What is agar agar and where it is used

Agar-agar is a substance derived from red and brown algae of the Pacific ocean and the White sea. This is a plant analogue of edible gelatin. Most often, the agar-agar is used in cooking, also used in cosmetics and medicine.

Useful properties of agar-agar

Algae from which the agar-agar is rich in calcium, iodine, iron, many other nutrients. Agar-agar helps to remove toxins from the body, improves liver function. People who regularly consume foods with the addition of agar-agar, less prone to virus and colds. This substance is often used as an anti-inflammatory agent, laxative. Helps the agar-agar in breast cancer in women by stopping the growth of cancer cells. Treat them hemorrhoids it also helps struggle with excess weight.

Pharmacies sell various medicines based on agar-agar. However, taking them suggest, after consultation with the doctor. Since this product in some cases can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, diarrhea. Also, do not use agar-agar from products containing vinegar or oxalic acid in large quantities. It is not recommended to combine with chocolate and black tea.

Agar-agar in cooking

The wide use of agar-agar found in cooking. It has no taste, odor and color. As a rule, processed seaweed to sell in the form of granules or powder. From them prepare marmalades, jellies, jellies and many other dishes. Agar-agar is dissolved, for example, in fruit juice or broth, then heated to a temperature above 90°. The resulting mixture is poured into molds and allowed to cool at room temperature. Experienced hostess assured to cook your favorite dishes with agar-agar is much more convenient and faster than gelatin.

For example, you can prepare fruit marmalade. Take a glass of natural juice of your choice – orange, cherry, pomegranate, peach, etc. Approximately 100 g of pour into a separate container. Most of the juice add 10 g of agar-agar. Stir to dissolve the grains, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in an enamel saucepan, add Cup sugar and remaining juice. On a slow fire stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Then add to the pan the juice with agar-agar and bring to a boil. After that, let the resulting syrup cool slightly and pour into molds. Put in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. As soon as the mass hardens, the marmalade is ready.

The agar-agar to help the skin and hair

Useful properties of agar-agar used in cosmetics. The substances contained in the product help strengthen hair, make the skin healthy and young. For hair you can do the following balm. A pinch of agar-agar dissolved in 200 ml of distilled or spring water and heat in a water bath. Then add 30 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice and 2 drops of rosemary and orange essential oils. Mix well and pour the mixture in a glass bottle. Apply the balm to clean damp hair and scalp and massage gently.

Agar-agar over the dry and irritated skin. Half a teaspoon of powder of agar-agar mixed with 50 ml of infusion of chamomile or green tea. On low heat bring to a boil. Let cool to 40 C and apply the gel evenly on clean, damp skin. After 10-15 minutes, rinse agar-agar in warm water. To do such mask it is possible for the skin of the face and other body parts. And frequency of use – at least every day.