NEWS
The Chemical Structure of Vitamins and Their Purpose
Although vitamins are often associated with good health, very few people understand how a vitamin actually performs. Vitamins are organic compounds that contain benefits not naturally produced by the human body, therefore they must be consumed through food or daily supplements. Read on to learn the benefits of vitamins as described by USP Ingredients Product Supplier, Bell Chem.
Vitamins are generally classified as fat-soluble or water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored in the liver or in fatty tissues until the body requires them, and do not need to be ingested as frequently. The remaining vitamins, B and C, are water-soluble, meaning they are quickly utilized and washed through the body. How are these important substances used in the body?
Vitamin A: Important for better eyesight, protection of the immune system, growth and development, and healthy skin and epithelial tissues lining body cavities.
Vitamin B: Thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid, and B12 have slightly different functions. However, as a whole, they create red blood cells, assist metabolic reactions during digestion, and ensure the overall health of the nervous system.
Vitamin C: An antioxidant that keeps cells and body tissues (skin, bones and cartilage, and blood vessels) healthy, and also assists in wound healing.
Vitamin D: Regulates calcium and phosphate within the body to keep muscles, bones, and teeth healthy.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that disrupts free radicals roaming through the body, maintains the health of the skin and eyes, and strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin K: Synthesizes proteins that aid in blood clotting and may play a part in bone health.
Bell Chem is a USP ingredients product supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. 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 handle all your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.
Fight Off Flu Season With Oils
Essential oils have grown increasingly popular with good reason: they promise benefits from calming skin conditions to soothing sore muscles, from curing nausea to healing common symptoms of the flu. Personal raw care materials supplier, Bell Chem, carries the purest forms of essential oils, and here are only a few of the oils we stock and the flu symptoms they relieve.
Feeling nauseated? Add peppermint oil to a diffuser. It contains menthol, which helps open respiratory passages. Peppermint is often touted as the “world’s oldest medicine,” and doctors today regularly prescribe it in tablet or capsule form to patients asking for alternative treatment. When applied topically, it helps reduce fevers and headaches.
Eucalyptus oil has antiviral properties that help treat a wide range of respiratory issues including a cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and bronchitis. When sickness steals your energy, eucalyptus oil can relieve lethargy, stress, and mental exhaustion.
Rosemary oil is both antibacterial and antifungal. It helps ward off airborne viruses and assuages headaches, indigestion, and poor blood circulation. It also relaxes tissues, thus soothing achy muscles.
Citrus is renowned for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Lemon oil is no exception, and it effectively fights against diseases such as fever, malaria, and typhoid, and can treat stomach disorders as well.
Frankincense oil alleviates upper respiratory infection symptoms. It loosens phlegm, suppresses coughs, and eases breathing with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Bell Chem is a personal raw care materials supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products, including dozens of essential oils, stocked in our 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly representatives and accounting staff handle all your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us a message online.
Keeping Your Food Manufacturing Equipment Safe From Germs in Flu Season
You may have survived the beginning of flu season, but suddenly you hear a couple coughs and some sniffles, and see people racing for tissues and frantically unwrapping cough drops; you panic as you realize your employees are showing signs of sickness. Is it possible to barricade your equipment against bacteria and virus infiltration? Sanitization product supplier, Bell Chem, suggests the following precautions to protect your food manufacturing equipment, as well surfaces that come into contact with food in manufacturing settings.
Viruses are nonliving microorganisms that can cling to surfaces or float through the air for an extended period of time as they search out a host cell. Bacteria are quite content in almost any warm, moist surface. While they are biologic and can survive outside a host, the warm, moist human body is a perfect location for them. Knowing how these microbes survive will help you clean and protect your office more strategically. First things first, deep clean all office surfaces using antimicrobial products provided by Bell Chem.
Products labeled “antimicrobial” modify the pH of the solid, liquid, or gas in which they are added. Many bacteria and viruses have a limited pH range, so any abrupt change in pH will eradicate huge percentages of those populations. Below are different types of antimicrobial products.
An antibacterial agent (a bacteriostat) disrupts bacterial growth and/or reproduction. However, because viruses are not alive, an antibacterial agent may not destroy viruses, which is why we recommend trying chlorine, alcohol, or peroxide.
Antiseptic agents are antimicrobial agents specific for the human body. Hand sanitizer is a widely used alcohol antiseptic that disinfects the hands, whereas benzalkonium chloride is an alcohol-free antiseptic alternative that destroys microbes when applied and after it dries. While alcohol often leaves hands feeling dry and chapped, benzalkonium chloride will not.
There’s no better time of year to remember to rinse, clean, rinse, and sanitize. Start by cleaning all dry things, such as emptying scrap bins, wiping down and covering electronic equipment, and sweeping. For the first rinse, wear protective gloves and hot water, then scrub with manual labor, and follow up with the second rinse. Research shows warm, wet, environments encourage bacterial growth, so make sure to dry and sanitize properly. By being proactive and using the appropriate chemicals, you can prevent flu and cold germs from infecting your food manufacturing equipment and contact surfaces.
Bell Chem is a sanitization product supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. 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 handle all your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.
Kitchen Essentials: Sugar, Salt, and Pepper
Bell Chem understands that our consumers require common kitchen condiments such as sugar, salt, and pepper. As a food and reagent product supplier, we stock the purest forms of these essentials and would like to share information on the chemical background of each, along with a few interesting facts.
What we commonly refer to as “sugar” is more appropriately named sucrose (CH2OH)2, a disaccharide formed from two simple sugars, glucose and fructose. We interpret its taste as sweet because of its chemical structure: the –OH groups engage with taste receptors on the tongue, and the greater the number of activated receptors, the sweeter the taste. There are varying other types of sugar including glucose, fructose, and lactose, but table sugar (sucrose) is widely used because of its availability in sugarcane as well as many fruits and vegetables. Sugar is considered an energy-rich carbohydrate, although a much smaller portion of one, considering carbohydrates are typically large molecules.
Have you ever said, “Please pass the sodium chloride?” Neither have we, but that’s because it’s commonly known as just salt, which is a combination of two volatile, toxic ions. These chemicals bond tightly together and join with millions of other NaCl molecules to form a polished, crystalline cube of salt. Table salt is generally 97 percent to 99 percent pure with a few additives, like iodine, and it breaks down into strong negative and positive ions that interact with the body’s chemicals to change the cell's’ chemical makeup. The need for salt is so great that our tongues have specific receptors designed to identify it.
Pepper is the number one selling spice in America and consists of several chemical compounds including, but not limited to, Acetophenone, Nerol, Citral, and Piperonyl. Black pepper, the most commonly used form, grows on a perennial flowering vine and comes from the dried fruit peppercorn. Its distinctive taste is a result of the chemical piperine found in the white center of the peppercorn. Black pepper has a high caffeine content, as well as vitamins A and C. It’s been used in cooking for over 2,000 years and has been incredibly popular throughout history. During the Middle Ages, peppercorns were worth more than silver in weight, Romans used to demand pepper for ransom when besieging a city, and pepper was even placed in tombs to accompany pharaohs over 2,500 B.C.
Bell Chem is a food and reagent product supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. 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 handle all your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.
Practical Uses for Acetone Beyond Nail Polish
Take a look at a basic bottle of nail polish remover; odds are, it contains acetone. And while acetone is a great help for removing sparkles and remnants of colors from your nails, did you know it has multiple industrial uses? Although it is commonly known as a chemical that is used to remove fingernail polish, it is so much more! Acetone is just one technical grade product that Bell Chem has available for purchase and it can be incorporated into your cosmetic, petroleum, medical, or cleaning industries in the following ways.
Transporting and pressurizing volatile chemicals is dangerous. However, they can be safely handled when acetone is added as a solvent.
Acetone acts as a magic dissolvent for many kinds of extra strength of glue.
Several kitchen cleaning products like oven and stove cleaners include acetone to assists in dissolving organic matter.
Acetone revitalizes stained porcelain and fine china, giving new life to heirloom surfaces. When it comes to raw textiles, acetone is commonly diluted to remove gums, oils, and other undesirable substances from the fibers.
When it comes to medications, acetone is a great solvent, helping to blend fillers and active ingredients that compromise pharmaceuticals in pill and liquid form. Active pharmaceutical ingredients can quite literally make one pill more effective than another, and that is where acetone helps.
With so many varied uses, acetone should definitely be on the top of your chemical inventory list. If you would like to know more about its usability or how quickly we can turn around an order for you, contact our technical grade product suppliers. Our blog showcases more of our impressive products and offers detailed, in-depth information on how they are best used.
Bell Chem is a water treatment chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. 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 handle all of your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.
Chemical Importance in Water Monitoring, Assessment, and Treatment
The demand for clean, pure drinking water is at an all-time high. To meet this critical need, water supplies are treated, monitored, and assessed before they reach the consumer. Bell Chem has to understand every step in the process of purifying water, which relies heavily on chemical intervention.
Water treatment chemicals are used in a variety of ways: they keep pipes and machinery clean, remove debris and buildup, react and neutralize unwanted chemicals, and keep organic growth from proliferating. Below are some chemical categories that play a part in water treatment, and an explanation as to how each is used.
Biocides, such as chlorine and copper salts, are disinfectants that remove microbial organisms from the water.
Antifoaming agents of silica and oil remove unwanted foam from processing areas where foam inhibits equipment from working at full capacity.
Coagulants and flocculants like aluminum clump unwanted foreign material together. The excess weight of the clumped materials causes them to filter to the base of the equipment.
Corrosion inhibitors include zinc and phosphates, which attach themselves as a thin film along metal surfaces.
Neutralizing agents such as sodium hydroxide and calcium carbonate maintain pH levels. To prevent pipe corrosion, pH conditioners are added.
Scale inhibitors, including phosphoric acid, are negatively charged polymers that disrupt the formation of scale.
Monitoring and assessing water for nitrates, fluoride, dissolved oxygen, chloride, and microbial life relies heavily on chemical assistance to ensure it is within reasonable and expected limits. Bell Chem has a vast supply of water treatment chemicals and products for any facility size. Check out our blog for industry news, product reviews and uses.
Bell Chem is a water treatment chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. 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 handle all of your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.
Healthy Ways to Incorporate Oils in Your Cooking Habits
You decide to incorporate healthier oils into your restaurant cooking process, but you have relied on saturated fat for so long that you don’t even know where to begin?? Bell Chem has a variety of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats for your cooking needs and has the information you need to distinguish the best practices for these oils.
First, let’s discuss the differences between polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fat is liquid at room temperature but becomes solid when cooled. A monounsaturated fat remains liquid when used in most kitchens. Monounsaturated fats are beneficial to your health because they help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol that can build up along the walls of blood vessels causing clogged or blocked arteries. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function and cell growth.
Oils that contain either of these fats can add a dash of flavor to your cooking. Many of your kitchen appliances work at a variety of temperatures, and many unsaturated oils work best in specific temperature ranges. Our experts have listed which oils work under what conditions as well as common ways to incorporate them into your menu to receive their maximum benefit.
Low-Temperature Oils
Good for creating a splendid dip, dressing, or marinade.
Canola
Corn
Flaxseed
Grapeseed
Hemp
Olive
Peanut
Safflower
Sesame
Soybean
Sunflower
Walnut
High-Temperature Oils
Great for sautéing, deep frying, and pan frying.
Canola
Corn
Peanut
Safflower
Soybean
Sunflower
Any vegetable oil
Higher temperature oils are not readily absorbed into fried foods. Sautéing is a healthy alternative to frying since very little oil is used to cook food quickly. Begin with a tablespoon and add more as necessary. You will find that cooking with oil instead of butter is better for your budget as well as your patron’s health, but can still offer a flavor-rich outcome. The proper conversion calls for substituting ¾ cup of vegetable or nut oil for each cup of butter or shortening in the recipe you are using.
With a wide range of oils, Bell Chem can fulfill your restaurant supply needs. Find more information about our products by reading our blog.
Bell Chem is a food and reagent product supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. 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 handle all of your needs by calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or send us an online message.
A Closer Look at a Common Additive: Caffeine
Caffeine occurs naturally in many foods, such as chocolate and coffee. Manufacturers have added caffeine to energy drinks and foods, such as protein bars, pudding, and breakfast cereals to help consumers maintain a high level of mental and physical acuity. But how does caffeine work? The food and reagent product supplier, Bell Chem, wants their customers to understand this chemical and the advantages it can bring as an additive.
Your body naturally produces a chemical called adenosine throughout the day which blocks the neurotransmitters that excite the brain. When caffeine enters your system, your body is tricked into thinking it is adenosine because it binds to the same neurotransmitters, but has the opposite reaction. This effect causes consumers to feel energized and alert, which is why a morning cup of coffee is a necessary component for busy schedules.
The liver breaks down caffeine in an effort release stored fat that increases muscle performance, as well as to rush nutrients and oxygen to the brain for more focus and quicker reactions, and to stimulate the heart rate and force of contraction for a larger blood supply to the muscles. This excess energy and brain acuity lasts four to six hours from a single 100 mg serving – approximately one cup of coffee.
Similar to other products, caffeine is beneficial in small amounts. The average adult can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine per day and teenagers can take in 200-300 mg with no side effects. Metabolic rates vary for every individual, and caffeine affects people differently. In other words, don’t start your day with a double espresso if you have not consumed any caffeine for a while!
Healthcare professionals have prescribed caffeinated products for dietary reasons, reduce patient fatigue as well as decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The preferred food and reagent product supplier, Bell Chem, has caffeine readily available. Contact Bell Chem today at 407-339-BELL (2355) to ask about adding caffeine your products. Check out our blog to learn more about food and reagent products.
Surprising Ways Hydrogen Peroxide is Used
We all have that ubiquitous brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide stored in our cabinets. Many consumers find hydrogen peroxide useful for oral rinse, removing stains and whitening, and applying to wounds because of its germicidal properties. However, hydrogen peroxide has dozens of industrial uses, and the household industrial and institutional product suppliers at Bell Chem are here review a list of ways any industry could incorporate it.
Protein Removal
Food stains on a restaurant’s tablecloth can be immediately doused with hydrogen peroxide, and white linens can be cleaned safely with hydrogen peroxide added to the washing machine.
Natural SanitizerHydrogen peroxide is approved for use on food preparation surfaces. Sanitize porous surfaces, such as wood, solid metal, or glass without leaving streaks.
Septic Systems
These systems incorporate hydrogen peroxide in order to disinfect equipment without damaging it – a benefit bleach cannot promise.
Chlorine Alternative
Hydrogen peroxide offers the antimicrobial properties of chlorine without the health and environmental risks for water treatment systems. The initial cost of hydrogen peroxide exceeds that of chlorine, but it works faster and uses less product.
Damage Repair
Water damage to walls, machinery, floors, ceilings, and most other surfaces can be decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide, even if mold is present.
Food Safety
In the food industry, vegetables and fruits soaked in a water/hydrogen peroxide blend neutralize the chemical residue, kills bacteria, and prolongs shelf life.
Stain Removal
Stubborn stains on porous surfaces can be cleaned with a 3:1 mixture of baking soda to hydrogen peroxide.
After reviewing just some of the surprising ways hydrogen peroxide can be used, it is no wonder so many are adding to their inventory. Don’t wait, give the preferred household industrial and institutional product supplier, Bell Chem, a call at 407-339-BELL (2355) to learn about our line of industrial products and chemicals. Our blogs contain in-depth information on many of the products we stock.
A Closer Look at a Common Additive: Caffeine
Caffeine occurs naturally in many foods, such as chocolate and coffee. Manufacturers have added caffeine to energy drinks and foods, such as protein bars, pudding, and breakfast cereals to help consumers maintain a high level of mental and physical acuity. But how does caffeine work? The food and reagent product supplier, Bell Chem, wants their customers to understand this chemical and the advantages it can bring as an additive.
Your body naturally produces a chemical called adenosine throughout the day which blocks the neurotransmitters that excite the brain. When caffeine enters your system, your body is tricked into thinking it is adenosine because it binds to the same neurotransmitters, but has the opposite reaction. This effect causes consumers to feel energized and alert, which is why a morning cup of coffee is a necessary component for busy schedules.
The liver breaks down caffeine in an effort release stored fat that increases muscle performance, as well as to rush nutrients and oxygen to the brain for more focus and quicker reactions, and to stimulate the heart rate and force of contraction for a larger blood supply to the muscles. This excess energy and brain acuity lasts four to six hours from a single 100 mg serving – approximately one cup of coffee.
Similar to other products, caffeine is beneficial in small amounts. The average adult can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine per day and teenagers can take in 200-300 mg with no side effects. Metabolic rates vary for every individual, and caffeine affects people differently. In other words, don’t start your day with a double espresso if you have not consumed any caffeine for a while!
Healthcare professionals have prescribed caffeinated products for dietary reasons, reduce patient fatigue as well as decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The preferred food and reagent product supplier, Bell Chem, has caffeine readily available. Contact Bell Chem today at 407-339-BELL (2355) to ask about adding caffeine your products. Check out our blog to learn more about food and reagent products.