The majority of fruits contain natural acids. What is your favorite fruit? Research your favorite fruit (different from those posted by your classmates) and find out what acid or acids are present. Also, mention the chemical formulas of those natural acids.

After you have posted your initial post, read and respond to two or more of your classmates\’ posts. Be sure to make substantive and constructive comments (just posting “nice post” doesn’t count). For example, add something from your own experience, something you’ve read or seen. If the situation calls for it, feel free to state an opinion, but be sure to state any points with which you agree and/or those with which you disagree, as well as your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing.

Discussion: Acids in Your Fruit

 

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Discussion: Acids in Your Fruit

The fruit of choice is oranges. They are popular due to their natural sweetness and have several health benefits. Oranges are water-rich; one medium orange provides four ounces of water. About 60 to 70% of the human body is made of water (Butler, 2019). A medium orange offers about three grams of fiber, 12% of the daily target. The fiber in oranges supports digestive function, helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, boosts feelings of fullness, and can even contribute to healthy sleep (Butler, 2019). Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which improves body immunity.

Some of the natural acids found in oranges include citric, ascorbic, and malic acids. Citric acid is an organic compound found in oranges (PubChem, n.d.). Its chemical formula is C6H8O7 or HOC(CO2H) (CH2CO2H)2

Ascorbic Acid is a natural water-soluble vitamin (Vitamin C). It is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent. Ascorbic acid helps in fighting bacterial infections.  It is found in citrus and other fruits, and vegetables (Smirnoff, 2018). It cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet. The chemical formula is C6H8O6 or HC6H7O6.

 

Malic acid is a chemical found in certain fruits and wines. It is sometimes used as medicine. It is used most commonly for dry mouth, as well as for fibromyalgia, fatigue, and skin conditions (Kövilein et al., 2020). This natural acid is often involved in the Krebs Cycle; a process that the body used to make energy. The chemical formula is C4H6O5.

 

 

Reference

Butler, N. (2019). What to know about oranges. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/272782

Kövilein, A., Kubisch, C., Cai, L., & Ochsenreither, K. (2020). Malic acid production from renewables: a review. Journal of chemical technology & biotechnology, 95(3), 513-526. https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6269

PubChem, (n.d.). Citric acid (Compound). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Citric-acid#section=Taste

Smirnoff, N. (2018). Ascorbic acid metabolism and functions: A comparison of plants and mammals. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 122, 116-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.03.033