Agar powder by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Agar is a red algae that is a unique vegetable substitute for gelatin. Called Agar Agar, it has been used as a food ingredient in the Far East for centuries. Agar Powder is derived entirely from natural seaweed. Agar is high in fiber content and is widely used in the traditional Japanese diet.

Agar benefit
Effects of agar and pectin on gastric emptying and post-prandial glycaemic profiles in healthy human volunteers.
Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2007 Nov;34(11):1151-5. Sanaka M, Yamamoto T, Anjiki H, Nagasawa K, Kuyama Y. Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Although long-term diet therapy with agar decreases fasting plasma glucose levels in diabetes, knowledge is lacking about the acute effects of agar on gastric emptying and the post-prandial glycaemic profiles. The present study was designed to investigate the acute effects of agar. Ten healthy male volunteers were studied on three occasions with three different test meals (450 kcal/500 mL): (i) a fibre-free meal; (ii) a meal with 2.0 g agar; or (iii) a meal with 5.2 g pectin. In healthy adults, agar and pectin delay gastric emptying but have no impact on the post-prandial glucose response.

Agar supplement
Suggested Use: Agar can be used as a vegetable substitute for gelatin. Dilute 2 TBSP of agar powder in 1 pint of water or fruit juice. Cook for 5 minutes and then add fruit or vegetables. Pour into mold and refrigerate until hard.