Agar Agar - A miraculous setting agent with multiple health benefits
Agar agar is a gelatin-like substance that has multiple nutritional benefits. It is extracted from the walls of red seaweed that is firmer and stronger than the regular gelatin. This makes it a perfect substitute for gelatin and can be used to make many dishes like panna cotta, ice cream, jam, jellies and to thicken soups and stews. It is also used in quite a few dessert preparations.
Nutritional facts for 10 grams of agar agar
| NUTRITIONAL FACT | MEASURE |
| Calories | 2.6
|
| Total fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0.9 mg |
| Potassium | 23 mg |
| Total carbohydrates | 0.7 g |
| Dietary fibers | 0.1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Calcium | 0.4% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 1% of Daily Value |
Following are some health benefits of agar agar:
1. Promotes weight loss: As agar agar is low in calories, fats, sugar and carbohydrates, it can be included as a part of a weight loss diet. As it absorbs water, it can increase bulk with very few calories making one feel full for longer, hence reducing the unnecessary food intake.
2. Good for digestive health: Agar agar has fiber that is good for the digestive system. It is often used as a cure for constipation as it absorbs water in the gut which forms bulk and acts as a natural laxative.
3. Bone health: Agar agar has a high value of calcium and magnesium. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and magnesium increases bone density, boosts metabolism and helps in the formation of bones.
4. Promotes brain health: Sugar molecule galactose called brain sugar found in agar agar is beneficial for the development of the brain in babies. Studies have also proved that galactose is useful in removing neurotoxic components from the brain of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
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