Konjac

Konjac is a tropical plant that grows in Southeast Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese cuisine. Its appropriate plant name is Amorphophallus konjac, but it’s likewise 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 capability to take in a big volume of water and turn it into a gel. It’s recently gained popularity as a weight reduction supplement – a low-calorie food, Konjac Root has actually been shown to minimize 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 discover it in the form of fruit jelly sweet, noodles, and flour. [1]

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) is a root vegetable belonging to Yunnan, China, cultivated in tropical regions throughout Southeast Asia. The konjac plant’s stem grows up to six feet tall and branches out into big leaves and flowers; however, the part that producers harvest is the starchy root base, often incorrectly called a corm. The underground tuber is the edible part of the plant, used 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 Type of Products Contain Konjac?

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

• Food: Konjac is a component in numerous food, such as shirataki noodles, konjac jelly, and konjac flour. These active ingredients are popular in traditional Japanese cuisine; some manufacturers also market them as gluten-free replacements.
• Dietary supplements: You can purchase glucomannan, a major part of konjac, as a dietary supplement. Nevertheless, the Fda (FDA) does not manage supplements, so there is no basic dose. Seek advice from a healthcare expert before including supplements to your diet.
• Skincare: Konjac root is a popular cleaning tool in the skin-care industry. You can use a konjac sponge (made from the root) to gently clean and exfoliate the skin, getting rid of dead skin cells. To apply, just soak the sponge in warm water for 10 minutes. Use the damp sponge straight to your face, rubbing the sponge in circular movements to fully clean the skin. [2]

The Origin Of Konjac History

Regional names:

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

Wild forms grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China. Konjac has actually been understood in Japan given that the 6th century as a medical food.During 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 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 6th century as a medicinal food. Throughout the Edo period (beginning in the early 17th century), the Japanese imported konnyaku from China.The 1846 book Konnyaku Hyakusen (‘ 100 recipes of konnyaku’) shows its appeal in Japan at that time.konjacjapan and China.

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

Ito konnyaku is a kind of Japanese food consisting of konjac cut into noodle-like strips. It is typically sold in plastic bags with accompanying water. It is typically used in sukiyaki and oden. The name literally suggests “thread-konjac”.

2. Japanese konnyaku is made by mixing konjac flour with water and limewater.Hijiki is typically added for the particular dark color and flavor. Without additives for color, konjac is pale white. It is then boiled and cooled to strengthen. Konjac made in noodle kind 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; 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 part in Konjac.
flour from Amorphophallus Konjac species 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 (actual molecular weight of KGM depends on the konjac variety,.

Processing approach and storage time of the raw material. Like all natural hydrocolloids, the molecular weight of KGM decreases by heating, period time in processing and storage duration. Some glucose residues consist of side chains made up of β-1,4 glucose residues linked at the glucose 3 positions along the foundation. One side chain occurs per 3,280 glucose residues, and on each side chain are a number of glucose residues. Acetyl groups along the Glucomannan backbone contribute to the solubility properties and are located, typically every 9 to 19 sugar systems. [4]

Konjac Nutrition Information

Whole konjac roots are mainly carbs and include practically no fat. According to a March 2016 study in the journal Food Reviews International, raw konjac roots 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 includes small amounts of a variety 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 important minerals and vitamins.

Once processed, konjac can be utilized 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. Nevertheless, really little konjac is needed to make such items. Many konjac items are mainly water, with small amounts (in between 1 and 5 percent) of konjac.

Nutritional Value of Konjac Products

The average konjac product is essentially just 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 includes 9 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 0.2 grams of protein. There are no other nutrients.

You’ll discover comparable nutrition for a lot of pre-packaged konjac products. 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 item’s label also says that it includes percentages– in between 1 and 4 percent of the daily value– of calcium and phosphorus, as well.

Konjac likewise has a variety of other usages. The Food Reviews International research study mentions that konjac’s texture and neutral taste make it useful in food processing, where it is utilized as a thickening representative, preservative and fat replacement. Percentages of konjac can be discovered in a range of foodstuff– anything from the finishing 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 should take in between 21 and 25 grams of fiber each day, while males ought to consume around 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. The precise quantity you need to consume is based upon your total calorie intake.

There are two kinds of fiber you can take in: insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. You must get about 60 percent of your day-to-day fiber intake from insoluble fiber, which supports the digestion and excretion of foods as they pass through your gastrointestinal tract. This kind of fiber is not broken down throughout the food digestion procedure.

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

Soluble fiber is broken down during the 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.

Considered that the primary nutrient you’ll find in konjac is glucomannan, the primary benefit konjac has is its soluble fiber material. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, increasing your fiber usage can help in reducing your danger for conditions like heart problem, diverticulitis, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Fiber may even help avoid your threat for certain types of cancer. [5]

Advantages of the konjac plant

Enhances digestion

Konjac is water soluble and therefore help food digestion. It is able to help strengthen your digestion system, making it a terrific natural solution for those who have digestion problems. It can likewise help with irregularity and piles.

Helps control diabetes

Because konjac contains glucomannan, this is a terrific agent to assist manage sugar levels in the body, for that reason assisting with the control and signs of diabetes.

Absorbs minerals

Konjac can assist the body to take in minerals, making your day-to-day healthy consuming much more beneficial. By aiding with the absorption of minerals, any foods and drinks you ingest will have the ability to be utilized better.

Oral health benefits

Because the konjac plant consists of anti-bacterial residential or commercial properties, it can assist with small oral health problems such as a tooth pain. The konjac plant can help to clean teeth and fight germs.

Increased immunity

Because of the konjac plant’s anti-bacterial homes and antioxidants, it is thought that you may gain an increased resistance. Your body might have the ability to assist fight common diseases such as cold and flu more effectively.

Controlled blood pressure

If you have blood pressure issues, you may want to try and consist of konjac root into your diet. The plant can assist to stabilise blood pressure levels, which for that reason will help with your heart health.

Eye health

An intriguing advantage to the konjac plant is it’s ability to aid in optical health. The plant can help fight eye related issues, including eye swelling. It can help to reinforce optical nerves and keep your eyes healthy.

Increase metabolic process

Konjac can be utilized to assist increase energy levels and increase metabolic process. This is a great option for those seeking to increase exercise or assist with weight loss.

Assisting PMS signs

PMS can be rather troublesome for many ladies and women, however the konjac plant can assist by offering added minerals and vitamins to your diet plan. This can assist to overcome a few of the signs of PMS for ladies.

Anti-inflammatory

Konjac contains great quantities of anti-inflammatory agents, which can aid with bone and joint health. You might find a way to proper nourish your bones and a decline in joint pain. This is specifically beneficial for those suffering from conditions such arthritis.

Better skin

If you are searching for an appeal item to assist clean your face from day-to-day dirt and gunk, konjac sponges are a terrific option. Sponges made from konjac can help cleanse the face and thanks to their antibacterial properties, they can help to fight oily skin and lower acne. These sponges are natural and naturally degradable, so when you have actually finished utilizing them, you can easily put them in your garden compost.

Weight Reduction Supplements

Some reports have actually been clashed when it comes to konjac supplements to help with weight reduction. Some have actually discovered some great outcomes with konjac supplements to assist suppress hunger and boost weight loss.

Weight Reduction Foods

Without a doubt the very best way individuals have found to drop weight with the konjac plant is by eating foods with konjac as an essential ingredient. Foods such as shirataki noodles, rice and spaghetti-noodles have actually been produced which implies less carbs and for that reason, lower in calories. This is a fantastic alternative for those wanting to continue consuming dishes that would normally be higher in carbs and calories to assist with weight-loss.

With so many health advantages, it’s no surprise that many individuals are searching for ways to add the konjac variety into their diet plan and charm program. With many foods now incorporating konjac into the active ingredients list, it’s now getting easier to take pleasure in the foods we like, all while gaining health and assisting with weight reduction. [6]

How does konjac root aid you reduce weight?

Digestion enzymes found in the human intestinal tract can not break down konjac fibre, because of its complex molecular structure. This suggests that the ingredient reaches the intestinal tracts mostly undamaged, enabling it to absorb enormous volumes of water (approximately 50 times its own weight). The absorption causes expansion, which promotes sensations of fullness, and delays the emptying of the stomach. Each of these elements plays a major function in supporting weight-loss.

Naturally, these effects are not completely distinct to konjac fibre, as all types of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber have 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 intake found that by increasing day-to-day fibre consumption by 14 g or more, obese individuals might consume 18 percent less calories, and lose an average of 2.4 kg (5.3 pound) over a period of 4 months as a result.

Dietary fibers like konjac root may also help increase digestive health by reconstructing the supply of beneficial bacteria. When fiber 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 prevent body fat gain by increasing resting energy expenditure and promoting obesity-fighting digestive germs.

Because it has actually been suggested that konjac fiber absorbs the greatest amount of water when compared to other types of soluble dietary fibre, it follows that konjac fiber could be the most reliable kind of fibre to utilize in your weight-loss efforts.

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

Here are a few of the research findings:.

1. One Norwegian research study of 176 obese participants found that a 1200-calorie diet and fibre supplementation using Glucomannan yielded more weight reduction throughout a 5-week trial than a 1200-calorie diet supplemented with another kind of fiber (guar gum or alginate), or the 1200-calorie diet plan alone.
2. A comparable, smaller sized study noted the very same conclusion as above, this time over a period of 60 days.
3. A double-blind, randomized trial utilizing konjac root followed 20 overweight females for a duration of 8 weeks, with strict guidelines to continue their normal diet and exercise routine. Supplements of 1 gram of konjac root was supplied 3 times daily, one hour prior to each meal. By the end of eight weeks, individuals taking additional konjac root lost a moderate amount of weight, while the typical individual getting the placebo in fact put on weight. [7]

What Is a Konjac Facial Sponge?

If you’re trying to find a product that’ll gently cleanse your skin without making use of brushes, scrubs, or other severe tools, you may want to think about a konjac facial sponge.

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

This short article will take a more detailed take a look at what a konjac sponge is, along with its advantages, how to utilize it, and the varieties for different skin types.

What’s a konjac sponge used for?

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

But this root is also used 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 eliminate dead skin cells for radiant, more radiant skin,” stated Dr. Rita Linkner of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City.

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

What are the advantages?

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

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

Due to the fact that the plant is very mild, using a sponge with konjac is often advised for unclogging pores, especially with oily and acne-prone skin. In addition to cleansing and exfoliating, Mudgil says a konjac facial sponge is also great for eliminating makeup.

Because konjac facial sponges permit you to gently exfoliate your skin without excess inflammation, they’re normally considered safe for most skin types. However, Linkner does recommend preventing them if you have really delicate skin.

” A konjac sponge can be really exfoliative to somebody with delicate skin,” said Linkner.

Rather, for extremely delicate skin, Linkner advises using a medical-grade chemical exfoliant. This includes alpha hydroxy acids (ahas), which are now developed to gently exfoliate the skin and are usually well endured by all skin types.

Are there different kinds of konjac sponges?

All sponges promoted as konjac facial sponges consist of konjac. What makes them different is their color and included components.

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

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

When it concerns picking the very best sponge to use, the first thing to consider is your skin type.

The fundamental konjac sponge, without any added active ingredients, might be the best alternative if you want something gentle and nonabrasive.

A konjac sponge with charcoal is good for acne. “For oily skin types, I like ingredients such as charcoal to detoxify and manage excess sebum, especially since charcoal has antibacterial properties to assist with acne,” said Linkner.

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

For additional hydration and more glowing skin, a konjac facial sponge with red clay oil may deserve a shot. Red clay may assist 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, sort of like a massage for your face.
3. Start in the center of your face and work your escape and up, avoiding the eye location.
4. You can utilize a konjac sponge with or without a facial soap or cleanser.

Can you utilize it every day?

Yes, you can utilize a konjac facial sponge every day, states Mudgil.

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

If you use it more frequently, think about 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?

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

” It’s 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 area. And do not be surprised when it begins to break down. Linkner states this will happen since konjac is a fibrous root.

Once a week, drop the sponge in bowl of boiling water for a couple of minutes to sanitize it. [8]

Taking care of your konjac sponge

After use, rinse with clean water, and with tidy hands, capture in between the palms to eliminate excess water. Ideally it must dry entirely between usages.

Just hang it to dry in a well-ventilated location (not in a humid shower) and avoid hanging it in direct sunlight. You can likewise put it in a small sealed container and location it in the fridge.

As long as you’re taking care of it, you can utilize a Konjac sponge for approximately 6 weeks prior to replacing it. They’re also eco-friendly, so you can safely compost your old Konjac sponge with your fruits and veggies. [9]

Konjac Powder

Konjac in Cosmetic Formulas

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 exceptionally 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 ingredients and gentle thickening ability, Konjac Powder also shines for use in the skin care arena as an amazing plant-based ingredient alternative to artificial polymers, such as carbomer.

Konjac Powder is best for producing a range of bath, body, skin and hair care items that require gelling/texturizing impacts similar to those provided by artificial polymers. Usage Konjac to help formulate clear, steady gels that keep a soft and pleasing feel, with no tackiness, while providing a tidy, plant-based ingredient choice.

Keratin Natural Hair Conditioner Dish

Keeping frizzy hair away is the main goal of this formula. The action of the keratin combined with glycolic acid assists hair to be smooth and workable, marula and avocado oil include nutrition, and konjac includes that silky sensation. All of these amazing components 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 Solution
• 2 oz 3% Marula Oil
• 2 oz 3% Avocado Oil
• 1 oz 1% Konjac Powder

Instructions

1. Gently heat utilizing range top or microwave 1/2 Gallon Basic Conditioner to 180F and remove from heat.
2. In a different container, integrate 2 1/2 oz keratin and 2 1/2 oz glycolic acid solution
3. Add the keratin and glycolic mixture to the heated Fundamental Conditioner while combining with a stick blender or high shear mixer until completely combined.
4. Add 2 oz marula oil and 2 oz avocado oil and continue blending.
5. Gradually include 1oz konjac powder by spraying into mix while constantly mixing with stick mixer or high shear mixer.
6. Mix up until all components are well-blended.
7. As soon as the conditioner has cooled to space temperature level, pour into bottles or back into initial 1/2 gallon container and take pleasure in! [10]

Side effects of konjac

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

It’s uncommon, but there have actually been occasional reports of more severe responses. For instance, supplements can expand inside your gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage. There was a case in Australia where a female had an extreme obstruction in her intestinal tracts after consuming konjac flour noodles (Jackman, 2018).

It can also get stuck in your throat and become a choking danger. There has been a case of a throat blockage in one lady who was taking a glucomannan supplement (Vanderbeek, 2007). Several gel sweets containing konjac have actually been identified as choking threats and are prohibited 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, particularly in children. This is because it absorbs a great deal of water and does not dissolve readily. For this reason, it is essential to chew konjac jelly thoroughly to guarantee smooth swallowing.

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

Konjac supplements can likewise affect blood sugar level levels, so people with diabetes ought to talk to a physician before taking them.

Other individuals might experience diarrhea when they take konjac supplements. This is because of the method which konjac impacts the gut and decreases irregularity. Another method to minimize constipation is to drink a lot of water.

Conclusion

Konjac products might have health advantages. For example, they might decrease blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improve skin and gut health, assistance heal wounds, and promote weight loss.

Similar to any unregulated dietary supplement, it is best to speak to a doctor prior to taking konjac. An individual should also discuss konjac with a medical professional before giving it to a kid for constipation or other health issues.

People must 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