Benefits of konjac root – The corm of the Devil’s tongue is the konjac root (in Austria, it is also referred to as voodoo lily). Konjac has been used as a medicine to extend people’s lives in Japan for over 1,500 years.
Medicinal ingredients that have been around for centuries are frequently relied on for safe and effective health benefits. The konjac root, for example, is a popular Asian medicinal plant. It can help with weight loss, reduce diabetes symptoms, and boost immunity.
What is Konjac Root?
The konjac root comes from an Asian root plant that is commonly grown in Japan and China and is used for medicinal purposes. Konjac is also known as elephant yam, devil’s tongue, or konnyaku in Asian countries. The locals use it for medicinal purposes.
The starchy corm of konjac is surrounded by a fibrous center known as glucomannan. It is now used for its health benefits all over the world, not just in Asian countries. Dietary fiber from konjac roots can be consumed in a variety of ways around the world, including dietary supplements, flours, and jellies.
In Asia, the starchy root of the konjac plant has traditionally been used as medicine. When the health benefits were rumored all over the world, they were manufactured in a variety of ways:
- Dietary supplements
The fiber in konjac’s starchy root is soluble, making it popular as a dietary supplement.
- Flours
The plant can be ground into powder into flour, which is a popular alternative for noodles.
- Jellies
Konjac flour becomes gum-like after additional processing. Because of its texture, it is an excellent substitute for gelatin.
To reap the most health benefits from konjac roots, consume it in a more concentrated form, such as a supplement.
What are the Benefits of Konjac Root?
Among many other health benefits, Konjac root has been reported to be a useful weight loss aid. More on how konjac root may benefit your health can be found below:
Konjac as the weight loss aid
Because glucomannan suppresses appetite and curbs cravings, it can help people eat less. Eating fewer calories as a result of a reduced appetite frequently results in weight loss.
When used as a konjac root dietary supplement to aid in weight loss, glucomannan is taken. It is not a fat burner, but rather a promotion for longer post-meal satisfaction.
It can reduce bad cholesterol
Glucomannan has been shown to aid in the reduction of both total and bad cholesterol levels. As a result, those who have high cholesterol can reap significant health benefits from taking the plant root as a supplement. As a result, konjac root may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
It helps to manage diabetes
Clinical studies show that glucomannan can help with type 2 diabetes management. The active ingredients assist diabetic patients in stopping or reducing the number of foods they consume, which causes a spike in blood sugar levels.
Glucomannan can help people feel more satisfied after eating, which can help them control their eating habits and control their blood glucose levels.
Konjac can improve skin health
The konjac root has a high concentration of glucomannan, a natural moisturizer. This not only moisturizes the skin, but it also improves elasticity and reduces the appearance of aging.
It can regulate bowel movements
Dietary fibers aid in the regulation of bowel movements and the overall health of the digestive system. Konjac root is high in fiber, which can help with constipation and bowel consistency.
It can reduce PMS symptoms
The konjac root supports your diet with minerals and vitamins. This can help to alleviate PMS symptoms. The root plant is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which helps to reduce swelling and PMS pains during the phase.
Konjac as boost metabolism
Glucomannan is a water-soluble fiber which can impact people who have a slow or unbalanced metabolism. By increasing blood flow and energy, the compound boosts metabolic rate. This, in conjunction with a healthy diet, promotes weight loss and improved digestion.
It improves oral health
The konjac root contains anti-bacterial components that benefit both overall health and oral health. This can aid in the reduction or elimination of minor oral health issues such as inflammation, pain, and the fight against harmful bacteria.
It increases mineral absorption
A healthy diet is beneficial to the body, but improved mineral absorption can provide even greater benefits. Konjac root improves the body’s ability to absorb minerals naturally. As a result of improved absorption, a person can benefit more from the healthy foods and beverages they consume.
It excels wound recovery
Konjac root is high in mannose carbohydrates, which can hasten wound healing. Glucomannan also has a natural immune-boosting effect. A well-regulated and healthy immune system aids the body’s ability to fight bacteria and recover.
Risks and Side Effects of Konjac Root
Although there are numerous health benefits to consuming konjac root, there are some potential risks and hazards:
Potential choking hazard
The konjac root, as a jelly, contains a lot of water and does not dissolve completely when chewed. To avoid choking, it is best to chew more than usual when eating konjac jelly. It is good that small children break down the jelly before eating it.
Increased risks for those with blood sugar
Glucomannan has the potential to raise blood sugar levels. To avoid potential risks, those with high blood sugar or diabetes should seek medical advice before consuming konjac root.
May cause diarrhea
Diarrhea may occur as a result of konjac root improving the digestive system and assisting with bowel movements.
If you have a weak stomach or are prone to frequent bowel movements, avoid taking konjac root.
Because of its potential health risks, konjac root has been banned in some countries, including Australia. As a result, take extra precautions and seek medical advice before consuming konjac root in any form.
Dietary fiber may cause the following side effects:
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Bloating
- Sickness
Because of its numerous health benefits, konjac root has been used for centuries in Asian countries. It was once primarily used in pharmaceuticals. Some countries export it to all over the world. People can consume it as supplements, flours, and jellies. All konjac root forms have numerous proven health benefits, ranging from weight loss to diabetes management.
