The Ultimate Guide to Konjac: Benefits, Uses, and Recipes

Asian root vegetable konjac is used as noodles, snacks, traditional medicine, and a dietary supplement in the West. Amorphophallus is the konjac plant's Latin name. It is well-known for its starchy corm and soluble dietary fibre. The high fibre content of konjac provides many health benefits.

Soluble fibre helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. A diet high in fibre can help prevent diverticular disease and haemorrhoids and help regulate bowel movements.

At "iTz noT," we strive to make eating simpler while adding a dash of nourishment that enhances your overall health. Today we are going to take you through the fundamental knowledge of Konjac or Amorphophallus Konjac, the base ingredient for several of our products and recipes. You can search for recipes and further details about leading a healthy lifestyle on our website.

Konjac and Health Care Benefits

Konjac's high fibre content has numerous health advantages. Blood glucose and cholesterol can be lowered with the use of soluble fibre. In addition to helping to avoid diverticular disease and haemorrhoids, a diet rich in fibre may also assist in controlling bowel motions. The following is a rundown on the health benefits of Konjac.

Skin Health

A 2013 study found that konjac can enhance skin health and lessen acne. It is believed to accelerate wound healing and reduce allergic reactions.

Weight Loss

Fibre provides fullness. Consuming it frequently makes you feel fuller for longer, reducing your tendency to overeat or snack between meals. Additionally, Konjac expands in the stomach to keep you feeling full.

According to a survey conducted in 2005, According to a reliable source, a 1,200-calorie diet that was balanced and included a glucomannan fibre supplement led to more significant weight loss than a 1,200-calorie diet with a placebo.

There was no difference when adding guar gum or alginate, two other fibre supplements.

Cholesterol

According to a 2008 systematic review, konjac may help reduce triglycerides, LDL (or "bad") cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Moreover, konjac lowered fasting blood sugar and body weight.

According to research findings, glucomannan may be used as an adjuvant or extra treatment for individuals with high cholesterol and diabetes. A further study indicated that konjac could be used to cut LDL cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Uses of Konjac

Konjac and Prebiotic/ Probiotic booster

A potentially useful prebiotic, konjac glucomannan (KGM) hydrolysate, may enhance gastrointestinal health by influencing probiotic bacterial growth and encouraging the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In this work, we synthesised oligosaccharides from KGM using lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and investigated their prebiotic properties. It has been demonstrated that the LPMO from Pleurotus ostreatus (PoLPMO9D) effectively depolymerizes KGM and yields a variety of tiny oligomers. The highest activity of PoLPMO9D was seen at 50–60°C and pH 4.0. The growth of the faecal microbiota was 2.76 times higher, the genus Lactococcus showed a significant increase, and the production of SCFAs increased by 14.6 times with a substantial pH decrease when KGM-depolymerizing products produced by PoLPMO9D were used as the carbon source instead of untreated KGM polymers. According to this study, LPMOs could be a suitable substitute enzyme for depolymerizing polysaccharides to create KGM prebiotics.

Konjac contains Glucomannan

Glucomannan can be found as a dietary supplement, in drink mixes, and added to foods like wheat and pasta. It's the primary component in shirataki noodles as well.

Elephant yams are native to Southeast Asia, and 40% of their dry weight comprises glucomannan. It's been used for ages in traditional dishes, including tofu, noodles, konjac jelly, and herbal mixes. Additionally, it is marketed as a dietary supplement, thickening, and emulsifier in food products; the E-number E425-ii identifies it.

Glucomannan is one of the most dense dietary fibres known and can absorb water well. It absorbs so much moisture that the entire contents of a glass of water become a gel when a modest amount of glucomannan is introduced. These unique qualities are thought to mediate its benefits for weight loss.

Diabetes Management

It has been shown that the soluble fibre-containing glucomannan in shirataki noodles lowers blood sugar levels. Soluble fibre can reduce the absorption of carbohydrates, which lessens the blood sugar surge that results from eating them.

By giving your colon's bacteria—also known as the gut flora or microbiota—food, soluble fibre acts as a prebiotic. Among other health benefits, the bacteria create short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting qualities.

Inadequate fibre intake is a global issue impacting more people than Americans. Most people need more fibre in their diets despite the large amount of research showing the benefits of wool for human health. A study found that adults should take 25 to 38 grams of fibre per day, much less than the average of 16.2 grams.

Konjac Recipe

Stir-fried Shirataki(konjac) Noodles

Ingredients:

• Two eggs, add both white pepper and salt.
• One bag (200 g) of Shirataki (Konjac Noodles) *rinsed and drained one teaspoon Oil *plus more, use Sesame Oil.
• One little clove of garlic, optionally with ginger.
• One spring onion cut diagonally, and one-fourth teaspoon of Asian chicken broth powder (OR Dashi powder).
• A single spoonful of soy sauce.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of Mirin Crispy Chilli Oil.

Instructions for Cooking:

• In a bowl, whisk together eggs and sprinkle with a bit of salt and white pepper.
• After draining, thoroughly rinse the Shirataki (Konjac Noodles) under cold water. Get the spring onion and garlic ready.
• In a small bowl, mix Asian Chicken Bouillon Powder (OR Dashi Powder), Soy Sauce, and Mirin. Before you begin cooking, prepare everything.
• The egg should be cooked gently in oil over medium heat before being returned to the bowl.
• Pour in additional oil, add the garlic (OR ginger) and shirataki (konjac noodles), and swirl for a few minutes. Stir in the Egg, Spring Onion, and Sauce. Mix everything. Spring Onion is done when it's cooked.
• Enjoy with a dash of Crispy chilli oil added.

Conclusion:

Discover the taste of vivid, life-filled flavours. We provide solutions that are healthy for your body and symphony for your tongue that are low in carbohydrates, gluten free, and meat substitutes. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail for sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly techniques, every bite is a celebration for your taste and smelling sensations. Products made from Konjac may be healthy. For instance, they encourage weight loss, enhance gut and skin health, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See a physician before consuming Konjac, as with any unregulated dietary supplement, it is essential. Before administering Konjac to a child for constipation or other health issues, one should also talk to a doctor about the supplement. To avoid choking, people should always eat Konjac with water.