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Our food is rich in various beneficial acids that we get without even thinking about it. However, for many years, scientists have been studying these useful substances and find application for biological acids in medicine, cosmetology, dietetics, etc. One of these beneficial acids is quinic acid.
Basically, quinic acid is found in plants: in shoots, leaves, bark and fruits of plants. People get it with fruits, berries, fruit juices, tinctures, etc.
Quinic acid rich foods:
General characteristics of quinic acid
For the first time, quinic acid was identified as an independent substance in 1790 by the scientist Hoffmann. The source was the cinchona tree, which grows in South America, as a result of which the acid got its name.
Many plants are very rich in quinic acid. It can make up about 13% of the total weight of the raw material. For example, in North America there is a medically valuable herb – wild quinine.
Quinic acid is produced industrially in several ways.
- 1 Crushed cinchona bark is soaked in cold water for a long time. After that, milk of lime is added thereto, then the resulting mixture is filtered and evaporated. The result is a kind of syrup, from which the quinine-calcium salt is released in the form of crystals. These crystals are decomposed with oxalic acid, and pure quinic acid is evaporated from this solution, which solidifies in the form of crystals.
- 2 Also, quinic acid can be synthetically created at the plant by hydrolysis of chlorogenic acid.
Quinic acid has a crystalline structure and is a monobasic polyhydroxycarboxylic acid. Its formula is C7H12O6.
In its pure form, quinic acid has the following characteristics. It is easy to dissolve it in cold water, it is worse in hot water, it can be dissolved in ether or alcohol, but it is more difficult. It melts at a temperature of about 160 degrees Celsius, but if heated to 220 degrees, it turns into quinine. If you combine quinic acid with hydrogen iodide and heat, it turns into benzoic acid.
Acid is actively used both in pure form and its derivatives.
Quinic acid is used in traditional medicine, homeopathy, and folk medicine. It is included in preparations for colds, gastrointestinal disorders, etc.
Daily requirement for quinic acid
The body’s need for this acid is, on average, about 250 mg per day. However, with excess subcutaneous fat, the consumption of this acid in the amount of 500 mg is allowed.
With low body weight, take no more than 150 mg per day.
Some nutritionists believe that in order to avoid the lack of quinic acid, it is enough to simply consume more fruits and berries.
The need for quinic acid increases:
- during colds;
- with nervous disorders;
- at elevated temperatures;
- digestive problems.
The need for quinic acid decreases:
- with allergic reactions to quinine;
- with ulcers of the stomach and intestines.
Digestibility of quinic acid
Quinic acid is well absorbed by the body. Like any other organic acid, it improves the absorption of nutrients.
Useful properties of quinic acid and its effect on the body
Quinic acid has a beneficial effect on the human body. It has antipyretic properties, which is why it is so often used to create drugs for the common cold.
This acid is an indispensable substance in the fight against influenza, whooping cough and other diseases that accompany fever. It is also actively used to restore a weakened body after a long treatment.
Quinic acid helps to improve appetite and gastric acid secretion. Therefore, with its help, many diseases associated with upset stomach and intestines are treated.
It also helps with headaches and migraines, various neurological diseases. Treats gout and fever.
In addition, quinic acid significantly lowers the level of various fats in the blood, including cholesterol.
It has been used for many years to treat malaria. The beneficial effect of quinic acid has also been noted during the treatment of radiation sickness.
Interaction with other elements
When interacting with caffeic acid, quinic acid is converted to chlorogenic acid. On contact with alkaline food, quinic acid salts are formed. A special place is occupied by calcium salt. On contact with oxygen, the acid decomposes into quinone, formic acid and acetic acid.
Signs of a lack of quinic acid
- weakness;
- intestinal disorders;
- deterioration of immunity.
Signs of excess quinic acid:
If quinic acid is used in excessive quantities, symptoms of body poisoning may appear. Also, quinic acid can cause dizziness and fainting, or vice versa, overexcitation.
In people with poor health and special sensitivity to quinine, quinic acid can cause visual and hearing impairment, and sometimes even cardiac arrest.
Factors affecting the content of quinic acid in the body
- 1 Eating food leads to a decrease in acid content by blocking insulin.
- 2 The subcutaneous fat layer also affects the presence of acid in the body and causes a decrease in its concentration.
Quinic acid for beauty and health
Since acid reduces the absorption of glucose, fat reserves are used to provide the body with energy. Thus, there is a normalization of weight and a decrease in the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer.
From all of the above, we can conclude that quinic acid helps the body’s active life, playing a role in the treatment of diseases, helps in achieving harmony.
Like any biological acid, in the composition of fruits and berries, it cannot harm health in any way. In the case of its separate use – the use of an industrial acid – it is necessary to be careful and observe the recommended dosages.