Agar

See also : Seaweed
Other Names: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 is a gelatinous matter that accumulates around the cell walls of red algae.

Special Precautions of Agar

• Agar seems safe for most adults when taken with at least one 8-ounce glass of water. If it is not taken with enough water, agar can swell and block the esophagus or bowel. Immediate medical attention is necessary if chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing occurs after taking agar. *In some people, agar may also raise cholesterol.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of agar during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Bowel blockage (obstruction): Agar might make bowel obstruction worse, especially if it isn’t taken with enough water or other liquid. Get medical advice before taking agar if you have a bowel obstruction.
• Trouble swallowing: Agar might swell up and block the eating tube (esophagus) if it isn’t taken with enough water or other liquid. This can be especially dangerous for someone who has trouble swallowing. Get medical advice before taking agar if you have a swallowing problem.

Benefits and uses of Agar are

• Constipation : Agar contains a gel-like substance that bulks up in the gut. This stimulates the intestines and creates a bowel movement. That’s why agar is commonly used as a laxative.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity : Agar’s bulking effect also explains its use for weight loss. Agar tends to make people feel full, so they might stop eating earlier than they otherwise would. Some people think this reaction will lead to weight loss. But so far, there is no reliable scientific evidence that supports this weight loss theory.