subject: Worried About Your Skin? Then Give Ferulic Acid A Try [print this page] Ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid and phytonutrient that can be found in various fruits and vegetables. Its main health benefit is protecting the skin cells from free radicals and reducing the signs of ageing. Research suggests that it may protect other areas of the body too. In this article I will be taking a detailed look at ferulic acid and examining its effect on the human body.
1) DISCOVERY:
Ferulic acid was isolated in the early 1900s but it is not known who isolated it.
2) HEALTH BENEFITS:
Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that keeps your body's cells safe from the harmful effects of free radicals (dangerous substances that enter your body's cells as a by-product of oxygen related reactions). Its antioxidant effect on the skin is particularly impressive and this hydroxycinnamic acid is often used as an ingredient in skin care products.
Provisional studies suggest that ferulic acid may also protect against bone degeneration, cancer (a health disorder that causes your body's cells to grow in a rapid, out of control way) and unpleasant menopausal symptoms. In addition to this, it may prevent skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, lower blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (a type of cholesterol that blocks the arteries and increases your heart disease risk) and treat diabetes (a health disorder where your blood glucose increases to dangerously high levels). However, further studies are required before these potential health benefits can be validated.
3) RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE (RDA):
Ferulic acid is not believed to be required for human survival so no RDA has been established. Consuming up to 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day is believed to be safe and has no reported side effects.
4) FOOD SOURCES:
Ferulic acid can be found in many different fruits and vegetables. Apples, asparagus, carrots, coffee, oranges, peas, pineapples and whole grains are believed to be amongst the best sources but the exact amounts they contain are not known.
5) SUMMARY:
If you want younger looking skin then you should give ferulic acid a try. Not only is it a great way to protect your skin cells from free radicals but it may also help keep you safe from other nasty diseases and health conditions. Plus, by eating lots of fruits and vegetables you can easily incorporate this hydroxycinnamic acid into your diet. So eat lots of fruits, incorporate vegetables into all your meals and start unlocking the benefits of hydroxycinnamic acid.
