For the first time citric acid was isolated from the juice of unripe lemons back in 1784. It was opened in Sweden by the pharmacist Carl Scheel. According to experts, citric acid is found in most food products. This substance is a part of citrus fruits, berries, citric acid is contained in needles, Chinese magnolia vine and even in makhorka.
Receiving
Initially, citric acid was obtained from lemon juice and mackerel biomass. Today it is synthesized from special sugary substances or from ordinary sugar with the help of an industrial mold fungus.
Application
Citric acid along with its salts (potassium citrate, calcium citrate and sodium citrate) is actively used as a flavoring additive, conservative, acidity regulator in the food industry to add it to a wide variety of foods and beverages. Food additions of citric acid - Е330, Е331, Е332, Е333. Citric acid, being the most common acidulant, is not only able to give the products an acidic taste, but also acts as an antioxidant. In addition, citric acid is able to protect products from the effects of heavy metals, it is a natural acid that is widely used for making a variety of drinks. Citric acid can not only give freshness to beverages, it is also considered an acidity regulator.
It is interesting that citric acid is used not only in the food, but also in the gas and oil industries, here it is used in drilling wells in order to neutralize the cement in the solution, since this substance is able to rid the drilling mud of excess calcium ions .
Cooking application
This substance is very useful for the food industry, it has good solubility, low toxicity, it is safe for the environment, it fits well with many chemicals. The above properties of citric acid make it an indispensable acidifier used in the food industry. This substance is also used for the production of ketchup, mayonnaise, jelly, jams, sauces, canned goods, melted cheese, watering, confectionery, fruit and berry preserves, frozen foods, effervescent vitamins, carbonated drinks, cold tea, tonic drinks, dry drinks, drinks for Sport. Also this chemical compound is used as a preservative in the canning industry in order to increase the shelf life of most products. Citric acid is also used in the manufacture of canned fish of some species.
Properties and benefits of citric acid
This substance is famous for its medicinal properties. It participates in cleansing the body of excess salts, harmful waste, slag, it has a positive effect on the digestive system, burns carbohydrates, improves eyesight, has antitumor properties, increases immunity. In addition, it is involved in the removal of toxins.
An important advantage of this substance is considered to be that it can be produced in solid form, besides it has a sparing effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive system.
Used citric acid with severe pain in the throat. In order to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to gargle every half hour-hour of the 30th acid solution of lemon. If it happened that there is no citric acid, you can use a common lemon, you need to slowly dissolve it, throwing back your head in such a way that the juice can envelop the walls of the throat. It is necessary to conduct this procedure as often as possible, until you feel relief.
Citric acid helps accelerate metabolic processes, only if you use it in limited quantities. In addition, citric acid is recommended for use in the hangover syndrome, it can help reduce the intoxication of the body.
Citric acid in the cosmetics industry
This substance is famous in the cosmetic industry in that it is able to pull together the enlarged pores. In addition, citric acid has a whitening effect, it is due to this that it is used to get rid of pigment spots, freckles and bleaching of the skin. After citric acid, the skin acquires a neat matte shade.
Citric acid gently cares for the nail plate, it makes it smooth and shiny. However, remember, it is impossible to use citric acid too often, otherwise it can lead to softening of the nail. Most often, citric acid can be found in most of the products intended for strengthening nails, along with malic or lactic acid.
Citric acid is a part of most effervescent substances.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that in the human body, citric acid is always contained, it should be used very carefully.
Saturated solutions of citric acid can provoke skin irritation, if it gets into the eyes this substance causes one of the strongest irritations.
Applying citric acid internally, it is necessary to observe a strict dosage, it is important to remember that if you consume too much dosage of citric acid, you can cause one of the strongest irritations of the gastric mucosa, accompanied by coughing, pain, and bloody vomiting. It is not recommended to inhale citric acid, it can cause irritation of the respiratory tract.