- Tartaric acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally.
- When brought to room temperature it changes to a solid substance that is white and crystalline.
- Tartaric acid is found mostly in foods such as grapes, apricots, apples, avocados as well as sunflower seeds in very high concentrations .
Benefits And Side Effects Of Tartaric Acid
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Tartaric acid is used making silver mirrors, in the manufacturing of soft drinks, to provide tartness to foods, in tanning leather and in making blueprints. Tartaric acid is used in cream of tartar (for cooking) and as an emetic (a substance used to induce vomiting).
Foods Containing Tartaric Acid
Tartaric acid has a stronger, sharper taste than citric acid. Although it is renowned for its natural occurrence in grapes, it also occurs in apples, cherries, papaya, peach, pear, pineapple, strawberries, mangos, and citrus fruits.
Commonly found in grapes, apricots, and apples, tartaric acid helps alleviate key health concerns and boosts your overall immunity too! Read on to learn more about the benefits and usage of this naturally edible acid!
Natural Tartaric Acid
Tartaric Acid is present in many fruits and the only use for industrial production is grapes. Tartaric Acid is a natural product that is derived from by-products of the grape. Tartaric Acid is a food grade product and it is Kosher certified. Used in many different applications due to its properties as: antioxidant, acidifier, flavor enhancer, stabilizer and sequestering agent. It is included in the list of FOOD ADDITIVES under code E-334.Tartaric Acid History
- Tartaric acid is commonly found in grapes and apricots, but that was discovered quite later.
- Initially, it was extracted in Nigeria and Sudan and has been used as a food ingredient.
- Tartaric acid was also used in ancient Spanish cuisine and has been used in several Mexican dishes that use a whole range of dishes.
- The Mexican culture is so fond of this kind of acid that today it has become one of the most popular and big producers of tartaric acid.
- Countries such as Spain and Portugal have also used this in their cuisine since the 16th century.
Tartaric Acid Use In The Food Industry
- – As an acidifier and natural preservative for marmalades, ice cream, jellies, juices, preserves, and beverages.
- – As an effervescent for carbonated water.
- – As an emulsifier and preservative in the bread-making industry and in the preparation of candies and sweets.
Tartaric acid also comes with a number of health benefits. The acid benefits you in numerous ways, and also helps you get rid of the common ailments. Here are some of the top benefits of tartaric acid.
Health Benefits Of Tartaric Acid
1. Boosts Immunity:
- Tartaric acid is a great source of antioxidants that protect your body from life-threatening diseases in the long run.
- It boosts immunity and keeps you healthier and fit in the long run. So, if you want to improve your overall health, choose fruits that contain tartaric acid.
- Some obvious sources include apricots and apples.
2. Excellent Digestive Aid:
- Another health benefit of tartaric acid is that it aids digestion and fights flatulence (2).
- It improves intestinal absorption as well which will increase the rate at which healthy nutrients flow into your bloodstream.
3. Improves Glucose Intolerance:
One of the most surprising benefits of tartaric acid is that it significantly improves glucose intolerance. This definitely be considered useful to those who are highly sensitive to glucose.
Side Effects Of Tartaric Acid
Excess intake of Tartaric Acid may trigger negative effects like nausea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal infections, and overeating. Hence, moderation is highly advised to reap its benefits.
As for side effects, Dr. Robinson cautions,” There is always the risk of allergic reaction or skin irritation, however tartaric acid is generally well tolerated on its own. Always check the full ingredient list to avoid accompanying known allergens.”
You should be careful with your intake or you might end up with one of the following side effects.
1. Digestive Problems:
Tartaric acid might affect your digestive system if not taken care of in the long run. It will lead to sudden nauseous feelings, abdominal pain, inflammation, and gastrointestinal infections (3).
2. Overeating:
Another problem could be overeating. Even though it hasn’t been proved yet, overeating is quite a possibility if you have been consuming way too much of tartaric acid.
The benefits of tartaric acid are many. It is commonly found in apricots, grapes, and apples. Tartaric acid is rich in antioxidants and helps boost immunity. It also aids in digestion, helps regulate flatulence, and improves intestinal absorption. In addition, tartaric acid also improves glucose intolerance.
Sources
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- A systems biology approach to predict and characterize human gut microbial metabolites in colorectal cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5906656/ - Tartaric acid
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tartaric-acid - Tartaric acid
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/tartaric-acid
