Agar-agar helps with weight loss and replaces gelatin in vegetarian recipes

Also known simply as agar or agarose, agar-agar is a gelatinous compound extracted from different red seaweeds. It is believed that its use is ancient and that it had been discovered in Japan in 1658. Today, however, it is a substance used all over the world, and it has gained much prominence especially in vegetarian and vegan cuisine (in place of gelatine). animal) in numerous preparations.

The name agar means gelatin; but, with very different properties from the gelatines commonly found out there, agar-agar stands out for offering numerous health benefits and, in addition, for being versatile, and can be easily included in the diet.

Priscila Amadio, nutritionist at the Chiquetá clinic, comments, for example, that agar contains 94.8% soluble fiber. “In this way, its consumption helps to regulate the functioning of the intestine; in addition to providing satiety (with little consumed)… All this with virtually no calories,” she says.

But the benefits don’t stop there! Below you know a little more about this product and learn how to use it on a daily basis, in delicious recipes!

Benefits of agar agar

Nutritionist Gabriela Rebello highlights the following as the main benefits of agar-agar:

1. Regulates the functioning of the intestine, preventing constipation and infections;
2. Acts as a good detoxifier;
3. Increases skin elasticity, helping to prevent wrinkles and acne;
4. Helps with weight loss and appetite control.

In addition, it is worth remembering: agar-agar can be used in several recipes – especially vegetarian ones – and has few calories.

Agar X Ordinary Gelatin

There are several differences between these two products. Starting with the fact that regular gelatin is of animal origin, while agar is of vegetable origin.

Priscila explains that agar-agar has, for example, greater gelling power (it is about three times stronger) compared to regular gelatin, in addition to offering a firmer preparation. For example, in a recipe where you would need 10 grams of gelatin, you would need approximately 3.4 grams of agar.

Gabriela also highlights the advantages of agar-agar in relation to common gelatine:

• Helps in weight loss;
• It does not change the taste of food and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes;
• Yields much more (better value for money);
• Does not melt at room temperature;
• It is composed almost entirely of fiber;
• It is a product free of dyes, chemical additives, sugars or sweeteners.

Although the quantities and the way of preparation are different (between agar-agar and common gelatin), the results are very similar, with agar only having a more resistant consistency.

Ways to use agar-agar

Priscila explains that agar-agar is found in different forms, such as powder, flakes or bar. The difference is only in the way of preparation; powdered agar being the easiest to use and the most used when replacing regular gelatin.

agar powder

Gabriela guides: 4g of agar powder is basically equivalent to 12g of unflavored powdered gelatin.

If the idea is to prepare an “agar-agar gelatin”, the necessary ingredients are: 1 cup (tea) of natural fruit juice and 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder. Then just put the juice and powder in a pan, turn on the fire and stir. When it boils, wait for it to cool and that’s it. No need to put it in the fridge.

agar in capsules

Gabriela explains that the indication is usually to consume the capsule 30 minutes before the main meals, with a glass of water. Thus, the idea is that it helps control satiety (and, consequently, weight loss).

“The concentration of agar will depend on the needs of each patient and the stage at which they are in the process of food reeducation. You can even compose herbal capsules, thus increasing the benefits offered to the body”, says Gabriela.

agar tea

Priscila explains that this tea provides satiety, as the fiber will form “a gel” when consumed. To prepare:

• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of agar-agar in 1 glass of warm water. After that, you can drink the tea.

7 agar-agar recipes to try at home

See cool ideas on how to include agar in your diet, regardless of whether you are a vegetarian or not:

1. Pineapple candy: a delicious and refreshing dessert. In addition to agar and pineapple, you will use water, granulated sugar, coconut milk or soy cream. It is a vegan and gluten free recipe.

2. Zucchini cheese: a different and easy-to-make “vegetable cheese”. You will need, in addition to the zucchini and agar, coconut oil, lemon, nutmeg, salt and seasonings to taste.

3. Flan Romeo e Julieta: a vegan recipe, gluten-free and lactose-free, and still protein. The texture is very good, firm enough for the dessert to be beautiful and with a creamy consistency, like cheesecake.

4. Apple and red pepper jelly: a healthy option to spread on bread, toast, tapioca, cookies. The best properties of this recipe are the thermogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Tip for a pre-workout snack!

5. Hibiscus jelly: a light recipe, with little sugar and, best of all, it’s delicious! You will only need dried hibiscus, agar agar, demerara sugar, cinnamon and cloves.

6. Guava Mousse: A vegan version of this popular dessert. In addition to agar, you will use soy milk, chopped guava, lemon, soy cream, water and sugar.

7. Passion fruit caviar: you will only need agar, passion fruit flavored liquid, olive oil or chilled mild flavor oil. You can use concentrated passion fruit juice (the one in a bottle), adding less water and being able to sweeten it, if necessary.

It is worth remembering that those who want to consume agar-agar with the idea of ​​losing weight should bet on healthy recipes (which do not contain sugar, for example, among other ingredients).

Agar and slimming

Agar-agar can indeed be an ally in the weight loss process. Priscila explains that, with its consumption, there are improvements in the functioning of the intestine (due to the fibers) and in the absorption of nutrients. “Weight reduction can occur due to the satiety that this type of ‘gelatin’ provides, improves the appearance of the skin, in addition to the fact that the product has few calories. But beware: its fibers can cause a laxative effect,” she says.

Now you know: versatile, agar-agar is a great option for those who want to lose weight, replace gelatine of animal origin, or simply have a healthier diet!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.