Agar

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

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

In dentistry, agar is used to make dental impressions.

In producing procedures, agar is used as an ingredient in emulsions, suspensions, gels, and specific suppositories. [2]

History

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

Agar may have been discovered in japan in 1658 by mino tarōzaemon, an innkeeper in existing fushimi-ku, kyoto who, according to legend, was said to have disposed of surplus seaweed soup (tokoroten) and discovered that it gelled later after a winter night’s freezing. over the following centuries, agar ended up being a common gelling agent in a number of 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 started to be utilized as a solid medium for growing various microbes. Agar was first described for usage in microbiology in 1882 by the german microbiologist walther hesse, an assistant working in robert koch’s lab, on the recommendation of his partner fanny hesse. Agar rapidly supplanted gelatin as the base of microbiological media, due to its higher melting temperature, allowing microbes to be grown at higher temperature levels without the media liquefying.

With its newfound use in microbiology, agar production quickly increased. This production centered on japan, which produced the majority of the world’s agar till world war ii. Nevertheless, with the outbreak of world war ii, many countries were forced to develop domestic agar industries in order to continue microbiological research. Around the time of world war ii, approximately 2,500 lots of agar were produced yearly. By the mid-1970s, production worldwide had increased dramatically to approximately 10,000 tons each year. Since then, production of agar has actually varied due to unstable and often over-utilized seaweed populations. [3]

Types of agar

Different algae produce various kinds of agar. Each agar has unique qualities that please different applications. The agar is strengthened because of its agarose material. Agarose has the potential ability to melt when heated and strengthen when cooled. Because of this characteristic, they are termes “physical gels”. Polyacrylamide polymerization is an irreversible procedure and they are termed chemical gels.

Provided below is a list of various kinds of agar that support the various stress of bacterial growth.

Blood agar

Assistance growth of the majority of bacteria.

Luria bertani (lb) agar

Utilized for routine growing of fastidious microorganisms and serve as a basic medium for microbiological research studies.

Chocolate agar

Assistance development of haemophilus types and neisseria.

Macconkey agar

Supports the growth of gram-negative germs.

Nutrient agar

To grow different type of bacteria (not all) and some fungis.

Neomycin agar

To culture microbes anaerobically.

Other than these, the tissue culture grade agar is utilized for the growth of plants and other biotechnological functions in research labs and by culturists. [4]

Structure of nutrient agar

• Ingredients amount (gm/l)
• Beef extract 3.0 gm
• Peptone 5.0 gm
• Sodium chloride 8.0 gm
• Agar 15.0 gm
• Pure water 1000 ml
• Final ph 6.8 ± 0.2.

Composition of nutrient broth: nutrient broth consists of all these active ingredients other than agar.

Attributes of the parts utilized in nutrient agar/broth

• Beef extract is a liquid extract of lean beef tissues. It contains water-soluble substances of animal tissue, that include carbohydrates, natural nitrogen substances, water-soluble vitamins, and salts.
• Peptone is made by digesting proteinaceous products e.g., meat, casein, gelatin, utilizing acids or enzymes. Peptone is the primary source of organic nitrogen and might consist of carbs or vitamins. Relying on the nature of protein and technique of digestion, peptones differ in their constituents, varying in their capability to support the development of germs.
• Agar is an intricate carbohydrate obtained from specific marine algae. It is used as a strengthening representative 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 includes 2 polysaccharides agarose and agaropectin. Agarose provides gel strength to agar and it contains d-galactose and anhydro l-galactose units. Agaropectin is accountable for the viscosity of agar solutions.

Agar is a bulk laxative. It soaks up water and inflates and leading to increased bowel activity and removal of waste. Agar when contact with water types gel which has emollient or lubricating residential or commercial property. Agar after oral administration swell in the intestine, lubricates and softens the stool, and makes the passage of bowel movements much easier and more regular. [6]

Uses & effectiveness

Potentially efficient for …

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

Insufficient evidence to rate efficiency for …

• Taking a product including agar gel (slim kanten) by mouth daily while following a traditional japanese diet for 12 weeks does not enhance pre-meal blood sugar level levels or insulin resistance in overweight people with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance more effectively than following a conventional japanese diet alone. However, agar seems to help lower body weight and body mass index in these individuals.
• High levels of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood of babies (infant jaundice). A lot of early research suggests that providing agar by mouth for 5 days does not decrease bilirubin levels in infants with newborn jaundice. However, when provided by mouth in addition to light therapy, agar seems to increase the bilirubin-lowering impacts of light treatment and lower the length of time that light therapy is needed.
• Other conditions.

More proof is required to rate the effectiveness of agar for these usages. [7]

What is agar agar?

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

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

Nutrition

Stemmed from red algae, it is rich in numerous vitamins and minerals consisting of magnesium, iron, manganese, amino acids, calcium, folic acid, vital fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 and also includes numerous anti-oxidants. We enjoy the thought of having all those vital vitamins and minerals loaded into our delicious dessert or next sweet reward.

If you are like us and love knowing the nutritional content of foods in figures, you might like to understand that 100g of agar offers only 26 calories, 0g fat, 0g cholesterol, 7g carbs 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 carbs. A hunger suppressant, agar is chiefly comprised of water-soluble, indigestible fibre and is known as a “hydrophilic colloid”. It draws in and takes in water, increasing bulk with extremely couple of calories which offers a feeling of fullness that enables individuals to reduce their food intake. As agar travels through the body it likewise takes in glucose in the stomach, passing it through the gastrointestinal system rapidly thus inhibiting its storage as fat.

Consuming agar as part of a natural weight reduction strategy is known as the “kanten diet” in japan. This entails adding a teaspoon of the powder to tea or warm water and drinking before meals. Promoting a feeling of satiety, it can also help to stabilize blood sugar and block the storage of fat and is a diet that numerous japanese ladies swear by.

Digestive health

The fiber found in agar has numerous digestive benefits. It takes in toxins from the gut and intestinal tract, carrying the toxic waste safely out of the body. Frequently used as a remedy for irregularity, the soluble fiber found in agar takes in water in the gut and kinds bulk which acts as a natural laxative. Managing and cleaning the bowel is one of the foundations of digestion health.

Bone health

Agar agar is high in calcium and magnesium, and whilst calcium is popular for its contribution to strong and healthy bones, a lesser known fact is that it should remain in balance with magnesium to increase bone density. A typical issue in western diet plans is excessive calcium and insufficient magnesium which can cause painful calcification of joints and the development of kidney and gallstones. Fortunately agar consists of a healthy balance of these two essential minerals, together with manganese– a nutrient that is vital to the metabolism and formation of bones.

Brain health

Agar agar is a polymer made up of sub-units of the simple sugar molecule galactose which is typically referred to as “brain sugar”. It is vital for the development of the brain in infants and children, 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 numerous tissues. It is a crucial component of the myelin sheath protecting the brain, spine and central nerve system. With regards to degenerative conditions of the brain, a current research study concluded that: “galactose plays a potentially useful role in eliminating neurotoxic compounds from the brain in patients 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 role of a binding agent in keeping all the active ingredients of a mix together. Agar agar is rich in minerals, boasts calcium, magnesium, iron and copper. Utilizing the powder kind is one of the best methods to utilize it in appeal care recipes, but it is also available in flakes, strips and bars. An added advantage to an algae based peel off mask is that there is a less risk of inflammation for delicate skin types. Agar agar can be a fantastic alternative for exfoliant if other items are making your skin red, inflamed, 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 essential oil (or replace tea tree oil for acne-prone skin)
• 1 pill 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 necessary oil.

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

If you’re unsure, dab a little on the inside of your wrist. The mask should be comfortably warm on your face. If you put it on and it’s a little too hot, rinse it off right now to prevent burns.

Application tips: an old, flat makeup brush works marvels for applying this mask specifically! And think me, precision matters when you’re putting this child on the face.

While using the mask with a face or makeup brush, be sure to prevent the eyebrows and eye location, as it can pull and tug during elimination. You may even discover that you have fewer hairs there than you would like– something that i, sadly, understand from experience! Apply an even layer from chin to forehead, focusing on the nose or any area with concentrated blocked pores or blackheads.

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

If the mask is being especially stubborn in some spots, don’t attempt and require it off– you could really aggravate your skin! Rather, simply damp that part a little with some warm water to assist loosen it. It should then come off much easier!

After you’ve removed most of it, use a warm washcloth and remove any leftover mask. Now, your skin is enhanced to absorb the active ingredients in your regular! 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. Together with external application, consuming it internally also helps with hair and skin care as it is rich in nutrients and minerals necessary for hair development and glowing skin. [13]

Homemade natural hair gel recipe

Makes enough for 2 weeks.

Active ingredients:

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

Directions:

Boil water and add agar agar. Stir continuously until all the flakes are completely liquified. Eliminate from the stove and stir in the aloe vera and essential oils. Let cool to room temperature level before moving to a glass container. Shop in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours before use. Keep cooled when not utilizing– it will save for as much as 2 weeks. [14]

Agar-agar adverse effects

When agar-agar is used sensibly and taken with an adequate amount of water of other fluids, then it might not cause any negative effects. If taken with the inadequate amount of fluid it can cause choking by obstructing the throat or food pipe. Furthermore, it can also cause following side effects:.

• Loss of appetite
• Weak food digestion
• Loose stools [15]

Way to utilize agar agar

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

How to utilize agar agar?

1. Use 2 tsp of agar flakes to every cup of liquid in a dish. Like gelatin, it needs to be dissolved in liquid by bringing it to a boil over medium heat and after that simmering up until thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Set and chill in fridge before use.
2. Use 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 require

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

Agar agar powder– try to find it in asian grocers or online. You can substitute with routine jelly/jello powder or powdered gelatin if needed– just follow the cooking directions on the package to make. If utilizing agar flakes instead of powder, use the conversion ratio of 1 tsp powder to 1 tablespoon flakes.

Coconut milk– we use canned coconut milk with a minimum of 60% coconut extract. Prevent sweetened coconut milk, simply 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 shops well, and is easy to discover at asian grocery stores or online. It’s a remarkably flexible little ingredient which you can use for other sweet asian treats like klepon (coconut rice cakes) and dadar gulung (rolled pancakes), and even savoury meals like thai pandan chicken. If you do not have any pandan flavouring on hand, you can make your own pandan extract or alternative with routine vanilla essence.

How to make agar jelly?

1. Start by putting half your coconut milk into a small mixing bowl. Break in the egg and offer it an actually good whisk to integrate.
2. Meanwhile heat the water in a big saucepan over medium heat. Include the agar powder and offer it a swirl to blend through and liquify. Slowly gather the coconut milk and egg mix and stir. Carefully give the boil and keep stirring. Then gradually include your remaining coconut milk.
3. Next, add in the sugar, salt and pandan essence (optional). Taste the mixture, however take care not to burn your tongue! If it’s not sweet enough, you can add more sugar, or an additional sprinkle of salt or pandan essence til you’re happy with the flavour.
4. Cook and stir for a couple of more minutes, then remove from the heat.
5. Pour the mix out into a big glass meal (or jelly moulds, if utilizing). Skim any bubbles off the surface so your jelly will set good and smooth. Permit 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

Active ingredients

Mango layer

• 250 g mango flesh (for purée), roughly 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 tbsp sugar
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2/3 cup coconut milk

Guidelines

For the mango layer:

1. In a mixer, mix the mango cubes (for purée) and orange juice till smooth. In a little pot, add water and agar powder and stir to distribute the powder. Give a complete boil, stirring often, making certain that all the agar powder has liquified. Sugarcoat and mango purée and blend until smooth. Get rid of from heat and taste, including more sugar and/or lime juice as required.
2. Put the mango mix into a mould. You can use whatever mould you like; i utilized a square pan, but you can likewise make individual ones utilizing cups, glasses, etc. Include the 1-cm mango cubes into the mango base, dispersing the cubes evenly throughout, and pressing them down to make certain they are immersed. If wanted, you can add mint leaves all throughout, pressing them into the mango base. Keep in mind: agar jelly sets at room temperature level, so work rapidly specifically if you are making small ones.
3. Let the jelly set 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 fridge to make it go much faster, but do not let this set entirely cold!

For the coconut layer:

1. In a little pot, integrate water and agar powder and stir to distribute the powder. Bring to a complete boil, stirring frequently, making certain that all the agar powder has liquified. Sugarcoat, salt, and stir till dissolved. Include coconut milk, stir to blend and eliminate from heat. You can utilize this instantly if the mango layer has actually set, if the mango layer has actually not set, keep this mixture hot, covered, over the lowest heat setting on the stove to prevent it from setting and ending up being clumpy.
2. As soon as the surface area of the mango layer has actually set, gently pour the coconut layer over the back of a spoon on to the mango base (if you pour too difficult it might break or trigger damages in the mango layer). Refrigerate for a couple of hours until cold.
3. When cold, cut into cubes with a sharp knife and enjoy! [18]

Unique precautions and warnings

• Children: agar is perhaps safe when provided by mouth to babies for a short period of time.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: there is insufficient trusted info about the security of taking agar if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and prevent use.
• Bowel clog (blockage): agar might make bowel blockage worse, specifically if it isn’t taken with sufficient water or other liquid. Get medical suggestions prior to taking agar if you have a bowel blockage.
• Problem swallowing: agar may swell up and obstruct the consuming tube (esophagus) if it isn’t taken with adequate water or other liquid. This can be especially dangerous for someone who has difficulty swallowing. Get medical recommendations prior to taking agar if you have a swallowing issue.
• Colon cancer: there is some issue that consuming a certain kind of dietary fiber, such agar, may increase the danger of establishing colon tumors. Get medical recommendations before taking agar if you have a history of or are at danger for colon cancer. [19]

Conclusion

Our experiments provide an economical method to fundamental microbiology education while allowing inquiry-based science education. Simply put, they provide a means of teaching “overarching principles” and “essential competencies for clinical thinking and lab skills” as suggested by the curricular guidelines of the american society for microbiology (e.g., the idea “people utilize … microbes” and the proficiency “capability to apply the process of science”). Besides decreasing expenses, our technique may assist students better connect to the material: it seems more real given that it is from their daily lives. Possibly this even helps catch their imagination, creating more intrinsic inspiration to find out the subject. [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/