Malic acid is a dibasic organic acid. It is a colorless, hygroscopic crystal substance, which dissolves excellently in water and ethanol.
Malic acid was 1st isolated by Swedish chemist Carl Scheele, who discovered it in 1785 in green apples. The acid has the properties of hydroxy acids, while its salts are called malates.
It melts very easily at a temperature of 210°F (100 °C). Malic acid belongs to the group of fruit acids because it is found primarily in fruits.
Uses of Malic Acid
Malic acid is used in the food industry under the name E296. It is allowed to be added in food because it is considered completely harmless.
Adding malic acid to food products helps maintain certain pH levels in their composition.
The acid is used for normalizing the acidity of products or for adding a slightly sour taste. It finds use in wine production, in the preparation of fruit beverages, in the confectionery industry.
In the pharmaceutical industry, malic acid acts as a base for the creation of certain drugs - ones for treating hoarse voice, laxatives, for tendon treatments.
Malic acid also finds use in cosmetics. It is an important component of numerous cosmetic treatments, as well as a main component in hair sprays.
Sources of Malic Acid
Malic acid is among the most widespread acids in nature. In its natural state, malic acid is found in apples, tomatoes, blackthorn, sour cherries, strawberries and other fruits.
It's also present in unripened grapes and other plants with a similar sour taste. Malic acid is found in nicotine in the form of nicotine salts.
It is an intermediate product of metabolism in living organisms. Usually it's derived from the juice of wild apples. Apple cider vinegar also contains enviable amounts of malic acid.
Benefits of Malic Acid
Malic acid is considered completely harmless to health. This acid is an important element of intermediary metabolism in the body. It improves tone, is beneficial in the absorption of medicine, it helps hypertensives.
Malic acid has a beneficial effect on kidney and liver function, protects erythrocytes from the influence of certain medications. There hasn't been any daily value determined for malic acid.
Malic acid is used for teeth whitening. It is one of the most effective and, at the same time, safest methods. The method requires use of malic acid rich strawberries, which are crushed and then rubbed into the teeth for 5 minutes. The acid tightens gums and removes accumulated plaque.
Malic acid is one of the best beauty sidekicks. Besides its exfoliating action, it stimulates cells and boosts cell metabolism.
Malic acid is an excellent energy stimulator. It boosts tone and increases one's ability to work. It helps against chronic fatigue.
Malic acid helps digestive processes. The consumption of fruits with a high content of this acid guarantees good stomach health.
Dangers of Malic Acid
Malic acid should not be given to newborns and little children, due to their inability to process larger quantities of it. No other adverse effects of this acid are currently known.
