What is Coral Calcium?

27. August 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Natural Products · Tags: , ,

You have probably come across various sources of calcium including calcium carbonate and even oyster shells. Coral calcium is also a source of calcium. This source of calcium is becoming increasingly popular in medical circles as it is finding various uses in medicine.  Marine Bio has a great list of the benefits of coral calcium.

okinawa coral 300x225 What is Coral Calcium?

Coral calcium is not a new product in the market. It has been around for as long as corals have been in existence. It has simply taken longer for humans to realize its importance and application in their lives. However, as the importance of this source of calcium becomes more apparent, researchers are beginning to take time to develop a clearer understanding of the naturally occurring source.

You have probably heard of coral. These can be simply described as living rocks. They are formed partially from the exoskeleton of the marine creatures known as polyps. The exoskeleton protects the soft body of the polyp from predators.

Coral calcium is obtained from the fossilized coral beds. Coral calcium is a chemical compound that consists of calcium and carbonate. The two elements combine to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3). However, coral calcium does not consist purely of calcium carbonate. Coral calcium has trace amounts of other minerals that are common in marine environments including magnesium.

The calcium carbonate that makes up most of the coral calcium is similar to calcium carbonate that is obtained from other sources. However, the trace amounts of other minerals in the coral calcium also contribute some unique properties to the coral calcium.

Coral calcium is well known for its basic properties. This is primarily because of the calcium carbonate contained in the coral calcium. This property is important for changing the pH of solutes. Coral calcium has the ability to raise the pH of solutions because of its alkaline properties. The alkaline properties are as a result of the carbonate component of calcium carbonate. This component can combine with water or hydrogen ions in a solution to form hydrogen carbonate. This is alkaline in nature and therefore raises the pH of the solution.

One of the most important properties of coral calcium is the calcium component. Calcium is an important element in the human body. This mineral is important for various metabolic processes in the body. It is also vital for the formation of bones and other hard tissue in the body. Doctors use calcium based products for bone grafting. Coral Calcium is therefore finding more uses in medicine today as a result of its calcium component.

How Japanese Technology Can Help Fight Hunger

21. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Food Chemistry · Tags: , , ,

Everyone is familiar with the pace and wonder of Japanese technology. They have been at the forefront of new inventions and ideas since after World War II. Even their army rations are specially formulated to provide the best nutrition to its soldiers while in the field. If you’ve never heard of the SDF Cup Noodle or Self Defense Forces Cup Noodle – these are specially packed instant ramen noodles that put emphasis on Kcal energy rather than quantity of noodles. The packed noodles can last for months and only needs hot water to be edible.

FoodForce 300x300 How Japanese Technology Can Help Fight Hunger

Then, from a completely different perspective, Konami Corporation which is a video game maker in Japan has signed up with the United Nations World Food Program to use their creativity and technology to bring more awareness to world hunger.

The game Konami was able to come up with is called “Food Force.” It is a free app available in Facebook and is a second edition of the 2005 game. In the 2012 version, the game is about a group of workers who have to save hunger-stricken countries by finding food sources and means to getting the food to the countries safely.
There are virtual goods which can be purchased and some of the proceeds of the sale will be forwarded to the United Nations for school meal projects.
In food packaging, Japanese technology has taken great strides in improving preservation and freshness in food. For instance, Maxive by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company is an adhesive to prevent oxygen or any other gas from seeping into food packages and causing spoilage.
Oxy-Catch is another invention by Kyodo Printing which is multi-layered film packaging that prevents oxidation. It makes packing less costly and complex. Once these two technological advancements are fully implemented, food costs will decrease.
Finally, another Japanese company developed a new way of freezing food called Cells Alive System or CAS. Through magnetic fields, CAS can control crystallization so that the food cells’ structures are not damaged. The food will stay in virtual limbo and when defrosted will look and taste as fresh as the day it was made or picked.

Monosodium Glutamate is Better Than You Think

15. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Food Chemistry · Tags: , , ,

You have heard or at least familiar with monosodium glutamate or MSG.  Many have passed the information, after the many years that it was marketed to the world since 1909, that it can slowly poison you and cause headaches.  Nevertheless, up until now there is no hard evidence that it can do such.  The debate is still on and it will continue until both parties can hold proof of which one is telling the truth.  However, whatever they stand for the main purpose of this substance is to enhance flavor just like the table salt and pepper.

01 20120103 04.52.59 300x200 Monosodium Glutamate is Better Than You Think

So you wonder why this substance is still debated upon when it actually is used by many processing companies to give their products that attractive taste.  Well, a simple answer would be taking too much of anything will pose a problem.  In addition, it is not just the monosodium glutamate or MSG does that.  Even other spices can cause harm to anyone such as overuse of salt can affect the kidneys but no salt at all will result to sluggishness.  With this, you realize that using MSG in moderation is better for you than you think.  Making your food as flavorful will increase your appetite and the people within your household.

In the end, you must remember to use spices in moderation.  Achieving the right flavor is adding just the right amount to your dish and not overdoing it.  Monosodium glutamate has been her for more than 100 years already. Up until now, there has been no concrete evidence to its adverse effects if any.  So if you want to come up with a delicious dish that you have not tried doing before, try using a pinch of this substance and it will definitely go a long way.  You might even surprise yourself with the positive results from you and your family.

 

Reference link: http://www.ajinomoto.com/features/aji-no-moto/en/truth/