Agar-agar is a substance obtained from red and brown algae of the Pacific Ocean and the White Sea. It is a vegetable analogue of edible gelatin. Most often, agar-agar is used in cooking, it is also used in cosmetology and medicine.
Useful properties of agar agar
Algae, from which agar-agar is obtained, is rich in calcium, iodine, iron, and many other useful substances. Agar-agar helps to remove toxins and toxins from the body, improves liver function. People who regularly eat foods with the addition of agar-agar are less susceptible to viral and colds. This substance is often used as an anti-inflammatory, laxative. Agar helps with breast cancer in women by stopping the development of cancer cells. Hemorrhoids are also treated with it, and with its help they fight overweight.
Pharmacies sell a variety of agar-agar medications. However, they are advised to take after consulting a doctor. Since this product in some cases may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, diarrhea. Also, do not use agar agar with foods containing large quantities of vinegar or oxalic acid. It is not recommended to combine it with chocolate and black tea.
Agar-agar in cooking
Agar-agar is widely used in cooking. It is tasteless, odorless and colorless. Generally, processed seaweed is sold in the form of granules or powder. They are used to prepare marmalade, jelly, jellies and many other dishes. Agar-agar is dissolved, for example, in fruit juice or broth, then heated to a temperature above 90 ° C. The resulting mixture is poured into molds and cooled at room temperature. Experienced housewives assure that it is much more convenient and faster to cook your favorite dishes with agar-agar than with gelatin.
For example, you can make fruit marmalade. Take a glass of natural juice of your choice - orange, cherry, pomegranate, peach, etc. Pour about 100 g into a separate container. Pour 10 g of agar agar into most of the juice. Stir to dissolve the grains and leave for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, pour a glass of sugar and leftover juice into an enamel pot. Over low heat, stirring constantly, wait for the sugar to dissolve. Then add agar-agar juice to a saucepan and bring to a boil. After that, let the resulting syrup cool slightly and pour into molds. Refrigerate for a couple of hours. As soon as the mass hardens, the marmalade is ready.
Agar-agar to help skin and hair
The beneficial properties of agar-agar are also used in cosmetology. The substances contained in the product help to strengthen the hair, make the skin healthy and youthful. For hair, you can make the following balm. Dissolve a pinch of agar-agar 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 each of rosemary and orange essential oils. Mix well and pour the mixture into a glass bottle. Massage the balm onto clean, damp hair and scalp.
Agar agar will "save" dry and irritated skin. Mix half a teaspoon of agar agar powder with 50 ml of chamomile or green tea infusion. Bring to a boil over low heat. Allow to cool to 40 ° C and apply the resulting gel in an even layer on clean, damp skin. After 10-15 minutes, wash off the agar-agar with warm water. You can make such a mask both for the skin of the face and for other parts of the body. And the frequency of use is at least every day.
