In the modern world, there is the use of a wide range of innovative substances that go into the production of a range of goods. For example, the use of silicon is absolutely vital in the computer and microchip industry. This is because it acts as a semiconductor, and its properties can be changed by adding other chemicals or substances so that it can turn an electric current on or off. Put simply, without silicon computing technology, many different types of tech would not exist today.
Whilst many people have a basic understanding of silicon and microchips in technology, other innovative substances are not so well understood. One such substance is the use of thickening agents in a wide range of industries. This article seeks to shed light on this type of substance by explaining three distinct ways that thickening agents can be used and how they can benefit the lives of people today.
In cooking
One of the most widely recognized and understood uses of thickening agents is in modern cookery. Any person who has a flair for home cooking will understand the value of using thickening agents to allow them to make sauces less watery and more viscous.
A commonly used natural thickening agent in a range of dishes is cornflour. In many cases, cornflour is mixed into a paste by combining it with water. It is then added to a dish or a sauce as required to get a suitable consistency in the final product. The benefits of using cornflour to thicken meals when preparing food are that it is a 100% natural product. In addition, cornflower is considered to be completely vegan-friendly, which makes it an extremely versatile thickening agent for both vegetarians and vegans alike.
For people with dysphagia
Thickening agents can also be used in preparing food and beverages, but with the specific intention of being used to help people with swallowing difficulties. Commonly, older adults and stroke patients are known to suffer from severe problems in swallowing, which is known as dysphagia.
By using a thickening agent in prepared foods and drinks, meals and beverages become significantly thicker and, therefore, much easier to swallow – a good example of this is the product range from SimplyTick. This can be highly beneficial in helping dysphasia patients lead a normal and healthy life. One frequently asked question, particularly among dysphagia patients, is: can you thicken alcoholic beverages with SimplyThick? Yes is the answer. This means that such patients can enjoy their favorite alcoholic beverage as well as food while being reassured that they can swallow it effectively.
In the cosmetics industry
As a final example of the use of thickening agents, they can be utilized extensively in the cosmetics industry. Typically, carbomers are used to thicken the consistency of beauty products when applied to the skin. These are effective thickening agents as they have a high molecular weight and the ability to absorb large quantities of water.
They may also be used in nail and hair beauty products in the cosmetics industry. Put simply, thousands of beauty products available to modern consumers will contain a range of different carbomers. Without their use, there will likely be a lower range and quality of such products.