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Oxine Monique Day Oxine Monique Day

How Oxine Keeps Brewing Safe

Brewers understand the importance of disinfecting equipment and work spaces, but most may not realize the benefits of oxine. Oxine is an extremely powerful sanitizer that needs no flushing or wiping down after application. It works against a wide variety of pathogens and is even utilized in hospitals to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19. Industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem wishes to introduce oxine to its brewery customers. Oxine finds uses throughout the brewing process, including the following.

CIP sanitizing

Chlorine-based products and hydrogen peroxide are ubiquitous in sanitizing and disinfecting. Oxine is much more powerful than either, with no residual by-products. Oxine and any food-grade acid combine and give off chlorine dioxide, which oxidizes microorganisms and renders them neutral. Since it kills both viruses and bacteria, Oxine helps prevent dead vats. When the oxidation reaction is complete, the remaining chlorine molecules combine with sodium to form virtually harmless sodium chloride, table salt. 

Pasteurizers, warmers, and coolers

In general, the waters within these systems are closed loop, meaning they are often open to the elements and are prime for contamination. Human error in the form of spills or broken containers creates a high organic load in the form of slime or malodorous bacteria and biofilm. A recent IFT summary report noted chlorine dioxide, a main component in the reaction of Oxine, as an extremely effective component in the destruction of biofilm. 

Closed-loop systems

Water samples prove closed-loop systems are not immune to biofilm contamination, which is commonly linked to back pressures. Once a system is infiltrated, it is extremely difficult to control microbial growth. Common chlorine treatments will stave off growth for a week or more, but it returns. The chemical disrupting properties of Oxine break the cycle and stabilize the water. Oxine is also used to disinfect specific sections of waterline in large brewery closed loop systems. 

Lube injection

Much like the closed loop systems, lube additive injection controls bacterial counts and removes biofilms. In addition, chains and conveyors benefit from Oxine’s addition by releasing caked-on grime, causing chains and conveyors to perform more smoothly and enhancing the odor with a fresh, clean smell.

Water replacement

When water remains clear and sanitary, it can be utilized in closed-loop systems for much longer stretches of time. This saves money and energy. Even better, Oxine does not harm metal pipes. 

Filler head assembly

As containers are filled, the likelihood of contamination increases greatly. Before a shift, clean the area, then spray with Oxine. At pre-set breaks during the day, low levels of Oxine sprayed on the filler head assembly reduce the incidence of microbial growth and sanitize all surfaces.

Mold control

Storage cellars are ideal for mold growth, which potentially leads to musty and unsanitary conditions. Spraying Oxine on the floors and walls kills the bacteria and leaves behind a fresh odor.

Rail tanker cars

Biofilm within large tanker cars contaminates products. After an initial cleaning, spray the interior with Oxine. Do not rinse with potable water since bacteria within the water may recontaminate the surfaces.

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

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Vitamin C Monique Day Vitamin C Monique Day

Vitamin C (aka Ascorbic Acid) in Health Supplements

An apple a day may be rumored to keep the doctor away, but vitamin C may do far more. Most consumers recognize vitamin C as the wonder vitamin in oranges, but it is also present in kale, kiwis, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, berries, and tomatoes. Scientists learned to harness the power of ascorbic acid in 1932, and double Nobel laureate Linus Pauling stressed the importance of a diet rich in vitamin C. 

USP ingredient supplier Bell Chem stocks ascorbic acid for its health-minded customers.

Why We Need Vitamin C

Take a look at many over-the-counter supplements, and you are likely to find vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) as a key ingredient because of its myriad health benefits. Vitamin C is a nutrient humans are unable to produce; it must be obtained daily through diet since it is water soluble and passes through the body quickly. Vitamin C affects every body system.

Immune system

Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant, clearing free radicals from the bloodstream. An excess of free radicals can change the cellular structure of any tissue, causing all kinds of damage, from wrinkles to cancer.

Eye health

Oral vitamin C supplements appear to slow the deterioration of sight due to macular degeneration. Ongoing studies suggest vitamin C may also reduce the risk of cataracts.

Dialysis-driven anemia

Patients submitted to dialysis often develop anemia, or lower than average circulating red blood cells. Oral doses of vitamin C may aid in the management of this type of anemia.

Duration of common cold symptoms

Vitamin C curtails symptoms of the cold virus if taken before symptoms arise, but shows no results if taken once symptoms develop. In other words, vitamin C is good for prevention of the common cold.

Enzymatic reactions

As the body creates collagen, vitamin C must be present. Collagen is a protein in connective tissue responsible for adhering one layer of tissue to another. Along with visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles in skin, collagen binds other tissues together, such as bone to muscle and muscle to adipose. In fact, collagen is an important component in every body system. Hormones, which are responsible for long-term chemical messaging, contain ascorbic acid as a component. If lower than average amounts of ascorbic acid is present in the blood, it can mean hormones are thrown out of their delicate balance.

Cardiovascular care

New research is pinning elevated levels of vitamin C in the blood with lower instances of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. Evidence suggests the intravenous intake of vitamin C prior to and following coronary surgery prevents myocardial injury and arrhythmia.

Colonoscopy prep

The Food and Drug Administration recently cleared a fluid rich in vitamin C as a preparatory agent before a colonoscopy. The vitamin C treatment required 2 liters of medicated fluid beforehand rather than the traditional 4 liters. 

With these facts in hand, it is time for your business to stock up on Bell Chem’s ascorbic acid. Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including vitamin C (ascorbic acid). You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

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Acesulfame K Monique Day Acesulfame K Monique Day

Why Acesulfame K May Be the Best Sweetener for Your Food Products

Acesulfame K (also known as Ace-K or acesulfame potassium) has piqued the interest of scientists and chefs worldwide for its highly intense sweet flavor (200 times sweeter than sucrose) without caloric input. Unlike many other sweeteners, acesulfame K has no lingering aftertaste to spoil its flavor. 

Created in 1967, acesulfame K has appeared on labels in the United States since December 2003 to great acclaim. Learn how food ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s acesulfame K is utilized in foods and beverages as well as pharmaceutical and hygiene products. 

Works at Any Temperature

Unlike many other artificial sweeteners, acesulfame potassium is a viable sucrose alternative at almost any temperature; it can be used in baked goods, dairy products (it will not break down during pasteurization), and other quality products. High or low pH ranges also do not affect the performance of acesulfame K. 

Safe for Diabetic Patients

The human body is not able to metabolize acesulfame K, leading to a sweetened product without calories. For this reason, acesulfame K is safe for diabetic patients since it will not affect serum glucose, triglyceride, or cholesterol levels. 

Blends Well with Other Sweeteners

When combined with other sweeteners or sugar alcohols, the sum total sweetness of both sweeteners exceeds their individual levels. This blending has also been reported to have a more naturally sweet flavor than individual artificial sweeteners can create. 

Has a Range of Food Production Uses

Products relying on acesulfame K’s sweet flavor include fruit juices, carbonated beverages, tabletop sweeteners, jams and jellies, gum and mints, breakfast cereals, and dressings and marinades.

Has Medical and Personal Care Uses

The pharmaceutical industry finds acesulfame K added to medication aids in its palatability. Acesulfame K is an ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash and other oral hygiene products since it improves flavor without promoting tooth decay.

Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

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Cornstarch Monique Day Cornstarch Monique Day

How Cornstarch is Used in Beauty Products

Cornstarch (Zea mays) easily falls into the category of old-fashioned new technology. With the push toward natural products, cornstarch has become a natural alternative to overly manufactured goods. Personal care ingredient supplier Bell Chem wishes to share cornstarch’s amazing properties in beauty products with its customers.

Why Cornstarch is Used in Beauty Products

Beauty care products involve many of the senses: they must look, smell, and, most especially, feel good. While many beneficial skincare chemicals work well, their texture is sometimes off putting since they feel greasy, slimy, or weak. The addition of cornstarch changes the feel of personal care products to a silky, richer feel. This process absorbs oil during the heating phase of production with no overall volume change. The product feels significantly creamier, and the oil is released over time.

Adding Nutrients

Cornstarch is packed with vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients stimulate cell regeneration and keep existing cells healthy. Cornstarch provides a vehicle to admit nutrients through the epidermis into underlying layers of tissue. 

Improving Texture

Cornstarch creates a smaller bubble in effervescent foam, turning a traditional cream into a more densely packed, easier-to-spread, creamy product. Cornstarch also binds water to oil-based components within a formula to stabilize the emulsion, which gives a consistent product with every use while it extends the shelf-life of the product.

Soothing Irritated Skin

When added to antiperspirants and deodorants, cornstarch soothes irritated skin, absorbs sebum and oil, and deters bacteria and inflammation. For acne-prone skin, cornstarch’s ability to absorb sebum and oil leaves smoother skin with fewer blemishes. Infant powders contain cornstarch since it is natural, safe, and effective without blocking tiny pores.

Sun Protection

Skin is often irritated by sun, chemicals, injury, or environmental factors. Many of the products formulated to combat these irritants contain cornstarch to relieve itching, moisture, inflammation, microbial growth, and other reactions. Sunscreens containing ultraviolet filters are frequently sticky without the addition of cornstarch.

Exfoliant Properties

Ground coarsely, cornstarch is a great exfoliant, sloughing dead skin cells to allow the lower, new epidermal layer to glow.

Bell Chem is a personal care ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.


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Flaxseed OIl Monique Day Flaxseed OIl Monique Day

Flaxseed Oil Uses Across Industries

Flaxseed, also known as linseed or flax oil, hails from the Northern Great Plains of North America as a flowering blue perennial. Flaxseed grain has been consumed since at least 5000 BCE and is one of the first crops farmed by humankind. Because flaxseed oil is one of nature’s most abundant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (60% by volume), it has been recently escalated as a prime ingredient in many products for health-conscious individuals. However, flaxseed oil is used in more than health products. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem wishes to share more information about this important oil. 

Cosmetic Industry 

Flaxseed oil’s abundance of essential alpha-linoleic fatty acids moisturize your skin and hair as they hydrate. The collagen-boosting properties of flaxseed oil moisturize skin, reduce signs of aging, and strengthen cellular connections, thereby diminishing the deep contours of wrinkles. Flaxseed oil’s lignans are considered anti-carcinogenic and have been proven to counter the effects of sun damage and lighten freckles and age spots. The anti-inflammatory response of flaxseed oil allays skin irritants due to allergic reactions or other edematic responses. In haircare products, the vitamin E within flaxseed oil stimulates new hair growth and quells dandruff. 

Food Industry

Chefs find the versatility of flaxseed oil complementary to salads as well as roasted meats. Adding a small amount in a healthy smoothie boosts the body’s exposure to Omega-3 fatty acids. In many instances where butter is used as a condiment, flaxseed oil would prove a much healthier choice. However, because flaxseed oil has a high smoke point, it should not be used for sauteing.

Manufacturing

Flaxseed oil (often referred to linseed oil for the manufacturing industry) was the primary component for protective coatings in the automotive industry until World War I. It is currently utilized as a drying oil ingredient in enamels, lacquers, paints, and varnishes. 

Flooring

The ubiquitous linoleum (linum is Latin for “flax” while oleum is Latin for “oil”) flooring in many offices and homes contains solidified linseed oil (generally as 30% of the product) as its base. Even better, linoleum is biodegradable and completely breaks down in approximately 2 years after it is discarded. Tweaking the formulation slightly, linseed oil is also found in tarps, tents, patent leather products, oilcloth, fine oil paints, and printing inks.

Environmentally-friendly Products

Many petroleum-based chemicals can be replaced with linseed oil, which decreases the carbon footprint of these products tremendously. 

Construction

Linseed oil naturally preserves exposed concrete surfaces to deter the penetration of water and its accompanying salts. This delays the passage of water to the underlying reinforcing steel to prevent rust or corrosion.

Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.


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Urea Monique Day Urea Monique Day

Medical Uses of Urea

Although urea (or carbamide) is a common chemical in the epidermis, most urea utilized medically and pharmaceutically is synthesized in laboratories. Urea is considered a natural moistening factor when produced by the body, and the synthetic alternative enhances the body’s natural ability to moisturize. Urea has further uses in medicine, however, and USP ingredient supplier Bell Chem would like you to be more aware of them.

Dry Skin Alleviator

When water is lost in the epidermis, the result is dry skin. Typical dry or itchy skin symptoms may be alleviated with a topical lotion, but many disorders – including callused areas, corns, diaper rash, onychomycosis, psoriasis, and xerosis – necessitate a more powerful treatment regimen that often includes urea. As a humectant, urea captures moisture from the air as well as the tissues below the epidermis to provide relief from excessively dry skin.

Ear Drops 

The buildup of cerumen (ear wax) is alleviated with ear drops containing urea, which break down cerumen for easier evacuation. 

Exfoliator 

Urea is a keratolytic agent. Keratin tends to adhere dead skin cells together, which may lead to fungal infections. Urea breaks keratin into smaller areas, releasing dead skin cells and the propensity of fungal infections. Generally, medications containing 10% or greater urea are effective exfoliators. For more significant exfoliation, ointments with 40% urea are recommended for nail removal, such as for cases of onychomycosis. 

Sodium Adjuster 

If a patient’s blood sodium levels are elevated, urea may be used to bring the pH back into balance.

Medication Distribution

Topical medications, such as antifungal creams or corticosteroids are better penetrated into the skin with urea. Additionally, the keratolytic effect of urea aids in wound healing as dead tissue is sloughed away.

Urea Breath Test 

Urea tagged with either carbon-13 or -14 can help a doctor determine the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the digestive system. H. pylori is associated with ulcers. 

Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including urea. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.


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Sunflower OIl Monique Day Sunflower OIl Monique Day

Benefits of Sunflower Oil in Beauty Products

Check the ingredients on many cosmetics and you are likely to find sunflower oil listed. Pressed from the seeds of sunflowers, this versatile oil is renowned for its gentle properties on almost any skin surface and its marked ability to quickly and easily absorb through the skin’s dermal layer to the underlying connective tissue. Bell Chem, your personal care ingredient supplier, wishes to share the benefits of sunflower oil with you. Chemically, sunflower oil is packed with beneficial chemicals, including the following.

Amino Acids 

These small peptides bind to form proteins, giving structure and aiding in the production of collagen, elastin, and other essential proteins leading to smooth, youthful skin.

Antioxidants 

When molecules are stripped of an electron, they are known as free radicals. Free radicals can radically change the structure of molecules surrounding them by either binding to or stealing electrons from them. Antioxidants are important in protecting our bodies from free radicals. You can find some of the following antioxidants in sunflower oil:

  • Vitamin E, which contains readily available electrons that neutralize free radicals

  • Beta-carotene, which is beneficial in the appearance of healthy skin and converts to vitamin A. 

Fatty Acids

Omega 3, Omega 6 (linoleic), and Omega-9 (oleic) monounsaturated fatty acids reduce or prevent localized inflammation, act as antimicrobial agents, and decrease damage from excess sun exposure. Linoleic acid stimulates the development of new skin cells. Oleic acid contains abundant lipids to soothe irritated skin, reduces healing time and inflammation, and hydrates skin. The damage caused by skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, is greatly reduced with oleic acid. As a bonus, oleic acid stabilizes the shelf life of cosmetics. 

Vitamins

Along with being rich in amino acids, antioxidants and fatty acids, sunflower oil also contains several vitamins, including the following:

  • Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production to reduce or even prevent wrinkles. With vitamins A and D – also present in sunflower oil – vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to counter bacteria responsible for acne.

  • Vitamin E, which, along with its antioxidant abilities also moisturizes and reduces inflammation by stabilizing moisture within individual skin cells. 

  • Vitamin K, which has a protein elastin that is responsible for maintaining the smooth and elastic quality of skin. 

With these bountiful chemical properties, sunflower oil clears pores experiencing accumulations of bacteria, dirt or oil. Because it is non comedogenic, sunflower oil maintains clear and unclogged pores (despite public hesitations regarding oils in skincare). The skin-strengthening properties of sunflower oil keep the skin from cracking, which breaks the natural barrier of the epidermis and can lead to bacterial infections. Sunflower oil appears in myriad products, including lip balms, skin products, hair treatments, and massage oils. 

Bell Chem is a personal care ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including sunflower oil. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

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Glycol Ether Monique Day Glycol Ether Monique Day

Glycol Ether Uses Across Industries

Glycol ether has been considered a high-performance industrial solvent since the 1960s. Divided into two categories, ethylene glycol (e-series glycol ethers) is the end result of an ethylene oxide reaction, while propylene glycol (p-series) is derived from propylene oxide. These categories greatly differentiate glycol ether’s uses with e-series glycol ethers used in cosmetics, dyes, pharmaceuticals, skin care products, and water-based paints. P-series glycol ethers are generally used in cleaners and paints. Industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem would like to introduce a few of the many uses of glycol ethers across industries.

Cleaner 

Glycol ether’s low toxicity and reduction of surface tension give it key status as a detergent and soap solvent, as it easily removes stubborn build-up. With a fast evaporation rate, items and surfaces are ready to use quickly. Glycol ether can be found in carpet cleaner, floor cleaner, oven cleaner, and window and glass cleaner.

Coalescent 

Film integrity increases for latex paints in architectural and industrial maintenance with the addition of glycol ether.

Coating Agent 

Amine-solubized water-based coatings benefit from glycol ether’s complete water solubility, decreased evaporation rate, extreme coupling ability, high flash point, and low surface tension. Aerospace, architectural, automotive, coil, and construction industries rely on glycol ether for these abilities.

General Solvent

In agriculture, both herbicides and insecticides benefit from the solvency of glycol ether. Acrylics, alkyds, epoxies, gum, nitrocellulose, perfume, polyesters, and polyurethanes also maintain complete solvency with glycol ether. Glycol ether enhances the glossiness of products and flow-out of lacquers.

Graphic Arts 

Glycol ether cures quickly in acrylates, non-ractives, and photoinitiators. When added to ink, it thins the consistency, leading to a lower viscosity ink.

Oil Slick Dispersant 

During oil spills, such as the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill, glycol ether plays a role as an ingredient in an oil slick dispersant. Dispersants act as detergents on oil, breaking the slick into droplet-sized particles to dilute throughout the water.

Rubber Modification

Glycol ether easily infiltrates rubber and plastic products, changing the physical properties of those materials.

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including glycol ether. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.


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Soy Monique Day Soy Monique Day

How Soy Lecithin Enhances Beauty Products

Soy lecithin is renowned for its benefits in skincare. This beauty aid’s name (lecithin) is derived from the Greek work lekythos, or egg yolk since French chemist Theodore Gobley first isolated it in 1845 from egg yolk. Soybeans are the major contributor of lecithin, which is why the two words are paired frequently. Chemically, soy lecithin closely resembles the body’s natural phospholipid cellular membrane, so it readily established itself as a natural form of cellular repair. Learn more about personal care ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s soy lecithin below. 

Lecithin is composed primarily of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids (60%-70%) with a smattering of proteins and carbohydrates – the three major components needed by the human body. This unique combination easily transitions from the epidermis to deep within the skin where it metabolizes a reaction to form new skin cells. Here are some of the roles it plays in beauty products:

Antioxidant

By protecting epidermal and dermal cells from oxidation, soy lecithin enhances and increases cell life spans due to its stores of vitamin E. This leads to soy lecithin being a key ingredient in primer and foundations, face cleansers and masks, body lotions, and lip glosses and balms to soothe irritated skin and lips. 

Emulsifier

By acting as a stabilizer within an environment of oil and water, soy lecithin binds these two opposing types of molecules together to create a product with equal amounts of ingredients with each use. 

Humectant

Soy lecithin’s humectant capabilities maintain hydration in skin cells, which preserves the integrity of skin cells and aids in creating a stronger physical barrier between the body and the atmosphere.

Hydrator

Dehydration can give skin a dull, cracked appearance and cause itching and soreness. Overall, the skin appears uneven in tone and the face’s complexion may appear dull. Acting as a hydration agent, soy lecithin prevents water loss to the epidermal and dermal cells, plumping the cells and restoring an even skin tone with fewer flakes, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Moisturizer

Soy lecithin delays or even counteracts water loss to the environment since it contains both oleic and linoleic acid, which adhere to water molecules. This maintains a healthier level of moisture within the skin. This excess moisture acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin’s surface and beneath by binding with the body’s natural skin protein, keratin.

Nail Care

Dry, brittle nails break and crack, causing undue pain. Soy lecithin’s moisturizing action helps nails retain their structural integrity.

Viscosity Agent

The bonding action of soy lecithin creates a thicker, creamier product for skin care consumers.

Bell Chem is a personal care ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including soy lecithin. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

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Beta Carotene Monique Day Beta Carotene Monique Day

Beta Carotene in the Food Industry

Beta carotenes are renowned for their antioxidant qualities since they are a great source of vitamin A. Beta carotene is considered provitamin A with the capacity of being enzymatically converted to retinol. This important nutrient, stocked by food ingredient supplier Bell Chem, will boost your products and attract more customers.

Where Beta Carotene Comes From

Beta carotene abounds in intensely colored fruits and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and cantaloupe. As a general rule, the fruits and vegetables with the brightest colors contain the greatest amounts of beta carotene. However, only 2% of beta carotene on the market today is produced naturally. Instead, chemists rely on bacteria, filamentous fungi, microalgae, and yeasts to provide the world with its need for beta carotene.

As a Colorant

In the food industry, beta carotene has played a variety of roles. One of these is as a colorant. The obvious example is a carrot, whose orange flesh is the result of an increased amount of beta carotene. The yellowish orange pigment of beta carotene is utilized frequently as a colorant for margarine and butter, oils, cheese and ice cream, pasta and biscuits, milk replacement products, soups, and eggs, to name a few examples. By changing the amount of beta carotene used, color variations from light yellow to red are achieved, depending on the product

As a Nutritional Supplement

Along with being a natural colorant, beta carotene also has nutritional supplemental properties. Add beta carotene as an antioxidant since the human body is not capable of synthesizing this important nutrient itself; it must rely on supplements or natural foods. In fact, the vitamin A in beta carotene supports eye health by preventing blindness and night blindness, maintaining specific cells in the eye, improving reproductive efficiency, and maintaining skin hue as a natural pigment. 

Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including beta carotene. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.

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