WHAT IS FERULIC ACID?
Ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid and phytonutrient (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health). It is a powerful antioxidant which can help your skin maintain its youthful appearance. In this article I will be taking a deeper look at ferulic acid and its health benefits.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF FERULIC ACID?
There is little information available on the discovery of ferulic acid although it is believed to have been first isolated over 100 years ago in the early 1900s.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FERULIC ACID?
Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant (a substance that protects your body’s cells from dangerous free radicals). Free radicals are harmful compounds that are released into your cells during oxygen related reaction and have been linked with cancer, diabetes, an accelerated ageing process and a weak immune system. It offers significant antioxidant protection to the skin cells and is used as an ingredient in many skin care products.
In addition to this, provisional evidence suggests that ferulic acid may have further health benefits in the human body. However, further studies are required before these health benefits can be confirmed. These potential health benefits include:
– Possibly preventing bone degeneration.
– Possibly preventing cancer.
– Possibly preventing negative hot flushing symptoms in menopausal women.
– Possibly protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage.
– Possibly reducing blood levels of LDL cholesterol (a type of cholesterol which can cause blockages in the arteries and increase your heart disease risk).
– Possibly treating diabetes (by reducing blood glucose levels).
HOW MUCH FERULIC ACID DO YOU NEED?
Ferulic acid is not classed as an essential nutrient so no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been established.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN FERULIC ACID?
Ferulic acid is found in most plant based foods. The exact amounts in specific foods are not known but the foods listed below are believed to be amongst the best sources of this hydroxycinnamic acid:
– Apples.
– Asparagus.
– Carrots.
– Coffee.
– Oranges.
– Peas.
– Pineapples.
– Whole Grains.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONSUMING TOO MUCH FERULIC ACID?
Currently there are no reported overdose symptoms associated with ferulic acid consumption. Animal studies have used doses of up to 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day with no negative side effects.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FAILING TO CONSUME ENOUGH FERULIC ACID?
Ferulic acid is not classed as an essential nutrient so no deficiency symptoms have been established.
FERULIC ACID SUMMARY
Although much more research needs to be done on ferulic acid, it is a very promising nutrient. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant which can protect your skin cells and keep them looking young but it may also protect you from further unpleasant health disorders. Fortunately, ferulic acid can be sourced from a wide range of fruits and vegetables so if you make sure your diet contains lots of natural foods you should be able to enjoy all the benefits this hydroxycinnamic acid has to offer.
Sources:
Ferulic Acid (Phytochemicals.info)
Ferulic Acid Information (New Horizons)
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
The Health Benefits of Ferulic Acid (Zhion)
What Foods Contain Ferulic Acid (Livestrong)
What is Ferulic Acid? (Wise Geek)