Cream of tartar is famous for it use in frosting cakes as it’s known to stabilize the egg whites while whipping.
However, this inexpensive powder has much more to offer!
It takes care of your well-being as well.
The health benefits of tartar have made it’s a part of the everyday diet for a lot of people.
In this article, you find out the remarkable benefits that this pantry ingredient provides.
It solves some of the most pressing health problems.
This article contains all the goodness that cream of tartar offer and how it reduces the health problems. Some of the surprising facts that you get to know in today are:
- What is the cream of tartar?
- Nutrient factors of cream of tartar
- Six remarkable health benefits of cream of tartar
- Some side effects associated with cream of tartar
- The shelf life of cream of tartar
What is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of tartar is scientifically known as potassium bitartrate, a powdered form of tartaric acid [1].
Cream of tartar is as a byproduct of winemaking [2].
Since 1835, it replaced sour milk and buttermilk in many recipes [2].
In most of the food products, it is added as an additive, stabilizer or as a thickening agent [3].
Since it provides less solubility at lower temperatures, it ensures maximum development of volume when baked [4].
For this reason, it is the perfect ingredient for meringues.
Cream of Tartar Nutrient Facts
Cream of tartar is one of those ingredients that seem to lie there in the kitchen without knowing if it offers more than just baking goods.
The list below contains nutritional information based on consuming a tablespoon of cream of tartar. The percentage values are for a 2,000 calorie diet.
- Calories 23.2
- Fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 4.7 mg
- Potassium 1485mg
- Carbs 5.5 g
- Sugar 0 g
- Iron 0.3 mg
- Magnesium 0.2 mg
- Calcium 0.7 mg
- Vitamin A 0 g
Although these nutrient values seem relatively low, remember it is only one tablespoon!
Now that you know the nutrient key factors of cream of tartar let’s look at how these components provide various health benefits that will help you lead a healthier life.
Below are the six surprising ways cream of tartar can benefit your health.
7 Surprising Health Benefits of Cream of Tartar
1. It Helps to Quit Smoking
Although smokers are well aware of the dangers of smoking, they ignore all the warnings until they encounter deadly diseases to make them quit smoking.
Cream of tartar, on the other hand, helps to wash out nicotine quicker than it takes them to realize the dangers it may cause to the body.
So smokers who have tried almost everything to quit smoking, and got little success, should give cream of tartar a chance!
Cream of tartar (potassium hydrogen tartrate) helps to take out nicotine out of the body.
Just by mixing half a teaspoon of cream of tartar with a glass of orange juice before sleeping will remove the nicotine from the body via the sweat glands and urinary tract [5].
This effect is due to orange juice that quickly removes nicotine from the body through urine as seen in a study published in a journal named A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Having this before bedtime will let your body do all the work for you while you have your peaceful sleep.
Moreover, a few days of treatment of this magical ingredient will cost you one-fourth of the cost of a cigarette packet.
READ MORE: 18 Surprising Benefits of vitamin C
2. It Reduces Arthritis Pain
Almost all elders in many societies still face the problem with osteoarthritis, and the number seems to be increasing each year.
In a study conducted in 2015, showed a relative amount of decrease in osteoarthritis by consumption of magnesium [6].
Even studies conducted using animals showed a strong correlation between magnesium and immune response, indicating the absolute necessity of this mineral [6].
Cream of tartar, found to be rich in magnesium reduces arthritis pain, joint, and muscle pain.
Hence, to reduce arthritis pain, 2tbsp of cream of tartar could be mixed along with 3tbsp of Epsom salt in a bathtub to create a bath.
Adding this once or twice a day in your bathtub could give some relief from the arthritis pain when soaking the part of the body with the arthritis pain.
READ MORE: 12 Useful Essential Oils for Arthritis & How to Use Them
3. It Reduces Blood Pressure
Potassium is essential for our body, and many people fail to see the importance of it.
A significant amount of changes in the level of potassium could have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles [7].
A diet containing a right amount of potassium may reduce blood pressure by removing excess sodium from the body, as a high level of sodium increases blood pressure [8].
Surprisingly, 100 grams of cream of tartar contains 16,500 milligrams of potassium.
So If you’ve got a high blood pressure, where there is potassium deficiency, it’s better to take the use of cream of tartar to solve the problem.
You can start by mixing 1tsp of cream of tartar with one glass of water daily before going to bed.
4. It Relieves Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
The bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract cause UTI [9].
Apart from bacterial infections, UTI occurs due to an imbalance in the urine’s natural pH.
A change in the acidic levels in the urine allows growth of several bacteria.
According to several health authors, using cream of tartar helps to treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).
Cream of tartar helps to alter the ph level by creating an environment that will destroy the bacteria causing infection.
So to treat UTI using cream of tartar, you should 1-2 tsp of cream of tartar in a cup of warm water along with several drops of lemon juice.
This mixture of cream of tartar water must drink two times per day.
However, note that this home remedy is not supposed to replace the medical treatments prescribed by doctors.
It can further alleviate UTI if not appropriately treated, as UTI can be very dangerous.
READ MORE: 17 Home Remedies for Kidney Infection (Backed by Science)
5. It Helps to Treat Acne
In an article published in 1978, showed that certain aliphatic compounds were found to be effective against acne [10].
One of the compounds that showed effective treatment towards acne was tartaric acid [10].
Cream of tartar is the powdered form of tartaric acid which makes it the secret ingredient effective against acne.
Some researchers have shown that it is better consumed orally than applying it directly to the acne prone area.
Since it has anti-toxin and antibacterial nature, it is very effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of acne.
A home remedy to flush out the toxins from the body include combining a cup of orange or lemon juice with a teaspoon of cream of tartar.
It’s advisable to consume it every day for 30 days to remove the bacteria that causes acne and having way fewer outbreaks.
READ MORE: Lemon Juice for Acne: 8 Simple Home Remedies
6. It Relaxes Your Body and Mind
In an article published recently, mentioned that magnesium is known as the “chill pill.”
Magnesium can cure anxiety, depression, headaches, restlessness, and so forth.
The researchers have also mentioned that the deficiency of this mineral, can cause serious health problems to the brain.
Hence having magnesium rich food, such as cream of tartar, can protect you from depression and anxiety.
7. Prevents Heartburn
Heartburn is extremely painful that causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat [11].
It happens when stomach acid backs up to the esophagus tube, causing the burning sensation [11].
Hence, antacids reduce the symptoms of frequent heartburn.
As seen earlier, cream of tartar balances the pH of the body which is also found to be effective in treating heartburn.
To prepare a solution of home remedy to treat heartburn, mix half a teaspoon of cream of tartar, half a teaspoon of baking powder with a glass of water.
Taking this as soon as the symptoms of heartburn occur, It helps to lessen the problems.
READ MORE: 12 Home Remedies for Heartburn That’ll Actually Work
Side Effects of Cream of Tartar
Although cream of tartar is safe to use, few side effects may occur when consumed more than the recommended amount such as:
1. Hyperkalemia
As mentioned earlier, cream of tartar contains a high level of potassium leading to a condition called hyperkalemia.
Having the excess amount of potassium in the blood can cause acute kidney failure or chronic kidney disease.
Hence, for people with kidney problems, cream of tartar should be taken in less amount or avoided.
2. Dehydration
Cream of tartar is also found to have diuretic properties that can lead to diarrhea-causing loss of liquid from the body and can even lead to dehydration due to electrolyte imbalance.
Apart from this, consuming a large amount of it can lead to nausea and inflammation of the digestive system.
That’s why it is advisable to stay hydrated after consuming cream of tartar.
Hence, by consulting a doctor or healthcare specialist, cream of tartar must be consumed.
Shelf Life of Cream of Tartar
By keeping the Cream of tartar in a sealed container that is away from direct sunlight and heat, its shelf life will be indefinite.
However, It needs to be kept in a cool and dry place.
For most baked goods, it is often mixed with baking soda to make baking powder.
However, this cannot always substitute for the health benefits mentioned above.
Bottom Line
Whether you want to add cream of tartar in baked goods such as cookies, meringues or cakes, this magical ingredient will never fail to impress you.
It’s an absolute essential to have it in the kitchen, whether it may be related to treating heartburn, acne, or even for relaxing the mind, this pantry ingredient will always come to the rescue.
Despite its benefits for treating a various health problem, it may come with certain side effects if consumed more than required.
Since cream of tartar contains a high amount of potassium, it’s advisable to avoid it for people with a kidney problem.
Apart from this, it is necessary to stay hydrated once you consume the cream of tartar.
