Side Effects of Consuming Cream of Tartar
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Tartaric Acid
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Cream of tartar is known chemically as potassium bitartrate, or tartaric acid. It is a white crystalline powder which is soluble in water and alcohol. It is created naturally when wine ferments, and is used as an anti-oxidant in food. Cream of tartar is biodegradable, and has no known pollution problems associated with it. It is used mainly as a flavor enhancer, but it is also used in some ceramics, textile processing, mirror silvering and metal coloring.
In the Kitchen
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Most acids found in the kitchen, such as apple cider vinegar, are in liquid form. Having a dry acid such as cream of tartar is very useful for some purposes. It gives a creamy texture to candy and frosting. It increases the volume of beaten egg whites. Mixed with baking soda, it becomes double-acting baking powder and can be used as a leavening agent in quick breads and cakes. It can reduce the discoloration in boiled vegetables.
Home Remedies
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There are a couple of home remedies using cream of tartar, but none have been clinically proven as being effective. The juice of a lemon plus 2 tsp. cream of tartar stirred into a 1/2 cup water and taken once a day for three days is reported to safely lower blood pressure, especially in pregnant women. Drinking a glass of water with 1 tbsp. cream of tartar stirred in it is an old home remedy for improving urinary tract infections. Consult a qualified health care professional before attempting any form of self-treatment.
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