Citric Acid: 10 Interesting Facts
Photo is illustrative in nature. From open sources.
Citric acid is one of the most common and multifunctional organic compounds known to man. It is used in cooking, medicine, cosmetology, everyday life and even in industry. But behind this familiar white crystalline powder there is much that is interesting. Let's find out more!
1. Opened with lemon juice
Citric acid was first isolated in 1784 by Swedish chemist Carl Scheele. He obtained it from lemon juice, which gave the substance its name. However,Citric acid is found not only in lemons, but also in many other fruits and berries.
2. Produced using mold
Today, citric acid is not obtained from lemons, but by fermenting sugars using a mold of the genus Aspergillus niger. This is cheaper and more effective than extracting it from fruits.
3. Natural preservative
Citric acid has antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria. Therefore, it is widely used in the food industry as a preservative (food additive E330).
4. Acidity regulator
It gives food a pleasant sourness and stabilizes pH. Citric acid can be found in drinks, sauces, sweets, and even meat products.
5. Indispensable in cosmetics
In cosmetology, citric acid is used for peelings, whitening masks and skin care products. It helps regulate acidity and promotes gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells.
6. Helps with cleaning
Citric acid is a great helper in everyday life: it effectively removes scale, rust, soap scum and unpleasant odors. It is often used as a natural cleaning agent.
7. Participates in metabolism
Citric acid is an important participant in the Krebs cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle), which occurs in the mitochondria of cells. This cycle is a key process that ensuresthe body with energy.
8. Safe, but with nuances
Although citric acid is considered safe, when consumed in excess it can irritate mucous membranes and destroy tooth enamel. Moderation is the key to benefit.
9. Extends the shelf life of products
In addition to the antimicrobial effect, citric acid slows down oxidation, which prevents food spoilage and changes in taste, color and smell.
10. Used in pharmaceuticals
It is added to drugs to improve taste, solubility and preservation. It is also involved in the creation of effervescent tablets and powders.
Conclusion:
Citric acid is not just a sour powder on the kitchen shelf. It is a versatile substance with a huge range of applications. From the body's cells to cleaning the kettle, it plays an important role in our daily lives.
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