Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed. It is widely used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in food and industrial applications. Carrageenan is water-soluble and forms gels at room temperature.

**Properties**:
– Forms viscous solutions and gels in water.
– Stable over a wide pH range and resistant to heat.

**Applications**:
1. **Food Industry**: Used in dairy products, desserts, and meat products to improve texture and stability.
2. **Pharmaceuticals**: Acts as a binder and stabilizer in tablets and creams.
3. **Cosmetics**: Used in lotions and toothpaste for its thickening properties.

**Effects**:
– Enhances texture and shelf life of food products.
– Provides smooth and consistent formulations in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.