulator is that it relieves heartburn. To eliminate the unpleasant sensation in the stomach and esophagus, you need to dilute the acid with an equal amount of baking soda, pour a glass of water and drink in small sips. However, with chronic heartburn and gastritis with high acidity, it is better not to use the agent - its properties can aggravate the condition with regular use.
3. The substance effectively relieves a sore throat; it must be diluted in water and rinsed every hour.

With a hangover, a healthy drink based on soda and citric acid will quickly relieve nausea and tachycardia. It is allowed to add a little sugar to it, you need to drink the medicine slowly and in small sips.

The use of citric acid in home cosmetology

Lemon powder is most often used in folk cosmetology - the substance E-330 has a very beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. Of course, the health benefits and harms of citric acid need to be regulated here and only proven recipes should be used.

Facial skin peeling

Gentle peeling is one of the most effective procedures for facial rejuvenation. With the help of citric acid, you can perform this procedure at home. It is done like this:

• wash off all makeup from the face and rub the skin with acidified lemon water to remove all impurities;
• then the skin is treated with a small amount of cosmetic oil to moisturize - for a quarter of an hour;
• then the excess oil is removed with a dry napkin and pure lemon juice or a solution of E-330 additive is spread over the skin with a special brush.

After applying the liquid, the skin will immediately tingle. This is completely normal, but you don't need to endure the unpleasant sensation for a long time - in the first procedure, the peeling is washed off after just 2 minutes. A nourishing mask is applied to the reddened skin, and then the face is treated with a good moisturizer.

If the procedure is carried out correctly, then the face after it will become lighter, the enlarged pores will narrow, and the sebaceous plugs will disappear. The beneficial properties of the peeling will have a noticeable tightening and rejuvenating effect.

Therefore, the solution is not kept on the face for more than 5-7 minutes, even with regular use of peeling.

Whitening freckles and age spots

Citric acid is a good remedy for getting rid of freckles and brown spots on the skin. The face and body are treated several times a week with a 2% or 3% citric acid solution in plain water. At the same time, the home remedy not only brightens the skin and removes freckles, but also mattes the face.

Rinsing hair with citric acid

Substance E-330 strengthens hair well and regulates oiliness at its roots. It is recommended each time after shampooing to rinse the hair with the following solution - half a teaspoon of citric acid is diluted in 1 liter of warm water. Under the influence of the product, the hair will become more silky, will stop falling out and will acquire a beautiful shine.

The use of citric acid in the household

Along with cosmetology, the substance is actively used for domestic purposes, mainly as a budget cleaning agent. It gives a very good effect. But since a strong concentrate of the additive is used for cleansing procedures, be careful not to let acid get into your mouth or eyes.

Cleaning the washing machine

The properties of citric acid powder help to descale the inside of the washing machine. Cleaning is carried out as follows:

• 3 large tablespoons of powdered acid are poured into the powder compartment;
• set the longest wash cycle at a temperature of 60 degrees.

Of course, the washing machine must be empty. Sometimes there are recommendations to clean at 90 ° C. However, it is worth following these tips only if the scale layer on the internal elements of the device is very thick, otherwise citric acid and hot water will damage the rubber and plastic parts.

Descaling the kettle

The substance effectively removes scale from the inner walls of electric and ordinary kettles. Its properties are used as follows - the kettle is filled to the top with water, 30 g of powder is poured into it and boiled. Then the water is drained.

Iron cleaning solution

The citric acid will help remove limescale and rust from the interior and exterior of your iron.

1. It is necessary to dilute 2 large tablespoons of lemon powder in a glass of water, then pour the liquid into the steaming tank and heat the iron to the maximum temperature.
2. After that, the device is unplugged from the outlet, shaken properly, and the steam release button is pressed a couple of times.
3. When the iron has completely cooled down, you will need to drain the remaining solution from it and repeat the whole procedure twice or three more times.

After cleaning with citric acid, the iron will need to be washed by heating it with ordinary clean water. If limescale or rust appears on the sole of the appliance, they can be thoroughly wiped off with a damp cloth soaked in acid, and then rub the sole again with clean water.

Removing plaque on silver jewelry

The properties of lemon powder bring back shine and beauty to silver cutlery and jewelry. It is enough to dilute 2 large spoons of the substance in 1 liter of water, spray them on the surface of the silver with a spray bottle, wait a little, and then rinse with water and wipe dry.

Disinfection of kitchen surfaces

Citric acid not only removes deposits, but also qualitatively disinfects. To remove greasy deposits and bacteria from the kitchen apron, countertops and stove, it is enough to dilute the useful acid in water in a ratio of 1: 9 and wipe all the necessary surfaces with the solution. After that, they should be rinsed again with plain water and wiped dry with a cloth.

Rust removal

Citric acid removes rust as effectively as it removes limescale. About 25 g of powder should be diluted in a liter of hot water, and then thoroughly treat rusted objects and surfaces with a solution, wait, rinse them with clean water and wipe dry.

Solution for cut roses

Another beneficial property of lemon powder is the ability to prolong the life of cut plants. You need to pour a liter of water into a vase, add only 0.2 g of citric acid and 40 g of sugar, mix the liquid well and put live roses in it. The nutrient solution can keep the flowers fresh and beautiful for several days.

Citric acid in cooking and canning

The E-330 additive is often used in the food industry - it adds an unusual flavor to fruit jams and jellies, sauces and mayonnaises, marinades. Also, citric acid acts as a good flavoring agent, therefore it can be found in teas, fruit juices and carbonated drinks, the E-330 additive is used in the production of wine.

The benefit of citric acid in preservation is that this natural remedy prevents food from spoiling for a long time.The substance is added to canned food and semi-finished products to extend their shelf life, and this does not affect the beneficial properties of products.

Making citric acid at home

You can make concentrated citric acid in your own kitchen, but it will take a long time. Usually the following method is used:

• squeeze juice from several lemons into a large saucepan;
• after that, a small saucepan with water is placed on the fire, and a large saucepan with lemon juice is placed on top of it;
• the lemon juice is evaporated in a water bath until it has completely evaporated from the upper pot.

Only a white crystalline coating will remain at the bottom of the container - this will be homemade citric acid. In practice, the method is rarely used, since too little powder is obtained, and a lot of lemons must be consumed for its production.

The harm of citric acid and contraindications to use

The benefits and harms of citric acid for the human body depend not only on dosages, but also on the state of health. It is prohibited to use the substance:

• with stomach ulcers and open ulcers of the esophagus and oral cavity;
• with an allergy to citric acid;
• with increased acidity of the stomach;
• with sensitive tooth enamel.

When using the substance, the minimum dosage must always be observed - no more than 5 g of the additive per day. When cleaning surfaces, you can handle acid only with rubber gloves, avoiding contact with mucous membranes and eyes.

Is it possible to poison with citric acid

An overdose of a substance threatens severe harm from food poisoning. Symptoms include abdominal and stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and signs of internal bleeding. Poisoning with the E-330 additive leads to a pressure surge, headache and fever.

If there are signs of substance poisoning, you should immediately consult a doctor. Large doses of citric acid can be fatal — 20 g of the substance can be fatal.

Which is healthier: lemon or citric acid

The acid concentration in the lemon itself is relatively low. However, it is still more beneficial to health. It contains a lot of additional components that are absent in a food supplement, so citrus has a complex effect on health. In addition, its accidental overdose brings less harm.

How to choose citric acid

The useful powder has a short shelf life - its properties are retained for 3 months. Accordingly, when buying, you need to look at the date of manufacture of the powder.

The useful additive itself should be white-transparent or slightly yellowish in color, have a free-flowing consistency. High quality lemon powder dissolves in water without residue.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of citric acid depend on caution when using it. If you do not exceed the recommended dosages, the remedy will be very valuable in everyday life, in home cosmetology and in the treatment of ailments.

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