What is Agar?
Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae. It is primarily used as a gelling agent in food preparations as it forms a soft and elastic thermo-reversible gel. Agar has been used as an alternative to gelatin in various cuisines for centuries.
Nutritional Value of Agar
Agar is low in calories and fat-free. It contains small amounts of dietary fibers, proteins, and minerals. Some of the key nutrients present in agar include:
- Dietary Fiber: Agar contains both soluble and insoluble fibers that aid digestion and regulate bowel movements. 100 grams of agar provides about 17 grams of dietary fiber.
- Proteins: Agar supplies small amounts of essential proteins in the form of amino acids like lysine and glutamic acid. It contains 4 grams of protein per 100 grams.
- Minerals: Agar is a good source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains traces of iron and phosphorus that support various metabolic functions in the body.
Health Benefits of Consuming Agar
Owing to its nutritional composition and properties, agar provides numerous health advantages. Some research-backed benefits are;
- Supports Digestive Health: The dietary fibers in agar feed the beneficial gut bacteria and promote regularity. It adds bulk to stool and aids easier bowel movements.
- Manages Blood Sugar Levels: Studies show agar can help control blood sugar spikes after meals as its gel-forming fibers slow down the absorption of glucose. This makes it suitable for diabetics.
- Supports Weight Loss: Being low in calories, agar is a helpful addition to calorie-controlled diets. Its gel-like texture keeps you feeling full for long and prevents overeating.
- Boosts Immunity: The antioxidants and minerals in agar support the immune system and reduce inflammation. Some research links agar intake to lower risk of respiratory infections.
- Heart Healthy: Studies link soluble fibers like in agar to lower cholesterol levels and reduced heart disease risk over time. It may protect against hypertension as well.
Uses of Agar in Food and Beverages
Agar finds various culinary uses due to its gelling properties. Here are some popular applications:
- Vegetarian Jellies and Desserts: Agar is widely used to prepare delicious non-gelatin desserts and jellies that have a bouncy, tender texture. Flavored agar jellies are popular across Asia.
- Thicken Soups and Sauces: Even a small amount of agar can thicken liquids smoothly without changing the taste. It is used to lend body to broths, stocks, fruit sauces, and salad dressings.
- Baked Goods: Agar can replace eggs in vegan recipes for cakes, muffins, and breads to hold them together. The final product turns out light and fluffy.
- Beverages: Agar powder or flakes can gel fruit juices, coconut water, and nut milks into healthy, non-dairy beverages. It provides a smooth mouthfeel.
- Vegetarian Gelatin: Agar mimics the gelling properties of animal gelatin to prepare aspics, mousses, puddings without using any animal products.
- Cosmetics: In hair and skin products, agar delivers nourishing moisture and smooth texture. It forms the base for natural gels, creams, and masks.
How to Include Agar in Your Diet
Here are some easy ways to start adding agar to your meals:
- Make fruit jellies - Combine fruit juice, water, agar flakes and sweetener in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then pour into molds and refrigerate until set.
- Thicken yogurt - Mix 1 tsp agar powder into yogurt and enjoy the creamier texture. Great for breakfast.
- Add to soups - Whisk 1⁄2 tsp agar into hot broth or vegetable soup. It will lend body without changing the taste.
- Make agar gelatin shots - Flavor water with herbs or fruit, add 1⁄2 tsp agar, boil and pour into silicone molds for nutritious on-the-go snacks.
- Stir into smoothies - Agar powder provides thickness and nutrition to creamy frozen fruit blends without altering the flavor.
- Bake with it - Replace eggs with 1 tsp agar in recipes for vegan muffins, cupcakes etc. for light texture.
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The global Agar Agar Gum Market research report, published by Value Market Research, is designed to offer various market framework such as market size, portion, trends, growth path, value and factors that impact the current market dynamics over the forecast period 2020-2027.
Most importantly, this report also provides the latest significant strategies adopted by major players along with their market share.The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide.
The major players in the agar agar gum market include Meron Group, Myeong Shin Agar, Marine Science Co., Ltd., Agarmex, Orient Resources Company, B, TIC Gums, Titan Biotech Ltd., Central Drug House(P) Ltd., Agar Shallow, Agar Corporation Ltd., AsionsvChem, Indoalgas, Able Sales Company.
New technological advances and the extensive use of gum in emerging fields of micro and molecular biology will further propel market growth.
The demand for this vegan alternative derived from seaweed will witness a surge since it provides long-lasting stability to finished products facilitating easy transportation and low-cost storage.
The inclination towards vegan products and creative cooking methods in health-conscious households will be a market booster.
