We are blobs of acids.
Our proteins are chains of amino acids,
our fats are branches of fatty acids and
our DNA is made up of nucleic acids.
Acids are molecules that easily lose their protons, becoming negatively charged ions that conduct electricity. Organic acids are molecules with a COOH head.
Ascorbic acid (C5H7O4COOH) called vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants that regulate free radicals like firemen regulate fires. It is an essential nutrient that humans require but cannot produce themselves. Fortunately for us, most other life forms can produce vitamin C allowing humans to obtain this vital nutrient from their diet.
Citric acid (C5H7O3COOH) found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges is a natural preservative that adds an acidic or sour taste to foods and soft drinks. It is also used as a water softener.
Formic acid (HCOOH) is found in the venom of bee and ant stings. A major use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. In industry, it is used for tanning leather, for dyeing textiles and for removing lime scales formed because of hard water.
Acetic acid (CH3COOH), when it forms a 5% solution in water, is called vinegar. It is produced by yeasts and bacteria that ferment sugars into alcohols and alcohols into acids. It serves as a mild antibacterial agent.
Oxalic acid (CHO2COOH), much stronger than acetic acid is present in many plants like black tea, spinach and rhubarb. It is the most common component of kidney stones. In industry it is used for bleaching and removing rust. When rubbed into marble, it makes it shine.
Lactic acid (C2H5OCOOH), called milk acid plays a role in various biochemical processes. It is produced by bacteria called lactic acid bacteria when they ferment sugars. These bacteria grow in the mouth and produce acids that corrode cavities in teeth known as caries. They also grow in our gut and contribute greatly to provide us with a healthy gut flora so vital for our immunity system and our general health.
Fermented foods serve as the most efficient source of these probiotics.
our fats are branches of fatty acids and
our DNA is made up of nucleic acids.
Acids are molecules that easily lose their protons, becoming negatively charged ions that conduct electricity. Organic acids are molecules with a COOH head.
Ascorbic acid (C5H7O4COOH) called vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants that regulate free radicals like firemen regulate fires. It is an essential nutrient that humans require but cannot produce themselves. Fortunately for us, most other life forms can produce vitamin C allowing humans to obtain this vital nutrient from their diet.
Citric acid (C5H7O3COOH) found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges is a natural preservative that adds an acidic or sour taste to foods and soft drinks. It is also used as a water softener.
Formic acid (HCOOH) is found in the venom of bee and ant stings. A major use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. In industry, it is used for tanning leather, for dyeing textiles and for removing lime scales formed because of hard water.
Acetic acid (CH3COOH), when it forms a 5% solution in water, is called vinegar. It is produced by yeasts and bacteria that ferment sugars into alcohols and alcohols into acids. It serves as a mild antibacterial agent.
Oxalic acid (CHO2COOH), much stronger than acetic acid is present in many plants like black tea, spinach and rhubarb. It is the most common component of kidney stones. In industry it is used for bleaching and removing rust. When rubbed into marble, it makes it shine.
Lactic acid (C2H5OCOOH), called milk acid plays a role in various biochemical processes. It is produced by bacteria called lactic acid bacteria when they ferment sugars. These bacteria grow in the mouth and produce acids that corrode cavities in teeth known as caries. They also grow in our gut and contribute greatly to provide us with a healthy gut flora so vital for our immunity system and our general health.
Fermented foods serve as the most efficient source of these probiotics.
THE END
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