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What Is Agar Powder Used For? |
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What Is Agar Powder Used For?
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Darrell Miller | 01/27/14 |
Date:
January 27, 2014 09:44 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
(dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Is Agar Powder Used For?
What Is Agar Powder Used For?
Agar, also known as agar agar or kanten, is a gelling agent that comes from a South East Asian seaweed. This natural additive has excellent gelling properties. It is often used by vegetarians as a vegetable gelatin as the true gelatin comes from calf’s feet.
The product is also used for scientific purposes.
For instance, biologists use it as filler in paper sizing fabric. Biologists also use it as a clarifying compound in brewing. Additionally, agar can be used as a laxative, thanks to its high fiber concentration. Better yet, the product can be used as an appetite suppressant.
Agar is also an exceptional culinary ingredient. It is quite popular among vegetarians. They often use it to thicken soups. Further, agar can be used as a preservative for ice creams, fruits and other desserts.
The product is also sought for its tremendous health benefits.
People who desire to lose weight fast may find agar useful. It has no calories, no fat, no carbs, and no sugar and is loaded with fiber. As a matter of fact, 80 percent of agar is comprised of nothing but fiber.
Another great benefit associated with agar is that is assimilates glucose in the stomach. Additionally, agar agar passes via the digestive tract pretty fast and prevents the body from absorbing and retaining excess fat. It also has excellent water absorption properties. These properties allow it to assist the body in the elimination of wastes. It is also worth noting that agar has the capacity to absorb bile; in this way, it helps the body to dissolve more of bad cholesterol.
It is of value to reiterate that agar, also known as agar agar or kanten, is a vegetable gelatin. It has excellent gelling properties. It is mainly used by vegetarians as a substitute for the true gelatin.
References:
- //www.barryfarm.com/nutri_info/thickeners/agar.htm
- //notenoughcinnamon.com/2012/08/02/everything-you-need-to-know-about-agar
