Glucaric acid is a substance with potential anti-cancer properties; it can remove carcinogens, steroids and toxins in the liver, according to a monograph from "Alternative Medicine Review." Marketed as the supplement calcium-D-glucarate, cancer patients sometimes use glucaric acid after surgery or treatment. It may also lower lipids and regulate estrogen. Humans naturally make small amounts of glucaric acid, but it is abundantly found in a variety of plant foods, specifically fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables
Broccoli, cabbage, kale and other members of the cabbage family have very high glucaric acid content. The "Journal of Nutrition" notes that vegetables belonging to the gourd family, including squash, watermelon and pumpkins also contain high glucaric acid. Lettuce, tomatoes and peppers are some other vegetables containing glucaric acid.
Fruits
Of the fruits, oranges, apples and grapefruits contain the highest levels of glucaric acid. Other fruits with high glucaric acid content are those belonging to the Rosaceae family, which include strawberries and raspberries among others. Apricots, cherries and citrus fruits also contain glucaric acid.
Legumes
Legumes such as peas, beans, lentils, soy and peanuts also contain high amounts of glucaric acid. The glucaric acid in bean sprouts is about 350 mg/100 g compared to only 10 mg/100 g in lettuce and grapes, according to "Journal of Nutrition."
Member Comments