subject: Prevent The Growth Of Bacteria And More With Tannic Acid [print this page] Tannic acid is a phenolic acid that can fight harmful toxins, prevent the growth of bacteria and more. Unfortunately, it may also have a number of unpleasant side effects which include acting as a carcinogen (a cancer causing substance) and damaging the liver. In this article I will be providing a full breakdown of tannic acid and outlining the best ways to enjoy its health benefits and avoid the nasty side effects.
1) DISCOVERY:
It is not known who discovered tannic acid although it is believed to have been discovered around 1830.
2) HEALTH BENEFITS:
Tannic acid is a potent antibacterial (a substance that reduces bacterial growth), antimutagenic (a substance that inhibits genetic mutations, antioxidant (a substance that keeps your body's cells safe from free radicals - dangerous compounds that are released as a by-product of oxygen based reactions within your body's cells), antitoxic (a substance that prevents the build up of harmful toxins within your body) and astringent (a substance that makes your body's tissues contract). It can also prevent diarrhea.
In addition to the above, early studies suggest that this phenolic acid may have a useful role to play in the prevention of various disease including Alzheimer's disease (a mental disorder which causes the loss of memory, thought and speech), cancer (a disease which leads to rapid, uncontrollable cellular growth) and diabetes (a disease which causes your blood glucose to reach dangerously high levels). However, more studies are needed before these health benefits can be validated.
3) FOOD SOURCES:
The exact amount of tannic acid in foods is not known but it can be sourced from a wide range of fruits, vegetables, teas and wines. Some of the best food sources include apricots, asparagus, blackberries, broccoli, cabbage, chocolate, grapefruits, grapes, green tea, lemons, limes, melons, oranges, peas, pineapples, spinach and wine.
4) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:
Consuming tannic acid naturally through your diet is believed to be safe. However, taking large amounts of tannic acid medicines or supplements can be dangerous and have a number of nasty overdose symptoms. These overdose symptoms include causing cancer, damaging the kidneys, damaging the liver, damaging the protective lining of the stomach, interfering with digestion and interfering with the absorption of certain nutrients (particularly iron).
5) SUMMARY:
Although tannic acid can be very dangerous when high levels of medicines or supplements are consumed, the amount found naturally in food has no reported side effects to date. The foods that contain this phenolic acid are also a fantastic source of health boosting vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. So if you want to enjoy all the benefits of tannic acid and avoid the nasty side effects, start eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more tea and allow yourself to enjoy the odd glass of wine.
