Agar agar is the "vegetarian gelatin". It is derived from a South East Asian red seaweed.

Agar agar has no calories, no carbohydrates, no sugar and no fat, and is 80% fiber. It absorbs glucose in the stomach, passes through the digestive system quickly and inhibits the body from retaining and storing excess fat. Its water absorbing properties also aids in waste elimination.

Agar agar absorbs bile, and by doing so, causes the body to dissolve more cholesterol.

So, a diet that includes regular consumption of agar agar will improve digestion and waste elimination, reduce cholesterol and help you feel full, which will help you lose unwanted weight.

Agar agar has several advantages over the traditional gelatin namely:

• It is derived from a plant source rather than an animal source, meaning that it is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, and also for diets with restrictions for moral, ethical, and religious reasons
• It has no taste, no odor and no color
• It sets more firmly than gelatin
• Agar agar is able to set at room temperature; it also stays in jelly form even as the temperature heats up
• Agar agar helps to bring on a sensation of feeling full, which can aid dieting
• It is used as a digestive aid by some people, to ease stomach upsets

Basic directions for use

• Dissove 1 tablespoon of agar agar in 4 tablespoons of hot water; this may need up to 10 minutes
• Bring it to the boil
• Simmer for one to five minutes for powder and 10 - 15 minutes for flakes
• Mix well with warmed ingredients
• Put aside to set. As the ingredients cool, the agar agar will set.

Contains No: Sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg or preservatives.
Botanical Name: gracilaria lichenoides/Gelidium amansii/various red algae
Origin: Natural from Sri Lanka/Refined white powder (kanten) from Japan
Notes: aka "jelly jelly", agar weed. Non-irradiated. Certified Kosher.
Precautions: As a dietary supplement take 2-3 tsp with at least 1 cup (8 oz) liquid; contraindicated in bowel obstruction.

Specifications may change without notice.

Read More About It
wikihow.org How to Use Agar Agar
webmd.com
ehow.com Agar Agar Diet
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