What is Konjac - Uses and Health Benefits

News channels and social media announcements showcase our degrading lifestyles over the past years. 

However, a survey organized last year by a biotechnology company suggested that 60% of Americans want to feel healthier. Moreover, 51% wanted to change their diets and lose weight.

The rising awareness of maintaining a healthy weight and its benefits is quite evident for us to see.

Consumers are increasingly shifting to plant-based meals and switching traditional high-carb ingredients with alternative options! One such name in the fold is Konjac.

But what is Konjac?

Konjac is a plant commonly found in the mountain ranges of East Asia. It’s commonly called “Konnyaku'' and “Konjaku”.

This root vegetable is famous for its starchy corm that grows underground and is used for making a soluble dietary fibre called Glucomannan.

Konjac is used as a native medicine and an ingredient to make noodles. Furthermore, it is used as a supplement for its fibre constituents to improve digestion and maintain weight. 

In the last few years, konjac has gained widespread popularity in the United States, all thanks to its usage in making noodles, rice, and pasta.

These products are termed “Shirataki” and currently, the Konjac market is expected to reach $3.7M by 2027! 

Must Read: Shirataki Noodles: Perfect for Diabetes!

Konjac - Health Benefits

As mentioned before, Konjac can be used to make a variety of products like Shirataki Noodles, Shirataki Rice, Shirataki Pasta, and even Shirataki Ramen Bowls!

The plant has a visible impact on the user’s health.

Let’s discuss the most important health benefits of Konjac:

1. Konjac is good for diabetes and cholesterol

Diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar or glucose levels spike up abruptly as insulin production is impacted.

With Konjac-based foods, the glucose levels rise gradually inside the human body. 

This leads to a healthy balance as the patient can consume products made of konjac without inviting any repercussions caused by generic noodles, pasta, or rice.

The glycaemic index of Shirataki products is 0 and this helps immensely in stabilizing the blood sugar levels. 

With high-carb ingredients, the glucose levels rise abruptly but Konjac products consist of 97% water and 3% Glucomannan.

Glucomannan also impacts the rate of absorption of carbs in our bloodstream. Many studies have shown the positive impact of Konjac food on Type 2 diabetics.

An earlier study determined that Konjac reduces the LDL levels in human beings, thus, contributing to lower cholesterol levels.

2. Konjac promotes weight loss and digestion

People who wish to reduce their body weight and manage their health better can find the ideal ingredient in Konjac.

It consists of Glucomannan, a fibre. Fibre has been proven to make us feel full for longer. It also expands the stomach to help in this matter. 

In addition to this, Konjac-based products are prebiotic. They are a source of nourishment for the gut bacteria, hence promoting digestion. 

3. Konjac food is keto-friendly, sugar-free, and gluten-free

As mentioned earlier, Konjac Noodles and other ingredients are made of fibre and water. They do not contain any additives or sugar.

This helps consumers gain the maximum benefits without compromising their food schedule or preference. 

4. Konjac products are versatile and convenient

Consumers can choose to obtain the health benefits of Konjac through supplements. However, they have been shown to be less effective with weight loss.

The best usage for konjac is when core ingredients are made of the plant. In line with this, Konjac Noodles, Rice or Pasta would be a consumer’s best bet to obtain that goodness! 

With so many offerings available in the market, consumers can choose the product that appeals to them.

At Well Lean, we’ve combined the goodness of Konjac with reliability and great taste! Check out the 5 best ways to cook with Konjac here and share your thoughts with us.