What is agar agar?
Agar-agar is a transparent, slimy substance.
It is obtained from certain species of red algae of the genus Gelidium.
Agar-agar consists of two polysaccharides (carbohydrates), agarose and agaropectin.
Agar-agar is made by cutting up dried seaweed and boiling it in water and dilute acetic or sulphuric acid.
The hot liquid is then filtered and neutralised with an alkaline agent such as sodium bicarbonate.
A jelly is formed when the liquid reaches a temperature of 40°C.
Finally, it is frozen, thawed and dehydrated to remove the colour and taste of the seaweed.
How to use agar agar correctly?
Agar-agar comes in the form of powder, flakes, sticks or threads.
To use it well, it is melted in boiling water and when it cools it forms a jelly.
It can therefore be used to make jellies, jams, creams, mousses, ice creams, puddings, terrines and confectionery.
Agar-agar is 8 to 10 times more gelling than gelatine, so it can be used as a substitute for gelatine, although the amount used should be reduced.
For vegetarians, agar-agar is a good substitute for animal gelatine.
What is the nutritional value of agar?
Per 15 ml (1 g) dry:
- Calories: 3
- Protein: 0.06g
- Carbohydrates: 0,8g
- Fibre: 0.1g
- Sugars: 0.03g
- Lipids: 0g
The health effects of agar agar
Agar provides very small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium and folic acid.
Agar contains a gel-like substance that can stimulate the bowels and reduce constipation.
However, in high doses it can have a laxative effect.
It should be noted that there are no scientific studies to support this information.
The effect of forming a gel in the stomach could also explain its use in weight loss.
Agar-agar would therefore increase satiety and reduce appetite.
Unfortunately, there is currently little reliable scientific evidence to support this theory, except for a Japanese study which showed that taking agar-agar for 12 weeks helped people to lose 2.8 kg, compared with a control group who lost 1.3 kg ( Maheda, 2005).
Adverse effects of agar agar
Side effects
They are rare and gastrointestinal in nature (abdominal pain, diarrhoea).
Contraindications
People who are allergic to agar or red algae, or who have a history of intestinal obstruction, should avoid using agar-agar.
Agar-agar should be used with caution in the following cases
- Diabetics taking medication to lower blood sugar levels
- Patients with high cholesterol
- Patients taking laxatives
Agar agar if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
There is insufficient clinical data in pregnant or lactating women. Therefore, agar-agar is not recommended.
Interactions of agar agar with certain types of medicines
Agar-agar, a hydrophilic source of fibre that stimulates intestinal transit, may reduce the absorption of certain medications and supplements if taken concomitantly.
- Statins: Agar-agar has been shown in humans to reduce blood cholesterol levels and may therefore potentiate the inhibitory effects of statins on cholesterol levels.
- Antineoplastic agents: Agar-agar may block the properties of antineoplastic (anti-cancer) drugs. In fact, animal studies have shown that agar-agar stimulates the development of tumours.
- Other: Agar-agar may enhance the effects of drugs or supplements used to treat obesity. In fact, human studies have shown that agar-agar may have weight loss properties.
- Antioxidant and laxative: Agar-agar may have additive effects to compounds with antioxidant or laxative properties.
- Zinc: Agar-agar may enhance the effects of zinc by increasing its absorption.