Konjac

Konjac is a tropical plant that grows in Southeast Asia and has actually been utilized for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese food. Its proper plant name is Amorphophallus konjac, but it’s also called Konjaku, Devil’s Tongue, Snake Palm, and Voodoo Lily.

The Konjac Plant has a starchy root called a “Corm” that is high in Glucomannan, a water-soluble dietary fiber known for its capability to absorb a substantial volume of water and turn it into a gel. It’s just recently acquired popularity as a weight reduction supplement – a low-calorie food, Konjac Root has actually been revealed to reduce the absorption of fat and protein while still leaving you feeling complete and satiated. In its powdered form, Konjac is also utilized in vegan seafood, where it can mimic the texture of shrimp, scallops, and more. You can likewise find it in the form of fruit jelly candy, noodles, and flour. [1]

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) is a root veggie native to Yunnan, China, cultivated in tropical regions throughout Southeast Asia. The konjac plant’s stem grows up to 6 feet high and branch off into large leaves and flowers; however, the part that manufacturers harvest is the starchy root base, in some cases incorrectly called a corm. The underground root is the edible part of the plant, used to make translucent, gluten-free konjac noodles called shirataki and a yam-less Japanese “yam cake” called konnyaku, popular in both Korea and Japan.

Which Kind Of Products Contain Konjac?

Konjac is a staple in Japanese food, however you can also discover it in non-food products.

• Food: Konjac is a component in various food, such as shirataki noodles, konjac jelly, and konjac flour. These active ingredients are popular in traditional Japanese cuisine; some producers likewise market them as gluten-free replacements.
• Dietary supplements: You can purchase glucomannan, a significant component of konjac, as a dietary supplement. Nevertheless, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, so there is no basic dose. Speak with a healthcare expert before including supplements to your diet plan.
• Skin care: Konjac root is a popular cleaning tool in the skin-care industry. You can utilize a konjac sponge (made from the root) to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin, eliminating dead skin cells. To use, merely soak the sponge in warm water for 10 minutes. Use the wet sponge straight to your face, rubbing the sponge in circular movements to totally cleanse the skin. [2]

The Origin Of Konjac History

Local names:

• Japanese: konnyaku;
• Korean: gonyak;
• Chinese: pinyin: jǔruò

Wild kinds grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China. Konjac has been known in Japan given that the sixth century as a medical food.During the Edo duration (beginning in the early 17th century), the Japanese imported konnyaku from China.The 1846 book Konnyaku Hyakusen (‘ 100 dishes of konnyaku’) demonstrates its popularity in Japan at that time.

Wild forms grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China.Konjac has actually been understood in Japan given that the sixth century as a medicinal food. Throughout the Edo period (start in the early 17th century), the Japanese imported konnyaku from China.The 1846 book Konnyaku Hyakusen (‘ 100 recipes of konnyaku’) demonstrates its appeal in Japan at that time.konjacjapan and China.

1. In Japanese cuisine, konjac (konnyaku) appears in dishes such as oden. It is normally mottled grey and firmer in consistency than a lot of gelatins. It has very little taste; the common range tastes slightly like salt, usually with a slightly oceanic taste and smell (from the seaweed powder contributed to it, though some forms omit the seaweed). It is valued more for its texture than flavor.

Ito konnyaku is a type of Japanese food including konjac cut into noodle-like strips. It is normally offered in plastic bags with accompanying water. It is typically utilized in sukiyaki and oden. The name literally indicates “thread-konjac”.

2. Japanese konnyaku is made by mixing konjac flour with water and limewater.Hijiki is typically included for the characteristic dark color and flavor. Without ingredients for color, konjac is pale white. It is then boiled and cooled to solidify. Konjac made in noodle type is called shirataki and used in foods such as sukiyaki and gyūdon.
3. Konjac is consumed in parts of China’s Sichuan province; the corm is called moyu (Chinese: moyu; actually: ‘magical taro’), and the jelly is called “konjac tofu” (móyù dòufu) or “snow konjac” (xuě móyù). [3]

Introduction to konjac – structure

Structure of Konjac Glucomannan

The primary element in Konjac.
flour from Amorphophallus Konjac types is konjac glucomannan (KGM), a high molecular polysaccharide. The structure of KGM as residues of mannose and glucose, linked together by β-1,4 with a molar ratio of 1.6:1.0. It is a somewhat branched polysaccharide having a molecular weight of 200,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons (actual molecular weight of KGM depends on the konjac variety,.

Processing technique and storage time of the raw product. Like all natural hydrocolloids, the molecular weight of KGM decreases by heating, period time in processing and storage period. Some glucose residues include side chains composed of β-1,4 glucose residues linked at the glucose 3 positions along the backbone. One side chain occurs per 3,280 glucose residues, and on each side chain are several glucose residues. Acetyl groups along the Glucomannan backbone contribute to the solubility properties and are located, usually every 9 to 19 sugar units. [4]

Konjac Nutrition Information

Entire konjac roots are mostly carbohydrates and consist of practically no fat. According to a March 2016 research study in the journal Food Reviews International, raw konjac bulbs are made up of:.

• 7 to 61.6 percent fiber (of which 52 to 59 percent is glucomannan fiber)
• 3 to 20.1 percent starch
• 7 to 3.8 percent sugar
• 5 to 7 percent protein

Entire konjac likewise consists of small amounts of a range of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (niacin), vitamin B3 (riboflavin), calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. In between 2 and 3 percent of raw konjac is made up of these essential vitamins and minerals.

As soon as processed, konjac can be used as a starch, flour or gel. Konjac flour, which is primarily glucomannan fiber, can be utilized to make low-carb variations of noodles or rice. However, really little konjac is required to make such products. The majority of konjac products are mainly water, with small amounts (between 1 and 5 percent) of konjac.

Nutritional Value of Konjac Products

The average konjac item is basically just fiber and no other nutrients. For instance, nulo Organic Foods has a konjac product called Slim Pasta Spaghetti. Every serving of 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of this product includes 9 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 0.2 grams of protein. There are no other nutrients.

You’ll discover similar nutrition for most pre-packaged konjac items. Much better Than Foods’ Organic Konjac Rice has 10 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0.3 grams of protein in a serving of 128 grams (4.5 ounces). This product’s label also says that it includes percentages– between 1 and 4 percent of the everyday worth– of calcium and phosphorus, as well.

Konjac likewise has a variety of other usages. The Food Reviews International research study specifies that konjac’s texture and neutral flavor make it helpful in food processing, where it is utilized as a thickening representative, preservative and fat replacement. Small amounts of konjac can be discovered in a range of food products– anything from the finishing on a candy to a filler in a sausage. You might even discover it used as an edible product packaging on your food.

Fiber Consumption and Konjac

According to Harvard Health Publishing, females ought to take in between 21 and 25 grams of fiber each day, while guys need to consume around 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. The specific quantity you need to take in is based on your overall calorie intake.

There are 2 kinds of fiber you can take in: insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. You need to get about 60 percent of your daily fiber intake from insoluble fiber, which supports the digestion and excretion of foods as they travel through your gastrointestinal system. This type of fiber is not broken down during the digestion procedure.

The remaining 40 percent of your fiber intake must originate from soluble fiber, like glucomannan. Soluble fiber can help regulate your blood glucose and cholesterol, and slow digestion. Unlike insoluble fiber, soluble fiber is broken down when absorbed.

Soluble fiber is broken down during the food digestion process; it can assist manage your blood glucose and cholesterol. Insoluble fiber isn’t broken down– this type of fiber supports the food digestion of other foods as it moves through your gut.

Given that the main nutrient you’ll find in konjac is glucomannan, the primary benefit konjac has is its soluble fiber content. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, increasing your fiber usage can help in reducing your risk for conditions like cardiovascular disease, diverticulitis, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Fiber might even assist avoid your risk for certain kinds of cancer. [5]

Advantages of the konjac plant

Improves digestion

Konjac is water soluble and therefore help digestion. It is able to assist strengthen your digestive system, making it an excellent natural remedy for those who have digestion issues. It can likewise help with constipation and piles.

Helps control diabetes

Because konjac consists of glucomannan, this is an excellent agent to help manage sugar levels in the body, for that reason assisting with the control and signs of diabetes.

Takes in minerals

Konjac can assist the body to take in minerals, making your daily healthy consuming a lot more useful. By assisting with the absorption of minerals, any foods and beverages you consume will have the ability to be used better.

Oral health advantages

Because the konjac plant consists of anti-bacterial properties, it can assist with small oral illness such as a tooth pain. The konjac plant can help to tidy teeth and combat bacteria.

Increased resistance

Because of the konjac plant’s anti-bacterial homes and antioxidants, it is thought that you might acquire an increased immunity. Your body might be able to help battle typical illness such as cold and influenza better.

Controlled high blood pressure

If you have blood pressure concerns, you might wish to attempt and consist of konjac root into your diet plan. The plant can assist to stabilise high blood pressure levels, which therefore will aid with your heart health.

Eye health

A fascinating advantage to the konjac plant is it’s ability to help in optical health. The plant can help fight eye associated issues, including eye inflammation. It can assist to enhance optical nerves and keep your eyes healthy.

Boost metabolism

Konjac can be utilized to assist increase energy levels and enhance metabolism. This is a terrific alternative for those looking to increase exercise or assist with weight loss.

Helping PMS signs

PMS can be rather bothersome for many women and women, but the konjac plant can assist by offering included minerals and vitamins to your diet. This can help to conquer a few of the signs of PMS for women.

Anti-inflammatory

Konjac consists of excellent quantities of anti-inflammatory agents, which can help with bone and joint health. You might discover a method to proper nourish your bones and a decline in joint pain. This is especially useful for those experiencing conditions such arthritis.

Better skin

If you are trying to find an appeal item to assist clean your face from daily dirt and gunk, konjac sponges are a fantastic option. Sponges made from konjac can assist clean the face and thanks to their antibacterial properties, they can assist to fight oily skin and reduce acne. These sponges are natural and eco-friendly, so when you have ended up utilizing them, you can quickly put them in your garden compost.

Weight Loss Supplements

Some reports have been clashed when it concerns konjac supplements to assist with weight-loss. Some have actually discovered some terrific results with konjac supplements to assist suppress hunger and boost weight-loss.

Weight Loss Foods

By far the very best method people have found to reduce weight with the konjac plant is by eating foods with konjac as a key component. Foods such as shirataki noodles, rice and spaghetti-noodles have been produced which means less carbs and therefore, lower in calories. This is a great option for those wanting to continue consuming meals that would generally be higher in carbs and calories to help with weight-loss.

With numerous health advantages, it’s no surprise that many individuals are searching for methods to add the konjac range into their diet and beauty regime. With lots of foods now including konjac into the active ingredients list, it’s now getting much easier to take pleasure in the foods we love, all while getting health and assisting with weight loss. [6]

How does konjac root aid you slim down?

Digestion enzymes found in the human intestinal tract can not break down konjac fiber, because of its complicated molecular structure. This implies that the component reaches the intestines mostly intact, allowing it to absorb massive volumes of water (approximately 50 times its own weight). The absorption causes expansion, which promotes sensations of fullness, and hold-ups the emptying of the stomach. Each of these aspects plays a major function in supporting weight loss.

Of course, these results are not completely unique to konjac fibre, as all types of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber have actually been shown to help in reducing food intake and lower body weight.

In fact, a meta-analysis of all existing studies concentrated on weight-loss and dietary fibre intake found that by increasing day-to-day fibre intake by 14 g or more, obese people might take in 18 percent less calories, and lose approximately 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) over a duration of 4 months as a result.

Dietary fibers like konjac root may also assist boost digestive health by restoring the supply of beneficial germs. When fibre reaches the fermentation stage of digestion, short-chain fats (scfas) such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate are formed. It is these scfas that are thought to inhibit body fat gain by increasing resting energy expense and promoting obesity-fighting intestinal tract bacteria.

Considering that it has actually been suggested that konjac fibre takes in the highest quantity of water when compared to other types of soluble dietary fiber, it follows that konjac fiber could be the most efficient kind of fiber to utilize in your weight-loss efforts.

As you can imagine, konjac root has actually been well-researched by scientists for its effect on body composition.

Here are a few of the research findings:.

1. One Norwegian study of 176 overweight participants discovered that a 1200-calorie diet and fiber supplementation utilizing Glucomannan yielded more weight-loss during a 5-week trial than a 1200-calorie diet supplemented with another kind of fibre (guar gum or alginate), or the 1200-calorie diet plan alone.
2. A comparable, smaller sized study kept in mind the very same conclusion as above, this time over a duration of 60 days.
3. A double-blind, randomized trial using konjac root followed 20 obese ladies for a duration of 8 weeks, with stringent directions to continue their typical diet plan and exercise routine. Supplementation of 1 gram of konjac root was provided 3 times daily, one hour prior to each meal. By the end of 8 weeks, participants taking extra konjac root lost a moderate quantity of weight, while the typical participant receiving the placebo actually gained weight. [7]

What Is a Konjac Facial Sponge?

If you’re looking for an item that’ll gently cleanse your skin without the use of brushes, scrubs, or other harsh tools, you may wish to consider a konjac facial sponge.

This basic skin care important is made from konjac, which is a porous root vegetable that’s belonging to Asia.

This post will take a more detailed take a look at what a konjac sponge is, along with its benefits, how to utilize it, and the ranges for different skin types.

What’s a konjac sponge utilized for?

Konjac, which is likewise referred to as glucomannan, might be best understood for thickening and adding texture to foods, along with its function in weight reduction products.

But this root is also utilized to make facial sponges that are mild enough for day-to-day use.

” A konjac facial sponge is a method to physically exfoliate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells for radiant, more glowing skin,” said Dr. Rita Linkner of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City City.

While research study on its effectiveness for skin care is restricted, a 2013 study discovered that konjac could be utilized as a topical restorative product for acne to help improve skin health.

What are the advantages?

If you’re wondering why numerous people are using a facial sponge made from a root plant, we relied on the specialists to get their take on this natural charm item.

According to Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, founder of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City City, konjac facial sponges are best known for cleansing and carefully exfoliating.

Because the plant is incredibly gentle, using a sponge with konjac is often advised for unclogging pores, particularly with oily and acne-prone skin. In addition to cleansing and exfoliating, Mudgil says a konjac facial sponge is likewise great for removing makeup.

Given that konjac facial sponges permit you to gently exfoliate your skin without excess inflammation, they’re usually thought about safe for a lot of skin types. Nevertheless, Linkner does recommend preventing them if you have extremely delicate skin.

” A konjac sponge can be extremely exfoliative to someone with sensitive skin,” stated Linkner.

Instead, for really sensitive skin, Linkner suggests utilizing a medical-grade chemical exfoliant. This includes alpha hydroxy acids (ahas), which are now developed to carefully exfoliate the skin and are usually well endured by all skin types.

Exist various kinds of konjac sponges?

All sponges advertised as konjac facial sponges contain konjac. What makes them different is their color and added active ingredients.

” The konjac facial sponge itself is the same. It’s the variations in color– which come from the various active ingredients– that symbolize numerous signs,” stated Mudgil.

For example, a green konjac sponge usually has green tea, pink has pink clay, and gray or black has charcoal ingredients contributed to it.

When it comes to selecting the best sponge to utilize, the first thing to consider is your skin type.

The basic konjac sponge, with no included components, might be the very best alternative if you want something mild and nonabrasive.

A konjac sponge with charcoal is good for acne. “For oily skin types, I like active ingredients such as charcoal to cleanse and manage excess sebum, especially given that charcoal has anti-bacterial homes to assist with acne,” stated Linkner.

If you want more youthful-looking skin, a konjac sponge with pink clay may be the best choice.

For extra hydration and more glowing skin, a konjac facial sponge with red clay oil might deserve a shot. Red clay might help increase blood flow to the skin.

How do you use a konjac sponge?

Directions

1. After you get a sponge, soak it in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help expand it to complete size.
2. Once it is full size, begin cleaning your face by moving the sponge in a circular movement, kind of like a massage for your face.
3. Start in the center of your face and work your way out and up, preventing the eye area.
4. You can use a konjac sponge with or without a facial soap or cleanser.

Can you utilize it every day?

Yes, you can use a konjac facial sponge every day, says Mudgil.

Depending on how often you utilize it, it’s finest to change your konjac sponge about every 4 weeks.

If you utilize it more often, consider changing it after 3 weeks, and if you just utilize it a couple of times a week, you might have the ability to extend it to 5 weeks.

How do you clean it?

Among the appeals of a konjac facial sponge is how easy it is to clean up. That said, there are some basic actions to follow to keep your sponge in good shape.

” It is very important to squeeze all the excess water out of your konjac sponge after every use, so it does not harbor any bacteria,” said Linkner. After the excess water is out, hang it up to dry.

Make certain you dry it in a well-ventilated location. And do not be surprised when it begins to break down. Linkner states this will occur given that konjac is a fibrous root.

As soon as a week, drop the sponge in bowl of boiling water for a number of minutes to sterilize it. [8]

Caring for your konjac sponge

After use, wash with clean water, and with clean hands, squeeze between the palms to eliminate excess water. Preferably it must dry entirely between uses.

Simply hang it to dry in a well-ventilated location (not in a humid shower) and prevent hanging it in direct sunshine. You can also put it in a little sealed container and location it in the fridge.

As long as you’re looking after it, you can use a Konjac sponge for as much as 6 weeks before changing it. They’re also eco-friendly, so you can securely compost your old Konjac sponge with your fruits and veggies. [9]

Konjac Powder

Konjac in Cosmetic Formulations

Konjac Powder is comprised of a high viscosity soluble fiber called glucomannan, which can expand to 100 times its volume in water making it an extremely efficient humectant in cosmetic. Konjac is rich in protein, lipids, fats, plus vitamins A, B, C, D, & E, and natural minerals such as copper, zinc and magnesium. With this effective combination of natural active ingredients and gentle thickening ability, Konjac Powder also shines for usage in the skin care arena as an interesting plant-based active ingredient alternative to artificial polymers, such as carbomer.

Konjac Powder is perfect for producing a variety of bath, body, skin and hair care items that require gelling/texturizing results comparable to those supplied by synthetic polymers. Use Konjac to help develop clear, stable gels that preserve a soft and pleasing feel, without any tackiness, while supplying a clean, plant-based active ingredient option.

Keratin Natural Hair Conditioner Recipe

Keeping frizzy hair away is the primary objective of this formula. The action of the keratin integrated with glycolic acid assists hair to be smooth and workable, marula and avocado oil add nutrition, and konjac adds that smooth sensation. All of these amazing components combine in the Fundamental Conditioner base for a deep conditioning, custom conditioner!

Ingredients

• 1/2 Gallon 81% Standard Conditioner
• 2 1/2 oz 4% Keratin Protein
• 2 1/2 oz 4% Glycolic Acid Option
• 2 oz 3% Marula Oil
• 2 oz 3% Avocado Oil
• 1 oz 1% Konjac Powder

Instructions

1. Gently heat using range top or microwave 1/2 Gallon Basic Conditioner to 180F and remove from heat.
2. In a separate container, integrate 2 1/2 oz keratin and 2 1/2 oz glycolic acid option
3. Add the keratin and glycolic mix to the heated Basic Conditioner while combining with a stick mixer or high shear mixer up until completely blended.
4. Include 2 oz marula oil and 2 oz avocado oil and continue mixing.
5. Gradually add 1oz konjac powder by sprinkling into mix while constantly mixing with stick mixer or high shear mixer.
6. Mix until all components are well-blended.
7. As soon as the conditioner has cooled to room temperature level, pour into bottles or back into original 1/2 gallon container and delight in! [10]

Negative effects of konjac

Many adverse effects of glucomannan are moderate and affect the digestive system. Common ones include bloating, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and burping (Wharton, 2019).

It’s unusual, but there have been occasional reports of more extreme reactions. For instance, supplements can expand inside your gastrointestinal tract and trigger a clog. There was a case in Australia where a lady had an extreme clog in her intestinal tracts after consuming konjac flour noodles (Jackman, 2018).

It can likewise get stuck in your throat and become a choking hazard. There has actually been a case of a throat clog in one lady who was taking a glucomannan supplement (Vanderbeek, 2007). A number of gel candies consisting of konjac have actually been identified as choking risks and are banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA, 2002). [11]
When a person eats konjac in the form of fruit jelly, it might present a choking threat, especially in kids. This is due to the fact that it takes in a lot of water and does not liquify easily. For this reason, it is important to chew konjac jelly thoroughly to guarantee smooth swallowing.

In fact, the European Union and Australia have actually banned konjac jellies due to choking threats.

Konjac supplements can also affect blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes need to speak with a physician before taking them.

Other people might experience diarrhea when they take konjac supplements. This is due to the way in which konjac affects the gut and reduces irregularity. Another method to minimize constipation is to drink plenty of water.

Conclusion

Konjac products might have health benefits. For example, they may lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, enhance skin and gut health, help heal injuries, and promote weight loss.

As with any unregulated dietary supplement, it is best to speak to a doctor prior to taking konjac. An individual needs to also discuss konjac with a physician prior to giving it to a kid for irregularity or other health concerns.

People must always take in konjac with water to prevent choking. [12]

Referrals

1. Https://odacite.com/blogs/tohealthandbeauty/the-japanese-root-you-want-to-know-about
2. Https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-konjac#what-is-konjac
3. Https://www.zkxkonjac.com/news/the-origin-of-konjac-history-33341940.html
4. Http://www.cybercolloids.net/information/technical-articles/introduction-konjac-structure
5. Https://www.livestrong.com/article/149231-side-effects-of-konjac-root/
6. Https://slendier.com/us/news/articles/13-benefits-konjac-plant/
7. Https://leanbeanofficial.com/en/blog/konjac-root-benefits-for-weight-loss-how-it-works
8. Https://www.healthline.com/health/konjac-sponge#sponge-cleaning-tips
9. Https://moonbodysoul.com/blogs/blog/why-we-love-konjac-for-skincare
10. Https://blog.essentialwholesale.com/konjac-powder/
11. Https://ro.co/health-guide/what-is-konjac/
12. Https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319979#summary