Should you consume citric acid?

Citric acid is used in a lot of foods today as a preservation means.

Citric acid can occur naturally from citrus fruits like lemon and oranges or made from the laboratory. Read on to know whether it's good for consumption or not.

First, citric acid is not an essential nutrient need for our bodies. However, it has its uses.

Being used since 1920s, it acts as a preservative and alkaline. As such, it helps to neutralize the effects of eating acidic foods. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Another benefit of consuming citric acid is that it may help prevent kidney stones. It does this by coating the small stones hence preventing other items to attach. As such you won't have large kidney stones which end up being problematic.

Citric acid has calcium-chelation abilities which is essential in helping the endothelium function. This is a thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels and helps with vascular relaxation and contraction, blood clotting, immune function, and platelet aggregation.

If you are concerned about why you should not consume citric acid, here are some arguments you should know.

It is made with genetically modified foods. GMO beets and corn are used to make the lab version of the acid. If you are keen on eating an organic diet, then consuming citric acid shouldn’t be a prime option for you.

For some people, acid reflux and heartburn, together with other digestive problems could arise if they consume citric acid. When inhaled, it may also cause allergies, especially from the mold.

These reasons can guide you in knowing more about your citric acid. All in all, citric acid is good for using in a variety of recipes as it helps bring out the taste of other flavours in food better.