Agar helps with weight loss and replaces gelatin in vegetarian recipes

Also known simply as agar or agarose, agar is a gelatinous compound extracted from different red seaweed. Its use is believed to be ancient and had been discovered in Japan in 1658. Today, however, it is a substance used worldwide, and it has gained a lot of prominence especially in vegetarian and vegan cooking (in place of gelatin). animal) in numerous preparations.

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

Priscila Amadio, nutritionist at the Chiquetá clinic, comments, for example, that the agar contains 94.8% of soluble fiber. This way, its consumption helps regulate bowel function; besides providing satiety (with little consumed)? Is it all practically calorie free?

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

Agar Benefits

Nutritionist Gabriela Rebello highlights as main benefits of agar:

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1. Regulates bowel function, preventing stuck bowel and infections;
2. It acts as a good detoxifier;
3. Increases skin elasticity, helping to prevent wrinkles and acne;
4. Assists in weight loss and appetite control.

Also, remember: can agar be used in various recipes? especially in vegetarians? and has few calories.

Agar X Common Gelatin

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

Priscila explains that the agar has, for example, a higher gelling power (about three times stronger) compared to ordinary gelatin, and offers a firmer preparation. For example, in a recipe where you would need 10 grams of gelatin, you will need approximately 3.4 grams of agar.

Gabriela also highlights as advantages of agar over common gelatin:

• Weight loss aid;
• It does not change the taste of food and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes;
• It yields much more (better cost benefit);
• Does not melt at room temperature;
• It is composed almost entirely of fibers;
• It is a product free of dyes, chemical additives, sugars or sweeteners.

Although the amounts and preparation are different (between agar and common gelatin), the results are very close, and the agar only has a more resistant consistency.

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Ways to use agar

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

Agar Powder

Gabriela advises: 4g of agar powder basically equals 12g of flavorless gelatin powder.

If the idea is to make an "agar gelatine", the required ingredients are: 1 teaspoon of natural fruit juice and 1 teaspoon of agar powder. Then just put the juice and powder in a pan, turn the heat on and stir. When it boils, wait for it to cool and you're done. No need to put in the fridge.

Capsule Agar

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

The concentration of agar will depend on the needs of each patient and the stage they are in the process of dietary education. Can even compose herbal capsules thus increasing the benefits offered to the body ?, says Gabriela.

Agar tea

Priscila explains that this tea provides satiety, because the fiber will form? A gel? when consumed. To prepare:

• Dissolve 1 teaspoon agar in 1 cup of warm water. After that, you can already consume the tea.

10 recipes with agar for home testing

Here's some cool ideas on how to include agar in your diet, whether you're a vegetarian or not:

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1. Macadamia Cheese: A Delicious Option of? Cheese? for the intolerant, vegans and / or adepts of a healthy life. It is a cut cheese, which can be served cold, but also melts in the heat.

2. Zucchini Cheese: A? Vegetable Cheese? Different and easy to do. You will need, in addition to zucchini and agar, coconut oil, lemon, nutmeg, salt and spices to taste.

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

4. Fruit Terrini: Made with agar, it's a great vegan option for those who don't want to abandon dessert and want to make everything healthier with lots of fruits. Not to mention that the result is a beautiful dessert!

5. Apple Jelly and Red Pepper: A healthy option for bread, toast, tapioca, cookies. The best properties of this recipe are the thermogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Tip for a pre-workout snack!

6. Hibiscus Jelly: A light, low-sugar recipe and the best is delicious! You only need dried hibiscus, agar, demerara sugar, cinnamon and cloves.

7. White Chocolate Mousse: Using gelatin in desserts is very common and often necessary. But for vegetarians, agar is the best replacement in these cases! In this delicious recipe, it ensures the ideal consistency for dessert.

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

9. Passion Fruit Caviar: You will only need agar, passion fruit liquid, olive oil or mild ice-cold oil. You can use concentrated passion fruit juice (the little bottle), putting less water, and can sweeten if necessary.

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

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

Agar and weight loss

The agar can be an ally in the weight loss process. Priscila explains that with its consumption, there are improvements in bowel function (due to fiber) and nutrient absorption. ? Weight reduction may occur due to the satiety that this type of? Gelatin? provides, improves the appearance of the skin, and the product has few calories. But beware: can your fibers cause a laxative effect ?, he says.

Now you know: versatile, agar is a great choice for those who want to lose weight, replace animal gelatin, or simply have a healthier diet!

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