Konjac root: healthy weight loss with konjac products

konjac root
Here’s how konjac noodles and company help you lose weight

Have you ever heard of konjac root? The Asian tuber is touted as a real miracle cure in the fight against obesity. Here you can find out what’s special about the root and how it can help you lose weight.

What is a konjac root?

Konjac root is the bulb of a plant called “devil’s tongue”. This originates from Asia, where the konjac root has been cultivated for many centuries. After harvesting, the tuber is dried and ground into konjac flour, which is then used to make noodles or rice, for example. Shirataki noodles made from konjac flour are very popular in Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Nutritionally, the tuber is a real superfood because it contains few carbohydrates and lots of healthy fiber, including glocomannan. This binds water and keeps you full for a long time. Konjac root has nothing to do with alcoholic cognac.

Lose weight with konjac root

Konjac root can actually help you lose weight because konjac root foods are truly low carb wonders! Noodles or rice made from konjac root contain far fewer carbohydrates than regular grain noodles or regular rice. So if you replace conventional foods with konjac products, you can save a lot of calories as the example shows:

But that’s not all, konjac root can do even more: the dietary fiber glucomannan contained in konjac root ensures a rapid feeling of satiety. This is because glucomannan binds a lot of water and swells in the stomach. So you automatically eat less, but you feel just as full.

konjac root effect

In addition to the saturation effect, the super tuber has a number of other advantages: it is not only low in calories and satiating, but also has a positive effect on our blood lipid levels and our cardiovascular system. It also stimulates digestion and ensures a healthy intestinal flora. Konjac root is vegan, gluten-free and also suitable for diabetics and allergy sufferers.

What is glucomannan?

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from konjac root. This can bind a large amount of water and is used by us as a thickener or gelling agent. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), taking 3 grams a day (spread over 3 meals) can contribute to weight loss. However, a low-calorie diet is a prerequisite for successful dieting.

Due to the bulking property of glucomannan, care must be taken to drink enough water so that it reaches the stomach and does not swell in the throat. Too much glucomannan can also cause bloating, abdominal pain, or gas. So don’t overdo it!

Konjac root products

The dried konjac root is processed into konjac flour, from which various products are made, such as noodles, rice or diet capsules. Here you will find tips for preparing and consuming the different konjac products.

Konjac noodles made from konjac flour

Shirataki noodles resembling glass noodles are made from konjac flour. Compared to cereal pasta, these noodles are very low in calories and still fill you up quickly and for a long time thanks to the bulking effect. Konjac noodles have little taste but can absorb the taste of sauces and broths very well. In addition to konjac noodles, there are other zero-carb noodles.

Konjac noodles have a shorter cooking time than grain-based noodles and are ready after just 1-3 minutes in boiling water. You can enjoy the noodles both as a hot dish (noodle soup, sautéed noodles) and as a cold dish (noodle salad). You can buy the noodles in the Asian market, in some supermarkets or you can Order konjac noodles online.

konjac rice

Rice dishes can also be prepared in a calorie-saving way with the konjac root alternative. Just like konjac noodles, low carb rice has only 8 calories per 100 grams, keeps you full for a long time and is therefore perfect for weight loss. Practical: Since the konjac rice is already pre-cooked, you only have to cook it for about a minute. In addition to saving calories, it also saves time. You can then turn it into a delicious rice casserole, for example.

Saturation capsules with konjac powder

konjac capsules contain a concentrated load of the filling fiber glucomannan. In order to use the effect of saturation capsules optimally, you should take one capsule with a glass of water approximately 30 minutes before your meal. This provides an initial feeling of fullness, so you can eat a smaller portion and still feel full.

3 grams of powder should be taken per day – spread over 3 meals – to achieve an effect. However, you should never take too much powder, as according to consumer advice centers it can lead to abdominal pain or flatulence. Be sure to swallow Saturation capsules whole and do not chew them, otherwise there is a risk of choking due to the swelling effect.

Konjac root and side effects

Basically, konjac root foods are well tolerated. According to the Consumer Advice Center, consuming too many glucomannan saturation capsules can lead to feelings of fullness, abdominal pain and flatulence. Especially if you don’t drink enough. So stick to 3 grams a day or try konjac pasta or rice first before trying the powder.

Konjac capsules should not be sucked, chewed or bitten as there is a risk of choking if there is a lot of glucomannan swelling in the throat. Saturation capsules should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to konjac or cellulose or in case of gastrointestinal disease.

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