Manufacturers produce agar from agar-producing red algae, including Gelidium amansii. People have used agar as a gelling agent in Asian desserts for centuries. Today, manufacturers commonly use agar as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Microbiology laboratories also use it to grow bacteria and fungi. Let's explore its many uses and the benefits of agar supplements.

What Are The Health Benefits of Agar Supplements?

Digestive Health

Agar gel extract is approximately 80% fibre, much of which consists of a pectin, so it can help to regulate digestion and intestinal health; thus helping to treat both diarrhea and constipation.

Weight Loss Support

Some popular Asian diets recommend eating agar with water before meals. This causes it to triple in size, leading to an earlier sensation of fullness with the meal, thus aiding in weight loss. Because of its use as a fibre, it can also help to moderate the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, and can bind to excess cholesterol in the gut.

Agar As A Food Additive

Manufacturers often use agar as a food thickening agent because it resembles gelatin. Manufacturers make gelatin from animal bones. They source agar from red algae instead. It also provides a vegetarian thickening agent for foods and supplements.

Where To Buy Agar Supplements?

Manufacturers include agar in digestive health products, vegetarian foods, and many Asian foods. They also sell agar as a powder for direct supplementation or food preparation. People commonly use powdered agar to make jellies and desserts. There is no established dose of agar, but the dietary fibre requirements are between 25 and 38g per day. Agar can help to cover any gaps in your diet, as you require. It can be taken before or with a meal to help slow sugar absorption and to increase the sensation of fullness. Doses used for this are generally between 2 and 5g per dose with meals.