Agar is an additive from the food group, which is most often found under the name E406. The additive has a yellowish color, has the form of a powder. Agar contains mineral salts, water and polysaccharides. E406 is a natural stabilizer.
Since the additive is completely safe for the human body, it is quite actively used in various industries, most often the additive can be found in the composition of food products.
General information
Agar is available in powdered form or pressed into plates with a yellowish tinge. The additive can only be dissolved in hot water – at a temperature of at least 95°C. When cooled, the water will gradually turn into a gel (jelly).
The additive is obtained through the extraction method. The raw material for E406 is certain red algae, which are mainly harvested in the Pacific Ocean and the White Sea.
According to the chemical composition, the following components should be noted: mineral salts, water and polysaccharides. As a percentage 4/15/80. With the help of this supplement, folic acid, iodine, calcium and potassium also enter the human body.
The description of agar was first found in 1884, and published by the German microbiologist W. Hesse. The microbiologist used E406 as a breeding ground for bacteria.
The additive is practically not absorbed in the human body, and is actively excreted naturally, taking with it all the toxins and toxins. Thanks to this supplement, a feeling of satiety is created, therefore, it is often used as a dietary supplement.
To date, two varieties of agar are distinguished: the first (dark yellow or yellow powder) and the highest (light yellow, grayish or white powder).
Among the main properties of agar it is worth noting: a high level of gelation, significantly exceeds the performance of carrageenan, pectin and gelatin; the ability to completely dissolve only in water with a temperature of ninety-five to one hundred degrees; forms a stable gel that can only melt at temperatures above 80°C; the gel, which is based on E406, does not interrupt the aromas and tastes of the main product; belongs to the category of low-calorie and vegetarian products.
Nutritionists recommend adding E406 to your diet, especially for people who are losing weight, people with gastrointestinal problems (envelops the walls of the stomach, helping to cure gastritis, etc.).
Process of getting
The production of agar consists of several steps. The red algae growing on the reefs in the sea at a depth of more than thirty meters is extracted by divers or appropriate hooks and nets, washed with fresh, fresh and clean water and flattened in direct summer sunlight to dry. This process is repeated many times. In winter, further processing of dry raw materials is carried out. Dried algae are boiled in water to obtain a dense thick liquid, which is purified from proteins and other substances diluted with activated charcoal. After draining, blocks are formed, which are then cut into thin strips. Removal of salt and water is carried out by re-freezing (natural or artificial) and thawing of raw materials, thus finally cleaning the agar and drying it. Over a million tons of additives are produced worldwide annually.
Caloric value
100 g of agar saturates the body with 301 kilocalories. 100 g of the product also contains: 4 grams of protein, no fat at all, 70 grams of carbohydrates.
Applications
This additive is actively used in the food industry as a gelling agent. It can be used both in combination with other thickeners, and in an independent form. E406 is often used in:
- confectionery industry – filling for sweets, production of jams, jams, jelly cakes, soufflés, marshmallows, marshmallows and marmalade;
- ice cream production;
- sauce production – is part of most of the mayonnaise;
- in conservation as fillings;
- as a clarifier for drinks;
- as a retarding agent regarding the process of staleness of bakery products.
Often the additive can be found in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In medicine, agar is used as a natural and mild laxative.
In cosmetology, E406 is used in cosmetology as a thickener for creams, masks, styling products. The supplement stimulates hair growth, restoring the structure of each hair, and also helps to even out the tone of the skin, helps to get rid of scars, abrasions and scratches.
Influence on the body
This dietary supplement belongs to the group of safe and is allowed for use throughout the world, while there are no restrictions on the amount of daily consumption. It is worth noting that E406 is one of the rare nutritional supplements that can be found in baby food (and it is completely safe). Agar is not absorbed by the body, but rather allows you to saturate it and cleanse it of toxins and toxins, causing a slight laxative effect. In the composition of products, manufacturers most often designate an additive in the form of E406 or agar. Due to its properties, as well as complete safety, this additive is actively used in a wide variety of industries. But there are some contraindications to use. Agar is completely not recommended for use by people who are prone to diarrhea.
There are no data on reproductive toxicity. In perinatal developmental toxicity studies in rats and hamsters, no maternal and developmental effects were observed up to the highest dose (1,140 and 650 mg agar/kg body weight per day).
But even in the absence of harm, this supplement has decongestant and antibacterial properties.