Agar

A gelatinous colloidal extract of a red alga (since the genera gelidium, gracilaria, and eucheuma) used particularly in culture media or as a gelling and stabilizing representative in foods. [1]

Summary

Agar is a plant. Individuals utilize it to make medicine. In japan agar is called “kanten,” and it is the main ingredient in “the kanten strategy” or “the kanten diet.”.

Individuals use agar for weight problems, diabetes, irregularity, yellowing of the skin in infants (neonatal jaundice), and other conditions, but there is no good clinical evidence to support these usages.

In dentistry, agar is utilized to make oral impressions.

In manufacturing procedures, agar is utilized as an active ingredient in emulsions, suspensions, gels, and particular suppositories. [2]

History

Ogonori, the most typical red algae utilized to make agar.

Agar may have been found in japan in 1658 by mino tarōzaemon, an innkeeper in existing fushimi-ku, kyoto who, according to legend, was said to have actually discarded surplus seaweed soup (tokoroten) and observed that it gelled later on after a winter season night’s freezing. over the following centuries, agar became a typical gelling agent in numerous southeast asian foods.

Agar was first subjected to chemical analysis in 1859 by the french chemist anselme payen, who had obtained agar from the marine algae gelidium corneum.

Beginning in the late 19th century, agar began to be used as a solid medium for growing numerous microorganisms. Agar was first explained for use in microbiology in 1882 by the german microbiologist walther hesse, an assistant working in robert koch’s laboratory, on the recommendation of his other half fanny hesse. Agar rapidly supplanted gelatin as the base of microbiological media, due to its higher melting temperature, allowing microorganisms to be grown at greater temperatures without the media liquefying.

With its newfound usage in microbiology, agar production quickly increased. This production centered on japan, which produced most of the world’s agar till world war ii. However, with the break out of world war ii, lots of countries were forced to establish domestic agar markets in order to continue microbiological research study. Around the time of world war ii, approximately 2,500 lots of agar were produced each year. By the mid-1970s, production worldwide had increased significantly to around 10,000 lots each year. Since then, production of agar has varied due to unsteady and sometimes over-utilized seaweed populations. [3]

Kinds of agar

Various algae produce different sort of agar. Each agar has unique qualities that satisfy various applications. The agar is strengthened because of its agarose content. Agarose has the potential ability to melt when heated and strengthen when cooled. Because of this particular, they are termes “physical gels”. Polyacrylamide polymerization is a permanent procedure and they are termed chemical gels.

Given listed below is a list of various types of agar that support the different strains of bacterial development.

Blood agar

Support development of most bacteria.

Luria bertani (lb) agar

Used for regular cultivation of fastidious bacteria and work as a general medium for microbiological studies.

Chocolate agar

Assistance development of haemophilus species and neisseria.

Macconkey agar

Supports the growth of gram-negative germs.

Nutrient agar

To grow various kind of bacteria (not all) and some fungi.

Neomycin agar

To culture microorganisms anaerobically.

Aside from these, the tissue culture grade agar is used for the development of plants and other biotechnological purposes in research study labs and by culturists. [4]

Structure of nutrient agar

• Active ingredients quantity (gm/l)
• Beef extract 3.0 gm
• Peptone 5.0 gm
• Sodium chloride 8.0 gm
• Agar 15.0 gm
• Distilled water 1000 ml
• Last ph 6.8 ± 0.2.

Composition of nutrient broth: nutrient broth includes all these ingredients except agar.

Qualities of the components utilized in nutrient agar/broth

• Beef extract is an aqueous extract of lean beef tissues. It consists of water-soluble substances of animal tissue, which include carbohydrates, natural nitrogen compounds, water-soluble vitamins, and salts.
• Peptone is made by digesting proteinaceous materials e.g., meat, casein, gelatin, utilizing acids or enzymes. Peptone is the primary source of organic nitrogen and might include carbohydrates or vitamins. Depending upon the nature of protein and technique of food digestion, peptones vary in their constituents, varying in their capability to support the growth of bacteria.
• Agar is an intricate carb obtained from specific marine algae. It is used as a strengthening agent for media and does not have any nutritive worth. Agar gels when the temperature of media reaches 45 ° c and melts when the temperature level reaches 95 ° c. [5]

System of action of agar

Agar consists of 2 polysaccharides agarose and agaropectin. Agarose offers gel strength to agar and it includes d-galactose and anhydro l-galactose units. Agaropectin is accountable for the viscosity of agar services.

Agar is a bulk laxative. It absorbs water and swells up and leading to increased bowel activity and elimination of waste. Agar when contact with water kinds gel which has emollient or lubricating home. Agar after oral administration swell in the intestinal tract, lubricates and softens the stool, and makes the passage of bowel movements simpler and more regular. [6]

Uses & & efficiency Possibly effective for …

• Taking an item consisting of agar gel (slim kanten) by mouth daily while following a traditional japanese diet for 12 weeks appears to lower body weight and body mass index in overweight people with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance more effectively than following a traditional japanese diet plan alone.

· Insufficient evidence to rate efficiency for …

• Taking an item including agar gel (slim kanten) by mouth daily while following a standard japanese diet plan for 12 weeks does not enhance pre-meal blood sugar level levels or insulin resistance in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance better than following a traditional japanese diet alone. However, agar appears to help lower body weight and body mass index in these people.
• High levels of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood of newborns (infant jaundice). Most early research recommends that giving agar by mouth for 5 days does not lower bilirubin levels in infants with newborn jaundice. However, when given by mouth together with light treatment, agar seems to increase the bilirubin-lowering results of light treatment and minimize the length of time that light therapy is needed.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the efficiency of agar for these usages. [7]

What is agar agar?

Agar agar is a gelatinous compound originated from red algae that has been popular throughout asia for centuries. As it is stemmed from plants, not animals, it appropriates for use by vegans as a substitute for gelatin.

Without taste, odour or colour, agar can securely be used in desserts and other cooking without altering the taste or odor. It sets more strongly than gelatin and can even set at space temperature level. [8]

Nutrition

Stemmed from red algae, it is abundant in numerous vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron, manganese, amino acids, calcium, folic acid, necessary fats omega-3 and omega-6 and likewise contains numerous antioxidants. We like the thought of having all those essential vitamins and minerals loaded into our scrumptious dessert or next sweet treat.

If you resemble us and love understanding the nutritional content of foods in figures, you might like to know that 100g of agar provides only 26 calories, 0g fat, 0g cholesterol, 7g carbohydrates and 0.5 g protein. [9]

Advantages of agar agar

Weight loss

agar agar is thought about a healthy addition to weight loss plans due to it being low in calories, fat, sugar and carbohydrates. A hunger suppressant, agar is primarily made up of water-soluble, indigestible fiber and is known as a “hydrophilic colloid”. It draws in and soaks up water, increasing bulk with really couple of calories which offers a feeling of fullness that permits people to lower their food consumption. As agar takes a trip through the body it likewise takes in glucose in the stomach, passing it through the digestion system rapidly thus hindering its storage as fat.

Consuming agar as part of a natural weight loss plan is referred to as the “kanten diet plan” in japan. This involves including a teaspoon of the powder to tea or warm water and drinking prior to meals. Promoting a feeling of satiety, it can likewise help to stabilize blood sugar level and block the storage of fat and is a diet plan that many japanese ladies swear by.

Gastrointestinal health

The fiber discovered in agar has numerous digestion advantages. It absorbs toxins from the gut and gastrointestinal system, carrying the toxic waste securely out of the body. Often utilized as a treatment for constipation, the soluble fiber found in agar absorbs water in the gut and kinds bulk which acts as a natural laxative. Regulating and cleaning the bowel is among the cornerstones of digestive health.

Bone health

Agar agar is high in calcium and magnesium, and whilst calcium is famous for its contribution to strong and healthy bones, a lower recognized truth is that it must remain in balance with magnesium to increase bone density. A common issue in western diets is too much calcium and inadequate magnesium which can result in agonizing calcification of joints and the development of kidney and gallstones. Fortunately agar consists of a healthy balance of these two essential minerals, alongside manganese– a nutrient that is important to the metabolic process and development of bones.

Brain health

Agar agar is a polymer made up of sub-units of the easy sugar particle galactose which is typically described as “brain sugar”. It is important for the development of the brain in infants and kids, and can be produced endogenously by the body in addition to supplemented from foods such as agar.

When synthesized by the body, galactose forms a part of glycolipids and glycoproteins in several tissues. It is a crucial element of the myelin sheath securing the brain, spine and main nerve system. With regards to degenerative conditions of the brain, a recent research study concluded that: “galactose plays a potentially useful role in getting rid of neurotoxic substances from the brain in clients suffering from alzheimer’s disease”. [10]

Further more

Agar agar for skin benefits

Agar agar contributes towards making the skin soft and keeping it hydrated and hydrated. It also plays the function of a binding agent in keeping all the active ingredients of a mixture together. Agar agar is abundant in minerals, boasts calcium, magnesium, iron and copper. Utilizing the powder type is among the best methods to use it in appeal care recipes, however it is likewise offered in flakes, strips and bars. An included advantage to an algae based peel off mask is that there is a less threat of inflammation for delicate skin types. Agar agar can be a fantastic alternative for exfoliant if other products are making your skin red, swollen, or itchy. [11]

Agar-agar peel-off mask for all skin types

• 1 tablespoon agar powder
• 2 tablespoons hot steamed milk
• 1 teaspoon manuka honey
• 2 drops chamomile important oil (or substitute tea tree oil for acne-prone skin)
• 1 capsule vitamin e oil for dry/aging skin (optional)

You’ll wish to steam the milk in a heat-safe bowl, then add the agar powder. Mix well and add the honey and essential oil.

Keep mixing until the consistency is even. Apply while the mask is still warm but not hot.

If you’re not sure, dab a little on the inside of your wrist. The mask must be conveniently warm on your face. If you put it on and it’s a little too hot, rinse it off right now to avoid burns.

Application suggestions: an old, flat makeup brush works wonders for using this mask precisely! And think me, accuracy matters when you’re putting this child on the face.

While using the mask with a face or makeup brush, make sure to avoid the eyebrows and eye location, as it can pull and pull throughout removal. You might even find that you have fewer hairs there than you would like– something that i, regrettably, know from experience! Use an even layer from chin to forehead, concentrating on the nose or any location with concentrated clogged up pores or blackheads.

When dry– it generally takes 10 to 20 minutes– you’ll feel your face tighten. Start to peel in an upward movement, starting with the chin location. Gently peel the mask up all the way through the forehead area. It may peel in several areas, which is fine.

If the mask is being especially persistent in some spots, don’t try and force it off– you might actually aggravate your skin! Instead, simply wet that part a little with some warm water to help loosen it. It ought to then come off a lot easier!

After you’ve peeled off most of it, use a warm washcloth and eliminate any leftover mask. Now, your skin is enhanced to soak up the active ingredients in your routine! Finish with a hydrating moisturizer or serum. [12]

Is agar great for your hair?

Helpful for skin and hair. Agar agar helps soften the skin if utilized externally as a face pack. Along with external application, consuming it internally likewise assists with hair and skin care as it is rich in nutrients and minerals necessary for hair growth and glowing skin. [13]

Homemade natural hair gel dish

Makes enough for 2 weeks.

Components:

• 1/2 teaspoon agar flakes
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4-6 drops essential oils

Directions:

Boil water and include agar agar. Stir constantly until all the flakes are entirely liquified. Eliminate from the range and stir in the aloe vera and necessary oils. Let cool to space temperature before moving to a glass container. Store in the fridge for at least 3 hours prior to usage. Keep cooled when not using– it will keep for as much as 2 weeks. [14]

Agar-agar negative effects

When agar-agar is utilized carefully and taken with an appropriate amount of water of other fluids, then it may not cause any adverse effects. If taken with the insufficient amount of fluid it can cause choking by blocking the throat or food pipe. Additionally, it can also cause following side effects:.

• Anorexia nervosa
• Weak food digestion
• Loose stools [15]

Method to utilize agar agar

Agar agar can be utilized as a vegan-friendly alternative in any recipe that requires gelatin as a thickening representative, including sauces, jelly-based desserts, custards and puddings.

How to use agar agar?

1. Usage 2 tsp of agar flakes to every cup of liquid in a dish. Like gelatin, it requires to be dissolved in liquid by bringing it to a boil over medium heat and after that simmering till thickened, around five minutes. Set and chill in refrigerator prior to use.
2. Usage 0.9 g agar powder to 100ml of neutral liquid
3. Usage 1.3 g of agar powder to 100ml of acidic liquid [16]

Agar agar jelly with coconut– laotian vun

What you’ll need

Below are the crucial ingredients you’ll require, along with basic staples including an egg, sugar, salt and water.

Agar agar powder– look for it in asian grocers or online. You can replace with regular jelly/jello powder or powdered gelatin if needed– just follow the cooking instructions on the package to make. If using agar flakes instead of powder, use the conversion ratio of 1 tsp powder to 1 tbsp flakes.

Coconut milk– we utilize canned coconut milk with a minimum of 60% coconut extract. Avoid sweetened coconut milk, just utilize routine plain coconut milk so you are always in control of the sweet taste.

Pandan flavouring– we utilize the popular pasta pandan flavouring. It stores well, and is simple to discover at asian supermarkets or online. It’s a surprisingly versatile little component which you can use for other sweet asian deals with like klepon (coconut rice cakes) and dadar gulung (rolled pancakes), or even savoury dishes like thai pandan chicken. If you don’t have any pandan flavouring on hand, you can make your own pandan extract or substitute with regular vanilla essence.

How to make agar jelly?

1. Start by putting half your coconut milk into a small mixing bowl. Crack in the egg and give it an actually good whisk to include.
2. Meanwhile heat the water in a big pan over medium heat. Add the agar powder and provide it a swirl to mix through and liquify. Slowly gather the coconut milk and egg mixture and stir. Carefully give the boil and keep stirring. Then slowly add your staying coconut milk.
3. Next, include the sugar, salt and pandan essence (optional). Taste the mixture, but take care not to burn your tongue! If it’s not sweet enough, you can include more sugar, or an additional spray of salt or pandan essence til you enjoy with the flavour.
4. Prepare and stir for a few more minutes, then remove from the heat.
5. Pour the mixture out into a big glass dish (or jelly moulds, if utilizing). Skim any bubbles off the surface area so your jelly will set good and smooth. Enable the jelly cool on your kitchen area bench for an hour or two (take a look at those layers forming!).
6. As soon as set, cut the jelly into shapes and serve. [17]

Mango coconut jelly cubes

Ingredients

Mango layer

• 250 g mango flesh (for purée), approximately cubed (from about 1 1/2 – 2 mangos, scant 2 cups)
• Flesh of 1 mango, 1-cm cubes
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 tsp agar powder
• 1/3 cup sugar
• Lime juice, to taste
• 15 little mint leaves, optional

Coconut layer

• 2/3 cup water
• 1 tsp agar powder
• 4 tablespoon sugar
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2/3 cup coconut milk

Guidelines

For the mango layer:

1. In a mixer, blend the mango cubes (for purée) and orange juice till smooth. In a small pot, include water and agar powder and stir to distribute the powder. Bring to a complete boil, stirring often, making sure that all the agar powder has liquified. Add sugar and mango purée and whisk until smooth. Eliminate from heat and taste, including more sugar and/or lime juice as needed.
2. Put the mango mix into a mould. You can use whatever mould you like; i used a square pan, however you can likewise make individual ones using cups, glasses, and so on. Include the 1-cm mango cubes into the mango base, distributing the cubes evenly throughout, and pressing them down to make sure they are submerged. If wanted, you can add mint leaves all throughout, pushing them into the mango base. Keep in mind: agar jelly sets at room temperature level, so work rapidly particularly if you are making small ones.
3. Let the jelly set up until the surface area is firm enough to soak the next layer (if you touch it carefully and your fingers are not poking through, it’s ready). You can put it in the refrigerator to make it go much faster, however do not let this set completely cold!

For the coconut layer:

1. In a little pot, integrate water and agar powder and stir to disperse the powder. Give a complete boil, stirring regularly, making sure that all the agar powder has dissolved. Add sugar, salt, and stir until liquified. Add coconut milk, stir to mix and eliminate from heat. You can use this right away if the mango layer has set, if the mango layer has not set, keep this mix hot, covered, over the lowest heat setting on the stove to prevent it from setting and ending up being clumpy.
2. When the surface area of the mango layer has set, carefully put the coconut layer over the back of a spoon on to the mango base (if you put too difficult it might break or cause dents in the mango layer). Cool for a few hours until cold.
3. When cold, cut into cubes with a sharp knife and delight in! [18]

Unique precautions and warnings

• Children: agar is perhaps safe when given by mouth to infants for a short period of time.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: there is inadequate trusted details about the security of taking agar if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Remain on the safe side and prevent usage.
• Bowel obstruction (obstruction): agar might make bowel blockage worse, specifically if it isn’t taken with adequate water or other liquid. Get medical advice before taking agar if you have a bowel blockage.
• Trouble swallowing: agar may swell up and obstruct the eating tube (esophagus) if it isn’t taken with adequate water or other liquid. This can be specifically dangerous for someone who has difficulty swallowing. Get medical recommendations before taking agar if you have a swallowing problem.
• Colon cancer: there is some concern that consuming a particular kind of dietary fiber, such agar, might increase the risk of establishing colon tumors. Get medical suggestions before taking agar if you have a history of or are at danger for colon cancer. [19]

Conclusion

Our experiments provide a low-cost technique to basic microbiology education while permitting inquiry-based science education. To put it simply, they supply a way of mentor “overarching concepts” and “crucial proficiencies for scientific thinking and lab abilities” as recommended by the curricular standards of the american society for microbiology (e.g., the idea “people utilize … microbes” and the proficiency “capability to apply the procedure of science”). Besides lowering costs, our technique may help trainees better associate with the material: it seems more genuine given that it is from their everyday lives. Maybe this even assists record their creativity, creating more intrinsic motivation to find out the topic. [20]

References

1. Https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agar
2. Https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-80/agar
3. Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/agar
4. Https://www.plantcelltechnology.com/blog/agar-types-production-and-application/
5. Https://microbeonline.com/nutrient-agar-composition-preparation-uses/
6. Https://www.medicineindia.org/pharmacology-for-generic/1454/agar
7. Https://www.emedicinehealth.com/agar/vitamins-supplements.htm
8. Https://www.taste.com.au/healthy/articles/how-to-use-agar-agar/7bimvjai
9. Https://blog.131method.com/agar-agar-health-benefits-and-uses/
10. Https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/agar-agar
11. Https://www.onlymyhealth.com/agar-agar-diy-face-mask-1621921698
12. Https://helloglow.co/agar-peel-off-mask/
13. Https://restaurant-norman.com/is-agar-good-for-your-hair/#is_agar_good_for_your_hair
14. Https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/diy-homemade-natural-hair-gel
15. Https://www.ayurtimes.com/agar-agar-kanten/
16. Https://www.taste.com.au/healthy/articles/how-to-use-agar-agar/7bimvjai
17. Https://www.wandercooks.com/coconut-agar-agar-jelly
18. Https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/mango-coconut-jelly
19. Https://www.rxlist.com/agar/supplements.htm#specialprecautionswarnings
20. Https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4690582/