What is konjac – Konjac as a substitute of carbohydrates increasingly popular because of the calories are very low and can be processed with various methods or cuisine. Nowadays various types of processed konjac have been the mushrooming of its existence. Like konjac noodle, konjac flour, and konjac jelly.
It has more soluble fiber, so that the inside of the stomach will last longer and will reduce hunger. In addition, it also has a low-calorie content, so it’s great for weight loss, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Konjac is very suitable to be used as food choices someone who wants to lose weight.
What is Konjac and Its Taste?
Konjac, also known as glucomannan, is an herb native to Asia. It is well-known for its starchy corm, which is a tuber-like part of the stem that grows underground. The corm is used to make a high-fiber dietary supplement.
Glucomannan is used as a gelatin substitute, as well as to thicken and texture foods. Traditional Chinese medicine also makes use of it. Glucomannan is best known in the Western world as a dietary supplement for weight loss and cholesterol management.
It has very little flavor; the most common variety tastes vaguely like salt, with a marginally oceanic taste and smell (from the seaweed powder added to it, though some forms omit the seaweed). It is prized for its texture rather than its flavor.
What is The Use of Konjac?
The use of glucomannan depends on its type. There are some types of konjac, such as konjac powder and konjac noodles.
How to use konjac noodles
Use konjac noodles in stir-fries instead of regular pasta dishes, or combine them with other options such as zucchini noodles or palmini noodles.
Because shirataki noodles are devoid of nutrients, use them sparingly and combine them with other ingredients such as vegetables, meat, sauce, and/or cheese. Spices, herbs, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients will infuse them with fantastic flavor and make them taste truly delectable!
How to use konjac powder
Konjac powder can be used in a variety of beverages, sauces, and even baked goods. It thickens quickly, so make sure to stir or mix it into your food as soon as you add it. Begin with a small amount and gradually increase as needed.
What are Potential Benefits of Konjac?
Glucomannan’s high fiber content has numerous health benefits. Soluble fiber aids in the reduction of cholesterol and blood glucose levels. A fiber-rich diet may also aid in the regulation of bowel movements, the prevention of hemorrhoids, and the prevention of diverticular disease. According to the research:
Konjac and constipation
According to a 2008 study, glucomannan may help prevent constipation. The study found that supplementing a low-fiber diet with glucomannan increased the number of probiotic bacteria in the feces. It also improved bowel movement function by 30%.
The study, however, had a very small sample size of only seven people. Another larger study, published in 2011, looked at constipation in children aged 3 to 16, but found no improvement when compared to a placebo.
Finally, a 2018 study of 64 pregnant women with constipation concluded that GM should be considered alongside other treatment options. As a result, the verdict is still pending.
Konjac and Weight Loss
Fiber is satiating. Eating it on a regular basis keeps you fuller for longer, making you less likely to overeat or snack between meals. Konjac also expands in the stomach, which helps you stay full.
According to a 2005 studyTrusted Source, combining a glucomannan fiber supplement with a balanced 1,200-calorie diet resulted in greater weight loss than a 1,200-calorie diet plus a placebo. Adding another fiber supplement (guar gum or alginate) had no effect.
A 2014 systematic review of nine studies found that GM supplementation did not result in statistically significant weight loss. Another 2015 review study, which included six trials, found some evidence that GM may help adults lose weight in the short term, but not children.
Konjac and cholesterol
According to a 2008 systematic review, glucomannan may aid in the reduction of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Konjac also helped to reduce body weight and fasting blood sugar levels.
The researchers came to the conclusion that glucomannan could be used as an adjuvant therapy for people with diabetes and high cholesterol. A later study discovered that konjac lowered LDL and suggested that it be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Konjac and skin health
According to a 2013 study, konjac can help reduce acne and improve skin health. It is thought to improve wound healing and reduce allergic reactions.
Konjac and blood sugar
Another promising area is the use of genetically modified organisms to aid in blood sugar control. According to one study published in 2000, GM may improve blood sugar control and lipid profile in people with insulin resistance syndrome.
Side Effects of Konjac
In general, glucomannan is well tolerated. However, as with most high-fiber products, it may cause digestive issues such as:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Nausea
Konjac Risks and Precautions
Some konjac candies, according to the FDA, have resulted in choking deaths in the elderly and children. This prompted the FDA to issue an import alert for konjac candies in 2011. Konjac candies have a gelatinous structure that, unlike other gelatin products, does not dissolve in the mouth.
Konjac supplements may also cause an obstruction in your esophagus or bowel. The risk is increased if you:
- take konjac tablets
- take konjac in any form without water
- are elderly
- have problems swallowing
Because of the high incidence of bowel or throat obstruction, several countries have banned the use of glucomannan. Konjac supplements should not be taken by children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of konjac and seek medical attention:
- difficulty breathing
- hives or a rash
- itchy skin
- rapid heart rate
- swelling
Blood sugar levels have been shown to be reduced by glucomannan. Because it may slow sugar absorption, diabetics should keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels. If you take insulin or other diabetes medications, talk to your doctor before using konjac.
After discussing about what is konjac, uses, benefits, and side effects, we can recognize that konjac has two sides. Those are good sides and bad sides. It can be beneficial for health and also has some risks for body health. It is important to consider about those things.
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