Konjac

Konjac is a tropical plant that grows in Southeast Asia and has actually been utilized for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese cuisine. 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 understood for its ability to soak up a substantial volume of water and turn it into a gel. It’s recently acquired appeal as a weight-loss supplement – a low-calorie food, Konjac Root has been revealed to reduce the absorption of fat and protein while still leaving you feeling full and satiated. In its powdered type, Konjac is also utilized in vegan seafood, where it can simulate 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 belonging to Yunnan, China, cultivated in tropical regions throughout Southeast Asia. The konjac plant’s stem matures to six feet tall and branch off into large leaves and flowers; nevertheless, the part that manufacturers harvest is the starchy root base, often improperly called a corm. The underground root is the edible part of the plant, utilized to make translucent, gluten-free konjac noodles referred to as 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 likewise find it in non-food products.

• Food: Konjac is an ingredient in different food products, such as shirataki noodles, konjac jelly, and konjac flour. These ingredients are popular in standard Japanese food; some producers also market them as gluten-free replacements.
• Dietary supplements: You can purchase glucomannan, a major component of konjac, as a dietary supplement. Nevertheless, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, so there is no basic dosage. Seek advice from a health care expert prior to adding supplements to your diet plan.
• Skincare: Konjac root is a popular cleaning tool in the skin-care industry. You can utilize a konjac sponge (made from the root) to carefully clean and exfoliate the skin, getting rid of dead skin cells. To use, just soak the sponge in warm water for ten minutes. Apply the damp sponge directly to your face, massaging the sponge in circular movements to completely 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 actually been understood in Japan considering that the 6th century as a medical food.During the Edo duration (start in the early 17th century), the Japanese imported konnyaku from China.The 1846 book Konnyaku Hyakusen (‘ 100 dishes of konnyaku’) shows its popularity in Japan at that time.

Wild forms grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China.Konjac has been known in Japan since the 6th century as a medicinal 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’) shows its popularity in Japan at that time.konjacjapan and China.

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

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

2. Japanese konnyaku is made by mixing konjac flour with water and limewater.Hijiki is typically added for the characteristic dark color and flavor. Without additives for color, konjac is pale white. It is then boiled and cooled to solidify. Konjac made in noodle form is called shirataki and utilized 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; literally: ‘wonderful taro’), and the jelly is called “konjac tofu” (móyù dòufu) or “snow konjac” (xuě móyù). [3]

Intro to konjac – structure

Structure of Konjac Glucomannan

The primary part 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 slightly branched polysaccharide having a molecular weight of 200,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons (real molecular weight of KGM depends upon the konjac range,.

Processing approach and storage time of the raw product. Like all natural hydrocolloids, the molecular weight of KGM decreases by heating, duration 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 happens per 3,280 glucose residues, and on each side chain are several glucose residues. Acetyl groups along the Glucomannan foundation add to the solubility residential or commercial properties and lie, on average every 9 to 19 sugar systems. [4]

Konjac Nutrition Information

Whole konjac roots are mainly carbohydrates and consist of virtually no fat. According to a March 2016 study in the journal Food Reviews International, raw konjac bulbs are comprised 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 also consists of percentages of a range of nutrients, consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (niacin), vitamin B3 (riboflavin), calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. Between 2 and 3 percent of raw konjac is comprised of these important vitamins and minerals.

Once processed, konjac can be used as a starch, flour or gel. Konjac flour, which is primarily glucomannan fiber, can be used to make low-carb variations of noodles or rice. Nevertheless, very little konjac is needed to make such items. Most konjac products are generally water, with small amounts (between 1 and 5 percent) of konjac.

Nutritional Worth of Konjac Products

The typical konjac product is essentially simply fiber and no other nutrients. For example, nulo Organic Foods has a konjac product called Slim Pasta Spaghetti. Every serving of 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of this product contains 9 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 0.2 grams of protein. There are no other nutrients.

You’ll discover similar nutrition for a lot of pre-packaged konjac products. 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 states that it consists of small amounts– between 1 and 4 percent of the everyday worth– of calcium and phosphorus, as well.

Konjac likewise has a range of other uses. The Food Reviews International study states that konjac’s texture and neutral taste make it beneficial in food processing, where it is utilized as a thickening agent, preservative and fat replacement. Percentages of konjac can be found in a range of foodstuff– anything from the finish on a candy to a filler in a sausage. You may even discover it used as an edible product packaging on your food.

Fiber Consumption and Konjac

According to Harvard Health Publishing, females ought to consume between 21 and 25 grams of fiber daily, while guys ought to consume around 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day. The exact quantity you need to consume is based upon your overall calorie consumption.

There are 2 types of fiber you can consume: insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. You ought to get about 60 percent of your everyday fiber intake from insoluble fiber, which supports the digestion and excretion of foods as they go through your intestinal tract. This kind of fiber is not broken down throughout the food digestion process.

The staying 40 percent of your fiber consumption should originate from soluble fiber, like glucomannan. Soluble fiber can help control your blood sugar level and cholesterol, and slow food digestion. Unlike insoluble fiber, soluble fiber is broken down when absorbed.

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

Given that the primary 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 consumption can help reduce your risk for conditions like cardiovascular disease, diverticulitis, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Fiber might even help prevent your threat for certain types of cancer. [5]

Advantages of the konjac plant

Enhances digestion

Konjac is water soluble and for that reason help food digestion. It has the ability to help enhance your gastrointestinal system, making it an excellent natural treatment for those who have digestion issues. It can also assist with constipation and hemorrhoids.

Helps control diabetes

Due to the fact that konjac consists of glucomannan, this is a great representative to assist manage sugar levels in the body, therefore aiding with the control and symptoms of diabetes.

Absorbs minerals

Konjac can help the body to soak up minerals, making your everyday healthy eating far more beneficial. By assisting with the absorption of minerals, any foods and drinks you ingest will be able to be used better.

Oral health benefits

Due to the fact that the konjac plant includes anti-bacterial residential or commercial properties, it can help with minor oral illness such as a toothache. The konjac plant can assist to clean teeth and combat germs.

Increased resistance

Because of the konjac plant’s anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants, it is thought that you may get an increased immunity. Your body might be able to help combat common illness such as cold and influenza better.

Controlled high blood pressure

If you have blood pressure concerns, you might want to attempt and include konjac root into your diet plan. The plant can help to stabilise blood pressure levels, which for that reason will aid with your heart health.

Eye health

An intriguing advantage to the konjac plant is it’s capability to assist in optical health. The plant can help combat eye associated issues, including eye swelling. It can help to reinforce optical nerves and keep your eyes healthy.

Boost metabolic process

Konjac can be utilized to assist increase energy levels and enhance metabolism. This is an excellent choice for those wanting to increase exercise or assist with weight reduction.

Helping PMS symptoms

PMS can be rather bothersome for lots of women and women, but the konjac plant can help by providing added minerals and vitamins to your diet. This can help to get rid of some of the symptoms of PMS for ladies.

Anti-inflammatory

Konjac consists of excellent amounts of anti-inflammatory agents, which can help with bone and joint health. You may discover a method to correct nourish your bones and a decrease in joint discomfort. This is specifically beneficial for those struggling with conditions such arthritis.

Much better skin

If you are trying to find a beauty product to assist clean your face from everyday dirt and grime, konjac sponges are a fantastic choice. Sponges made from konjac can assist clean the face and thanks to their anti-bacterial homes, they can help to fight oily skin and minimize acne. These sponges are natural and biodegradable, so when you have actually completed using them, you can easily put them in your compost.

Weight Reduction Supplements

Some reports have been contrasted when it pertains to konjac supplements to help with weight loss. Some have actually discovered some terrific outcomes with konjac supplements to help reduce hunger and increase weight-loss.

Weight-loss Foods

By far the very best way people have actually found to reduce weight with the konjac plant is by eating foods with konjac as a crucial component. Foods such as shirataki noodles, rice and spaghetti-noodles have been developed which means less carbohydrates and for that reason, lower in calories. This is a terrific option for those wishing to continue eating meals that would usually be greater in carbohydrates and calories to help with weight-loss.

With numerous health advantages, it’s not surprising that lots of people are searching for methods to include the konjac range into their diet and beauty routine. With lots of foods now incorporating konjac into the active ingredients list, it’s now getting easier to enjoy the foods we enjoy, all while gaining health and helping with weight-loss. [6]

How does konjac root aid you drop weight?

Digestion enzymes found in the human gastrointestinal tract can not break down konjac fiber, because of its complex molecular structure. This suggests that the active ingredient reaches the intestinal tracts mainly undamaged, enabling it to absorb massive volumes of water (up to 50 times its own weight). The absorption leads to expansion, which promotes sensations of fullness, and hold-ups the emptying of the stomach. Each of these elements plays a significant function in supporting weight reduction.

Obviously, these impacts are not totally unique to konjac fiber, as all types of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber have actually been shown to help reduce food consumption and lower body weight.

In fact, a meta-analysis of all existing studies focused on weight-loss and dietary fibre consumption found that by increasing everyday fibre consumption by 14 g or more, obese individuals could take in 18 percent fewer calories, and lose approximately 2.4 kg (5.3 lb) over a period of 4 months as a result.

Dietary fibres like konjac root may likewise assist improve digestive tract health by rebuilding the supply of advantageous bacteria. When fibre reaches the fermentation stage of food digestion, short-chain fats (scfas) such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate are formed. It is these scfas that are believed to inhibit body fat gain by increasing resting energy expense and promoting obesity-fighting intestinal tract bacteria.

Since it has been suggested that konjac fibre soaks up the highest quantity of water when compared with other kinds of soluble dietary fiber, it follows that konjac fiber could be the most efficient type of fibre to utilize in your weight loss efforts.

As you can envision, konjac root has been well-researched by researchers for its impact on body structure.

Here are some of the research study findings:.

1. One Norwegian study of 176 obese individuals discovered that a 1200-calorie diet and fiber supplements 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 research study noted 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 females for a duration of 8 weeks, with rigorous guidelines to continue their normal diet and exercise regimen. Supplementation of 1 gram of konjac root was offered 3 times per day, one hour prior to each meal. By the end of 8 weeks, individuals taking additional konjac root lost a moderate quantity of weight, while the typical individual receiving the placebo actually put on weight. [7]

What Is a Konjac Facial Sponge?

If you’re trying to find an item that’ll gently clean your skin without making use of brushes, scrubs, or other severe tools, you may wish to consider a konjac facial sponge.

This easy skin care necessary is made from konjac, which is a permeable root veggie that’s native to Asia.

This short article will take a more detailed take a look at what a konjac sponge is, in addition to its benefits, how to use it, and the ranges for different skin types.

What’s a konjac sponge utilized for?

Konjac, which is likewise described as glucomannan, might be best known for thickening and adding texture to foods, as well as its function in weight reduction products.

However this root is also used to make facial sponges that are mild enough for daily use.

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

While research study on its efficiency for skin care is limited, a 2013 study discovered that konjac could be used as a topical restorative product for acne to assist improve skin health.

What are the advantages?

If you’re wondering why many people are utilizing a facial sponge made from a root plant, we turned to the experts to get their take on this natural charm item.

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

Since the plant is incredibly gentle, utilizing a sponge with konjac is frequently recommended for unclogging pores, specifically with oily and acne-prone skin. In addition to cleaning and exfoliating, Mudgil says a konjac facial sponge is likewise fantastic for getting rid of makeup.

Given that konjac facial sponges permit you to gently exfoliate your skin without excess irritation, they’re usually considered safe for most 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 delicate skin, Linkner advises using a medical-grade chemical exfoliant. This consists of alpha hydroxy acids (ahas), which are now developed to gently exfoliate the skin and are generally well tolerated by all skin types.

Are there various kinds of konjac sponges?

All sponges promoted as konjac facial sponges include konjac. What makes them various is their color and added components.

” The konjac facial sponge itself is the same. It’s the variations in color– which come from the different active ingredients– that represent different indications,” stated Mudgil.

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

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

The standard konjac sponge, without any added active ingredients, may be the best alternative if you desire something gentle and nonabrasive.

A konjac sponge with charcoal benefits acne. “For oily skin types, I like components such as charcoal to detoxify and control excess sebum, particularly given that charcoal has anti-bacterial properties to help with acne,” said Linkner.

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

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

How do you utilize a konjac sponge?

Instructions

1. After you get a sponge, soak it in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will assist broaden it to full size.
2. Once it is complete size, begin cleaning your face by moving the sponge in a circular motion, 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 use it every day?

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

Depending upon how typically you use it, it’s best to change your konjac sponge about every 4 weeks.

If you use it regularly, consider changing it after 3 weeks, and if you only utilize it a few times a week, you may 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 great shape.

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

Make sure you dry it in a well-ventilated location. And do not be surprised when it begins to break down. Linkner says this will happen because konjac is a fibrous root.

Once 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 tidy hands, squeeze between the palms to eliminate excess water. Ideally it should dry entirely between usages.

Simply hang it to dry in a well-ventilated area (not in a damp shower) and avoid hanging it in direct sunlight. You can also put it in a little sealed container and place it in the refrigerator.

As long as you’re taking care of it, you can use a Konjac sponge for as much as 6 weeks prior to changing it. They’re also biodegradable, so you can securely compost your old Konjac sponge with your fruits and veggies. [9]

Konjac Powder

Konjac in Cosmetic Solutions

Konjac Powder is consisted of a high viscosity soluble fiber called glucomannan, which can expand to 100 times its volume in water making it a very efficient humectant in cosmetic. Konjac is rich in protein, lipids, fatty acids, plus vitamins A, B, C, D, & E, and natural minerals such as copper, zinc and magnesium. With this powerful combination of natural active ingredients and mild thickening capability, Konjac Powder likewise shines for use in the skin care arena as an amazing plant-based component option to synthetic polymers, such as carbomer.

Konjac Powder is ideal for developing a range of bath, body, skin and hair care items that need gelling/texturizing effects similar to those provided by artificial polymers. Usage Konjac to assist formulate clear, steady gels that keep a soft and pleasing feel, without any tackiness, while providing a tidy, plant-based ingredient alternative.

Keratin Natural Hair Conditioner Dish

Keeping frizzy hair away is the primary goal of this solution. The action of the keratin combined with glycolic acid helps hair to be smooth and workable, marula and avocado oil add nourishment, and konjac includes that silky feeling. All of these fantastic active ingredients combine in the Basic Conditioner base for a deep conditioning, customized conditioner!

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Gently heat utilizing stove top or microwave 1/2 Gallon Basic Conditioner to 180F and eliminate 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 Fundamental Conditioner while combining with a stick mixer or high shear mixer till totally blended.
4. Add 2 oz marula oil and 2 oz avocado oil and continue blending.
5. Slowly include 1oz konjac powder by sprinkling into mixture while constantly combining with stick blender or high shear mixer.
6. Mix until all ingredients are well-blended.
7. Once the conditioner has cooled to room temperature, pour into bottles or back into original 1/2 gallon container and take pleasure in! [10]

Negative effects of konjac

The majority of adverse effects of glucomannan are mild and impact the digestive system. Typical ones include bloating, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and burping (Wharton, 2019).

It’s rare, but there have actually been occasional reports of more severe reactions. For example, supplements can expand inside your digestive tract and trigger a clog. There was a case in Australia where a female had a serious blockage in her intestinal tracts after eating konjac flour noodles (Jackman, 2018).

It can likewise get stuck in your throat and become a choking threat. There has been a case of a throat blockage in one lady who was taking a glucomannan supplement (Vanderbeek, 2007). Several gel sweets consisting of konjac have been recognized as choking hazards and are banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA, 2002). [11]
When an individual consumes konjac in the form of fruit jelly, it may posture a choking danger, specifically in kids. This is since it soaks up a great deal of water and does not liquify readily. For this reason, it is important to chew konjac jelly completely to guarantee smooth swallowing.

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

Konjac supplements can likewise affect blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes should speak with a doctor prior to taking them.

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

Conclusion

Konjac items may have health advantages. For example, they may decrease blood glucose and cholesterol levels, enhance skin and gut health, aid recover wounds, and promote weight loss.

As with any uncontrolled dietary supplement, it is best to talk to a physician prior to taking konjac. An individual should also talk about konjac with a doctor before giving it to a kid for irregularity or other health issues.

Individuals ought to constantly take in konjac with water to prevent choking. [12]

Recommendations

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