Aperient, Demulcent, Education, Herbal Descriptions, Laxative, Nutritive, Single Herbs, Therapeutic Actions

Agar Agar

Summary:

Agar (or Agar Agar), sometimes referred to as kanten, is a gelling agent coming from a South East Asian seaweed. It is used for scientific purposes (in biology for instance), as a filler in paper sizing fabric and as a clarifying agent in brewing. Agar can also be used as a laxative (it’s 80-percent fiber) and as an appetite suppressant.

And it’s of course an amazing culinary ingredient. It’s a vegetarian gelatin substitute, a thickener for soups, in fruits preserves, ice cream and others desserts. (Not Enough Cinnamon)

Botanical name:

Gelidiella acerosa

Origin:

Japan

Agar-Agar, Agarose, Agarose Gel, Agaropectin, Agarweed, Algue de Java, Chinese Gelatin, Colle du Japon, Garacilaria confervoides, Gélatine de Chine, Gelidiella acerosa, Gelidium amanasii, Gelidium cartilagineum, Gelidium crinale, Gelidium divaricatum, Gelidium pacificum, Gelidium vagum, Gelosa, Gelosae, Gélose, Japanese Isinglas, Kanten Diet, Kanten Jelly, Kanten Plan, Layor Carang, Mousse de Ceylan, Mousse de Jaffna, Qion Zhi, Seaweed Gelatin, Vegetable Gelatin, Vegetarian Gelatin.

Agar agar, also known simply as agar, is a gel-like substance derived from red algae. It’s found in powder, flake and bar form and can be mixed with liquid and simmered to act as a thickening agent for desserts, soups and sauces alike.

It’s a popular alternative to gelatin because it’s plant-based, flavorless and suitable for most diets. It also has a higher melting point than gelatin, making it ideal for use as a solid medium in the laboratory.

In addition to its culinary benefits, agar agar is loaded with nutritional benefits as well. It’s low in calories but high in fiber, manganese, magnesium, folate and iron. It may also help improve digestive health, aid in weight loss and keep your blood sugar stable.

Agar agar contains a good chunk of fiber, plus a range of micronutrients, including manganese, magnesium, folate and iron.

One ounce of agar powder contains approximately: (11)

  • 85.7 calories
  • 22.6 grams carbohydrates
  • 1.7 grams protein
  • 0.1 gram fat
  • 2.2 grams dietary fiber
  • 1.2 milligrams manganese (60 percent DV)
  • 216 milligrams magnesium (54 percent DV)
  • 162 micrograms folate (41 percent DV)
  • 6 milligrams iron (33 percent DV)
  • 175 milligrams calcium (18 percent DV)
  • 1.6 milligrams zinc (11 percent DV)
  • 6.8 micrograms vitamin K (9 percent DV)
  • 315 milligrams potassium (9 percent DV)
  • 0.2 milligram copper (9 percent DV)
  • 0.8 milligram pantothenic acid (8 percent DV)
  • 1.4 milligrams vitamin E (7 percent DV)

In addition to the nutrients listed above, agar agar also contains a small amount of vitamin B6, riboflavin and selenium.

Full access to the contents of this page is for members only. Please log in or choose a membership to view more.

For a natural health consultation, call 503-362-5899 Or write to: truman@herbalhealthreview.com

Avatar photo
Dr. Truman Berst

Doc Truman started his training in 1961 with Dr. Norma Myers, Master Herbalist and Dean of Green Shores Herbal College in Vancouver, B.C. Dr. Myers was an Iroquois Native American, and a close friend of Nurse Renee Cassie. Dr. Truman continued his research with Dr. Myers until her death in 1988, when she gave him Power of Attorney to carry on her Christian Ministry of Natural Health Research and Education. He received a BS, Masters, and Ph.D. from Green Shores Herbal College in Ethnobotany and Phytotherapy. He is a graduate Master Herbalist, Chartered Herbalist, and Master of Herbology. He also received his Credentials of Ministry and Bishops Certificate from The Christian Heritage Institute, Florence, Oregon. In the last 62 years, Truman has researched and studied with many of the world’s greatest advocates of natural healing, including Dr. John R. Christopher. He also was the Executive Director of Sales for Nature’s Herbs. He founded Health & Herbs a not-for-profit Unincorporated Private Member Association that is an outreach of Good Shepherd Ministries. Truman is a member of the, American Herb Association, American Botanical Council, and Herb Research Foundation. He has created more than 14,000 natural remedies in the forms of extracts, teas, powders, salves, creams, lotions, capsules and tablets and more.

Skip to content