Citric Acid & Weight Loss

Citric acid is a biochemical compound found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges 2. According to Science Daily, citric acid is an antioxidant, which can help increase metabolism and burn more fat. Though there is no correlation between citric acid and weight loss, citrus fruits have been found to be helpful because of the natural antioxidants and fat-burning properties 2.

Vitamin C

Research has shown vitamin C can increase the amount of fat the body burns. According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, people with adequate vitamin C oxidize 30 percent more fat during exercise than people with low vitamin C levels. Vitamin C is found in oranges, tangerines, mangoes, papaya and pineapples.

Fiber

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According to Anne Collins, a weight loss expert with 25 years of experience, citrus fruits have a very high fiber content that helps make the digestive cycle normal and flushes out toxins in a regular manner, slowly decreasing the buildup of toxins in the body 2.

Citric Acid

Citric acid, an organic chemical found in all citrus fruits, is considered an antioxidant 2. According to Alabama Cooperative Extension System, antioxidants have been found to be helpful in delaying cell aging by decreasing the oxidative damage 3. Antioxidants help the body burn fat, so citric acid may play the same role.

Benefits

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Apart from weight loss, the Steady Health website states that citrus fruits also have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, helping cure internal injuries and allergies 2. Some citrus fruits like oranges also have cancer-fighting properties, while grapefruits can reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the body 2.

Weight Loss

Collins recommends consuming at least three to four citrus fruits every day to help with weight loss 2. Citrus fruits form the basis of many fad diets, such as the General Motors Weight Loss Diet and even the Cabbage Soup Diet 2. The General Motors Weight Loss Diet’s Day One, for instance, suggests consuming only cantaloupes or grapefruits throughout the day.