Tag: Industrial uses

Trace amounts of lithium naturally occur in soil and mineral springs, leading to its historical use for various ailments; however, the compound lithia (lithium oxide, Li2O) is a potent substance primarily valued today for its distinct industrial benefits in manufacturing.

While most people associate salt with flavoring food, industrial applications account for over 60% of global salt consumption annually. This highlights that the primary purpose of non-iodized salt often extends far beyond the kitchen, serving a variety of crucial functions where the addition of iodine is undesirable.

Over half of all zinc produced globally is used for galvanizing steel and iron to protect them from corrosion. Zinc (Zn) is a versatile element with a wide array of uses, ranging from critical industrial applications to playing an essential role in human biology. This bluish-white metal is the second most abundant trace element in the human body and a fundamental component in countless modern products.

Annually, meat processing yields millions of tons of animal blood, a resource that offers significant nutritional and economic value when utilized instead of discarded. So, what is animal blood good for? This versatile byproduct offers benefits across agricultural, culinary, and industrial sectors.

Composing the fundamental building blocks of triglycerides, glycerol and fatty acids play vital roles in human biology and industrial applications. These organic molecules are used for everything from fueling heart muscle and storing energy to producing soap, cosmetics, and biofuels.

Contrary to the popular misconception of a 'peanut tree,' peanuts actually grow on an herbaceous legume plant that produces its pods underground. This versatile *Arachis hypogaea* plant and its products have hundreds of practical applications, ranging from nutrition and food manufacturing to livestock feed and eco-friendly byproducts.

Over 10,000 years ago, flax (Linum usitatissimum) was one of the first crops cultivated by humans, yet today many people still question the difference between flax seeds and linseeds. The answer is deceptively simple: nutritionally and botanically, they are the same seed from the same plant, with distinctions arising primarily from regional terminology and intended use.

The soybean, a legume native to East Asia, is one of the world's most versatile crops, with a complex processing chain resulting in a vast array of goods for both human consumption and industrial use. This remarkable legume is a powerhouse of protein and oil, leading to an incredibly diverse list of products that are derived from soybeans across multiple sectors.

Did you know the human body produces its own oxalic acid, a compound also found in many plant foods? Understanding its function is key to determining if we need oxalic acid and in what quantities, as it has both industrial and dietary implications.

Originally derived from petroleum, Sunset Yellow FCF, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 6, is one of the most widely used synthetic food colors in the food additive industry. While its primary role is to impart a vibrant orange-yellow color to products, its perceived 'benefits' are mainly industrial and functional, rather than nutritional. In reality, the discussion surrounding Sunset Yellow is complex, with its technical advantages weighed against significant and well-documented health concerns.