Acids are substances that react with metal and have a pH-balance of less than 7.0. They taste sour and are present in all foods, particularly in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Different types of acids provide different functions in your body, such as allowing your body to absorb certain minerals into your digestive tract.
Citric Acid
This weak acid is present in all citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and kumquats. It is used as an additive for flavoring in food and soft drinks, color removal from hair, and for flavoring wine and beer. In human metabolism, citric acid is involved in the conversion of fat, carbohydrates and proteins into energy.
Phytic Acid
This acid contains phosphorous and is found in whole grains, bran, hulls of seeds and nuts, and soy products. It binds with calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium, limiting their absorption in your digestive tract. Therefore, most of these minerals pass through your gut and into your feces. Dietitian Mary Grosvenor, former researcher at the UCLA Medical Center, recommends that you cook the phytic acid-containing food to break down some of the phytic acid to allow better absorption of minerals into your body. Otherwise, you can develop nutritional deficiencies such as osteoporosis from lack of calcium and iron anemia from lack of iron.
Lipoic Acid
This type of acid plays a vital role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It also helps vitamin C and E to protect your cell membranes from damage by free radicals. According to biologist George Mateljan, author of "World's Healthiest Foods," green leafy vegetables and any vegetables with green pigments contain high levels of lipoic acid. These include broccoli, lettuce, spinach, collards and bok choy.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is found in sour milk products, such as yogurt, cottage cheese and sourdough breads. It is also a byproduct that your body produces in your muscles when you break down glucose for energy. When there is too much lactic acid in your muscles, your muscles cannot sustain contractions and fatigue and soreness set in.
Fatty Acids
Triglycerides, which are fats, are made up of glycerol and three fatty-acid chains. These contain high amounts of energy made up of carbon and hydrogen bonds. You can find fatty acids in many fruits, vegetables and dairy products, in differing amounts. Some foods that contain fatty acids include coconuts, avocados, seeds, nuts, corn, milk, cheese, yogurt, beans and whole grains. With the exception of coconuts, Mateljan recommends that you consume fatty acids derived from plant sources rather than animal sources to keep your heart healthy and to prevent cancers.
References
- "World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2006
- "Nutrition From Science to Life"; Mary Grosvenor; 2001
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