What Foods Contain Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant found in the leaves and seeds of various plants. This acid helps to prevent cell damage caused by ultraviolet light, while also decreasing blood glucose levels, protecting the body against cancer, decreasing the symptoms of menopause, bone degeneration, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Ferulic acid can also help to improve athletic abilities by reducing fatigue. Ray Sahelian, M.D., states that ferulic acid may also aid in increasing fertility by increasing sperm mobility and integrity.



Ferulic acid is found in a small amount of foods that we may consume on a daily basis.

Coffee

• Coffee is rich in bound phenolic acids including ferulic acid. It is also rich in caffeic acids, and p-coumaric acid, according to Dr. Sahelian.

Vegetables

• Vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, and carrots are also rich in ferulic acid, according to the French National Institute for Agricultural Research.

Whole Grains

• Whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice and oats contain a good amount of ferulic acid. Whole grains have a number of antioxidant benefits and may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Other Sources

• Other foods that are rich in ferulic acid are apples, pears, pineapples, citric fruits and peanuts.

  Supplements are also available, which are believed to be a more reliable source of ferulic acid than food.