Going Far With Agar in Your Diet
Registered Dietitian Discusses the Benefits of Agar
Agar, the dietary supplement originally derived from seaweed, is the latest craze in the health and wellness community. Although it is virtually flavorless and odorless, agar offers a plethora of health benefits. According to Keren Gilbert MS, RD, a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist, everyone could benefit from adding more of this Asian supplement into their daily diet.
“In addition to being high in fiber, loaded with minerals, and low in calories, agar acts as an appetite suppressant by expanding and absorbing water in the stomach, leaving you with a greater feeling of fullness,†notes Gilbert, Founder and President of Decision Nutritionâ„¢, a nutrition consulting firm. “A diet rich in agar certainly provides the body with the tools it needs for healthy weight loss, or maintaining optimal health.â€
When cooking with agar, it is important to note that it exists in several forms, including powder, flakes, and blocks. “The substance is commonly used as a gelatinous thickener for soups, jelly and ice cream, to create a more wholesome and filling option,†Gilbert continues.
“Being that agar is free from nearly all allergens (soy, gluten, corn, lactose, starch, eggs, etc.) it makes for an incredible culinary ingredient. In the near future, I believe we will see it as a staple element for healthy diets.â€
About Keren Gilbert MS, RD:
Keren Gilbert is a nutritionist and the Founder and President of Decision Nutritionâ„¢, a nutrition consultant firm in Great Neck, NY and Roslyn, NY. Keren has years of experience in both clinical and private settings and has counseled patients with a variety of nutrition related issues including obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, pre natal, pregnancy and digestive issues. Keren is a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist in the state of New York. Keren completed her Masters degree in nutrition and food studies from New York University (NYU) and completed her dietetic residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She is an accredited member of the American Diabetic Association and the Greater New York Dietetic Association. She is a member of Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Dietitians in Business, The Diabetes Care and Education Diabetic Practice Group and Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN). For more information visit www.decisionnutrition.com or visit Keren on Facebook at Decision Nutrition.
