Agar jelly, or agar agar, is a natural, vegetable-based gelatin made from seaweed. Seaweed is high in potassium and magnesium, which, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, assists the body in regulating blood pressure. Incorporating agar agar into beverages, desserts, jellies, pies and soups adds these essential minerals to your diet in a natural form rather than relying on a manufactured supplement. In addition, if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet plan, agar agar is a 100 percent vegetable product, unlike most gelatin products.
Step 1
Consult with your health care provider regarding your high blood pressure and incorporating agar agar in your DASH eating plan. DASH is the acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, an eating plan recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Step 2
Add agar agar gelatin to your eating plan. Mix 1 1/2 tbsp. agar agar with 1 cup of water or juice. Bring to a boil and simmer until the flakes have dissolved. Allow to jell at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Step 3
Suspend fruits or vegetables in agar agar gelatin instead of in commercial gelatin products. Stir the fruit into the gelatin after dissolving the agar agar flakes in boiling water or juice, then allow to cool. Adding gelatin salads and desserts may help you stick to your DASH eating plan as well as add natural blood pressure lowering elements to your diet.
Step 4
Substitute agar agar and water for the liquid and egg mixtures in recipes such as custards, sweet potato or pumpkin pies and baked goods. Dissolve 1 1/2 tbsp. agar agar flakes in 1 cup of boiling water first, then add to the recipe in a one-to-one ratio -- that is, 1 cup of agar agar mixture for 1 cup of water or other liquids. To substitute for one large egg, mix 1/4 tsp. agar agar with 1/4 cup boiling water and 1 tsp. low-sodium baking powder. If you are substituting for one egg white, use 1 tbsp. agar agar whipped into 1 tbsp. boiling water, chill and then whip again.
Tips and Warnings
- Always dissolve agar agar flakes in boiling liquid. If it jells before adding other ingredients, simply reheat to liquefy the gelatin. Sugar and cholesterol-free, agar agar provides magnesium, potassium and other essential vitamins and minerals without adding fat and calories to your diet. Reduce salt in your diet. Take all medications as prescribed.
- Always discuss all supplements and herbal remedies with your health care provider; natural remedies may interfere with your prescriptions. While agar agar jells at room temperature, it should be kept in the refrigerator due to its high protein content. Agar agar may cause diarrhea.
Things You'll Need
- Agar agar flakes
- Water
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Fruits or vegetables
- Low-sodium baking powder
