Agar - Agar
About Agar - Agar
Agar-agar is a mixture of linear polysaccharide agarose and a heterogeneous mixture of small molecules known as agaropectin. The combination of two forms a supporting structure inside cell walls of certain types of algae and is released on heating. These algae are commonly known as agaro-phytes and have many health benefits for the human body.
The oldest recorded use of agar-agar is found in Asian history. Since the beginning, it has been used as an ingredient in desserts and also as a solid substrate to contain microbiological and culture media. Medically it is used as a laxative and natural source to reduce inflammation. It is also used in dietary supplements as an appetite suppressant, as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin for thickening of soups and sauces etc. It is also used in fruit preserves, Ice-cream, soups, and other such desserts. Meanwhile, many experts use it as a clarifying agent in brewing and for sizing fabric and paper.
Health benefits of agar-agar seaweed
Agar is sometimes also referred to as Kanten and is gelling age that is used for the scientific purpose as a filler in paper sizing fabric or as a clarifying agent in brewing. From being used as a laxative to an anti-inflammatory agent, the agar-agar is available in many different shapes. You can buy agar-agar powder to eat raw or can look for agar-agar strips to add to any of your recipes. However, in any case, it always offers the same health benefits to the users. Here are some of the many advantages that you can earn by adding agar-agar grass to your daily diet.
Agar-agar for weight loss
agar-agar is a healthy addition to any weight loss plan due to its incredibly low calories content, sugar, carbohydrate, and fats. agar-agar contains a special type of indigestible fibre known as “hydrophilic colloid.” It attracts and absorbs water and increase the bulk with fewer calories giving a feeling of fullness that allows a person to reduce their food intake. Likewise, as this seaweed travels through the blood, it absorbs glucose in the stomach and passes it to the digestive system faster, inhibiting its storage as fat. Using agar-agar as a part of the diet plan is generally known as the Kanten diet (specifically in Japan).
Aids in Digestive health
Besides the widely known and accepted role in loosening weight, it also serves as an agent to improve the digestive system. The fibres around it offer undeniable digestive perks. It can absorb toxic chemicals from your gut and gastrointestinal tract. After absorbing it carries these toxic wastes safely out of the body. Due to these properties, it is used for easing constipation and painless passing of stool. In such cases, it absorbs water in the gut and from the bulk that acts as a natural laxative. With such processing, it ends up cleansing and regulating healthy bowel movements.
Improved bone health
Agar is rich in magnesium and calcium, naturally. As we all know, calcium is famous for its contribution to a more robust, healthier bone, a lesser-known fact is that it must be in a balance. The calcium amount in your body should be balanced with the magnesium content. Only then the two can aid in enhancing bone density. A common problem in the western diet is that they contain too much calcium, with an insufficient amount of magnesium. It can lead to painful calcification of joints and the formation of gallstones and kidney stones. Luckily, it can help you fill-up the calcium-magnesium content with the accurate balance of both.
Brain health
It is a polymer made of sub-units of simpler sugar molecules known as galactose. It is also referred to as brain sugar. It is important for brain development during early ages (for babies and children in their teens) Although the human body produces this brain sugar endogenously, there are times when you need to take it as a supplement. Using it as a brain supplement will help in delivering essential components, including glycoproteins and glycolipids in brain tissues. They also help in protecting the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the central nervous system.
Tips on how to buy Agar-Agar online in the UAE
When you head to buy agar powder online, there are endless options available. You can find them in strips, in powder form or as a part of other healthy ingredients. The choice of any item depends on how and for what reason you are planning to use it. Besides choosing an appropriate type of agar, you will also need to worry about the price, brand, expiry date of the product and other aspects. Buying online can bring you many perks and ease of handling the situation better way. Today we are going to share some tips on how you can purchase it online in the UAE with confidence. Here are some points that you will need to keep in mind.
- Brand value – When it comes to cooking or baking products, buy every ingredient from a reliable brand. A slightly low-quality material can ruin the taste, look, and feel of your recipe. It will also hurt your health. So, before starting the search, choose a few reliable brands to shop from.
- Features & specifications – As the powder will have a slightly different texture, care, and other specification than seaweed strips, you need to look for the product as per your baking/cooking needs. You should know your recipe carefully and choose the type that can serve your need well.
- Customer reviews & ratings – Online buying gives you perks to assess the performance of a product even without buying. All you need to do is to review the customer review and rating sections. It is better to buy a product with higher positive comments from previous users, or it has at least a 3 out of five-star rating.
- Quality and price – With quality come at a higher price. However, edible items are not something where you can compromise on quality to save a few bucks. It is important to look for the best product even if you have to go out of budget a bit. Low-quality items can be an awful choice for your health and well-being.
However, if you are keen to find cheaper items or the best possible price per kg, explore Shops.ae. Here you can use the price comparison tool to find cheaper items from top global brands. It is always a significant idea to compare prices on different brands before deciding. This way, you can also have an idea of what brands are more economical than others and save the information as a reference for future shopping ventures.
Question & Answer
Is agar-agar healthy?
Yes, in many ways, it is a healthy addition to your daily diet. It gives a sensation of fullness and is, therefore, part of many dietary products. For the same reason, it is used as a natural laxative and helps in easing constipation or soothing inflammation in the digestive tract and stomach. With no order or taste of its own, you can easily mix it with any food item to limit the food intake per day. So, you can have a fuller stomach without eating much and thus avoid issues like fast weight gains and have control over obesity and related health issues.
What is agar-agar made of?
It is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae. It is famous in Asia for centuries. As it is derived from plants, it is the best alternative for a vegetarian recipe that need gelatin for any reason. It does not have any odour, taste, or colour. These properties make them an ideal part of deserts and almost all types of dishes without altering the smell or taste. Because of its origin, it is also known as china grass.
How can I use agar-agar?
You can use it in several ways. For vegans, it is a friendly substitute for any recipe that needs gelatin for thinking. For the same reason, it is also used in jelly-based deserts, sauces, pudding, and custards. You can also use 2 tsp of flakes in one cup of liquid in any recipe. Just like gelatin, it needs to be dissolved in boiling liquid. Here you will need to mix it on low heat until it reaches desired thickness. It is better to let it sit and chill before using.
Is agar-agar the same as china grass?
Yes, agar and china grass are alternative names to the same product. Agar is a versatile hydrocolloid that is completely soluble in boiling milk and water. It is a healthy alternative to gelatin. It is a jelly-like substance extracted from seaweed. The china weed gives a feel of fulness, which makes it a part of many dietary substances. Such substances are mainly used for losing weight and stopping obesity. In Asia, it is also used as an effective digestive remedy to soothe an upset stomach or as a laxative.
Where can I buy agar-agar online in the UAE?
When it comes to buying top quality food and beverages online, head to a retail search engine . This is where you can find reliable items for all your healthy and nutritional needs. At Shops.ae you can find top brands like HI media, Holland And Barrett, Waitrose, Hofer, Horlick, and Lulu. Here you can also use the price comparison tool to compare and buy products within your budget. Besides, with endless options you can explore, you can find more appropriate items to help you take care of your body with natural ingredients.
Meanwhile, you can also explore and buy food and beverages and other baking products from brands like Merck, Oreo, Regal, and Sigma or globally acknowledged websites.