Oxalic acid in kamias

Oxalic acid has been identified as the principal acid in the carambola
(Averrhoa carambola L.) and the bilimbi (A. bilimbi L.) (2). While
quantitative levels have been reported for carambola, oxalic acid has only
been reported qualitatively for bilimbi. Vines and Grierson (7) reported
levels of 9.6 mg/g in ripe carambola and 5.0 mg/g in green fruit. These
levels represent seventy-four percent (74%) and forty percent (40%) of
total acid respectively in the fruit. Wagner et al. (8) reported oxalic acid
levels in ten selections and cultivars. They ranged from 0.39 mg/g in sweet
cultivars to 6.79 mg/g in sour carambola cultivars. Wislon et al. (9)
quantified the oxalic acid in carambola using the HPLC technique. Levels
ranging from 0.8 mg/g to 7.3 mg/g were reported. Oxalic acid is a food
toxicant which may decrease the availability of dietary calcium by forming
a poorly absorbed calcium-oxalate complex. This oxalate-calcium
interaction has not, thus far, been regarded as significant since there has
been no evidence to indicate that sufficient oxalate intake occurs (4).
Foods reported to have high levels of oxalic acid are not staples in most
diets. Boiled spinach and cocoa powder contain 780 mg/100 g and 623
mg/100 g respectively, while tea leaves have levels ranging from 375 to
1450 mg/100 g. The levels in vegetables range from 1.3 mg/100 g in peas to
30 mg/100 g in French beans. For fruits, the levels range from nil in some
fruits, e.g. pineapple, to 6.2 mg

Electrolyte
are chemicals that conduct electricity when mixed with water. They
regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and
pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. The muscles and neurons are
sometimes referred to as the "electric tissues" of the body.

Galvanic fuel cell

cell as used in a diving rebreather to measure the partial pressure of
oxygen. An electro-galvanic fuel cell is an electrochemical device which
consumes a fuel to produce an electrical output by a chemical reaction.

Electrode
is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a nonmetallic part of
a circuit (e.g. a semiconductor, an electrolyte, a vacuum or air).

Carbon