Konjac

Konjac is a tropical plant that grows in Southeast Asia and has actually been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese food. Its correct plant name is Amorphophallus konjac, however 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 ability to take in a substantial volume of water and turn it into a gel. It’s recently gained popularity as a weight-loss supplement – a low-calorie food, Konjac Root has been shown to reduce the absorption of fat and protein while still leaving you feeling full and satiated. In its powdered kind, Konjac is likewise 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 high and branches out into big leaves and flowers; nevertheless, the part that manufacturers harvest is the starchy root base, in some cases improperly called a corm. The underground root is the edible part of the plant, utilized to make clear, gluten-free konjac noodles known 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 cuisine, however you can also find it in non-food products.

• Food: Konjac is an ingredient in various food, such as shirataki noodles, konjac jelly, and konjac flour. These components are popular in traditional Japanese cuisine; some manufacturers likewise market them as gluten-free replacements.
• Dietary supplements: You can purchase glucomannan, a significant element of konjac, as a dietary supplement. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not control supplements, so there is no standard dosage. Seek advice from a health care expert prior to including supplements to your diet.
• Skin care: Konjac root is a popular cleansing tool in the skin-care market. You can use a konjac sponge (made from the root) to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells. To use, merely soak the sponge in warm water for 10 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

Regional names:

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

Wild types grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China. Konjac has actually been known in Japan because the sixth 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’) demonstrates its appeal in Japan at that time.

Wild forms grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China.Konjac has been understood in Japan since the 6th century as a medical food. Throughout the Edo duration (beginning 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.konjacjapan and China.

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

Ito konnyaku is a kind 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 blending konjac flour with water and limewater.Hijiki is often added for the particular dark color and flavor. Without ingredients 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; literally: ‘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 main 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 slightly branched polysaccharide having a molecular weight of 200,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons (real molecular weight of KGM depends upon the konjac variety,.

Processing method 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 include side chains made up of β-1,4 glucose residues connected at the glucose 3 positions along the foundation. One side chain happens per 3,280 glucose residues, and on each side chain are a number of glucose residues. Acetyl groups along the Glucomannan backbone add to the solubility properties and lie, usually every 9 to 19 sugar systems. [4]

Konjac Nutrition Facts

Whole konjac bulbs are mostly carbs and include virtually no fat. According to a March 2016 research study in the journal Food Reviews International, raw konjac tubers 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

Whole konjac also includes small amounts 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 essential vitamins and minerals.

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

Nutritional Value of Konjac Products

The typical konjac item is essentially simply 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 find 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 likewise says that it contains small amounts– in between 1 and 4 percent of the daily value– of calcium and phosphorus, as well.

Konjac also has a range of other uses. The Food Reviews International research study mentions 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 found in a variety of food– anything from the covering on a candy to a filler in a sausage. You may even discover it used as an edible product packaging on your food.

Fiber Intake and Konjac

According to Harvard Health Publishing, women need to take in between 21 and 25 grams of fiber per day, while men need to take in around 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. The exact amount you need to consume is based on your total calorie consumption.

There are 2 types of fiber you can consume: insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. You should get about 60 percent of your day-to-day fiber intake from insoluble fiber, which supports the digestion and excretion of foods as they travel through your intestinal system. This type of fiber is not broken down throughout the digestion procedure.

The remaining 40 percent of your fiber consumption need to originate from soluble fiber, like glucomannan. Soluble fiber can help manage your blood sugar level and cholesterol, and slow digestion. Unlike insoluble fiber, soluble fiber is broken down when digested.

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

Considered 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 consumption can help in reducing your danger for conditions like heart problem, diverticulitis, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Fiber might even assist avoid your risk for certain kinds of cancer. [5]

Benefits of the konjac plant

Improves digestion

Konjac is water soluble and for that reason aids digestion. It is able to help strengthen your digestive system, making it a great natural solution for those who have digestion problems. It can likewise aid with irregularity and hemorrhoids.

Helps control diabetes

Because konjac consists of glucomannan, this is a fantastic representative to help control sugar levels in the body, therefore assisting with the control and signs of diabetes.

Takes in minerals

Konjac can assist the body to absorb minerals, making your daily healthy eating much more helpful. By assisting with the absorption of minerals, any foods and drinks you consume will be able to be utilized more effectively.

Oral health advantages

Due to the fact that the konjac plant consists of anti-bacterial properties, it can help with small oral health issue such as a toothache. The konjac plant can help to tidy teeth and combat germs.

Increased immunity

Because of the konjac plant’s anti-bacterial homes and anti-oxidants, it is believed that you may acquire an increased immunity. Your body may have the ability to assist fight typical illness such as cold and flu more effectively.

Controlled blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure issues, you may wish 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 interesting benefit to the konjac plant is it’s capability to aid in optical health. The plant can assist battle eye associated problems, consisting of eye swelling. It can help to reinforce optical nerves and keep your eyes healthy.

Boost metabolism

Konjac can be used to assist increase energy levels and improve metabolic process. This is a terrific alternative for those aiming to increase exercise or assist with weight-loss.

Helping PMS signs

PMS can be quite problematic for many women and ladies, but the konjac plant can help by offering included vitamins and minerals to your diet. This can assist to get rid of some of the symptoms of PMS for females.

Anti-inflammatory

Konjac consists of fantastic amounts of anti-inflammatory representatives, which can aid with bone and joint health. You may discover a method to appropriate nourish your bones and a reduction in joint pain. This is particularly useful for those experiencing conditions such arthritis.

Much better skin

If you are searching for an appeal product to help clean your face from daily dirt and gunk, konjac sponges are a terrific choice. Sponges made from konjac can assist clean the face and thanks to their antibacterial homes, they can help to fight oily skin and reduce acne. These sponges are natural and eco-friendly, so when you have actually finished utilizing them, you can quickly put them in your garden compost.

Weight Reduction Supplements

Some reports have been conflicted when it concerns konjac supplements to assist with weight loss. Some have actually discovered some great outcomes with konjac supplements to assist reduce hunger and boost weight-loss.

Weight Reduction Foods

Without a doubt the best method people have discovered to lose weight with the konjac plant is by consuming foods with konjac as a crucial ingredient. Foods such as shirataki noodles, rice and spaghetti-noodles have actually been created which indicates less carbs and for that reason, lower in calories. This is a fantastic alternative for those wishing to continue eating meals that would usually be greater in carbohydrates and calories to aid with weight-loss.

With a lot of health advantages, it’s no surprise that many individuals are searching for methods to add the konjac variety into their diet plan and beauty routine. With many foods now including konjac into the active ingredients list, it’s now getting simpler to delight in the foods we love, all while acquiring health and helping with weight-loss. [6]

How does konjac root assistance you reduce weight?

Gastrointestinal enzymes discovered in the human gastrointestinal tract can not break down konjac fiber, because of its complex molecular structure. This indicates that the active ingredient reaches the intestines mainly intact, enabling it to absorb enormous volumes of water (approximately 50 times its own weight). The absorption results in growth, which promotes sensations of fullness, and delays the emptying of the stomach. Each of these factors plays a significant role in supporting weight-loss.

Obviously, these effects are not completely unique to konjac fibre, as all kinds of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre have actually been shown to help in reducing food intake and lower body weight.

In fact, a meta-analysis of all existing research studies focused on weight loss and dietary fiber consumption discovered that by increasing day-to-day fiber consumption by 14 g or more, overweight individuals could consume 18 percent less calories, and lose an average of 2.4 kg (5.3 pound) over a duration of 4 months as a result.

Dietary fibers like konjac root may likewise assist increase digestive health by rebuilding the supply of beneficial germs. When fiber reaches the fermentation phase of digestion, short-chain fats (scfas) such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate are formed. It is these scfas that are believed to hinder body fat gain by increasing resting energy expense and promoting obesity-fighting digestive bacteria.

Because it has been suggested that konjac fiber takes in the greatest amount of water when compared to other kinds of soluble dietary fibre, it follows that konjac fiber could be the most efficient kind of fibre to use in your weight reduction efforts.

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

Here are a few of the research study findings:.

1. One Norwegian study of 176 overweight individuals found that a 1200-calorie diet and fibre supplements utilizing Glucomannan yielded more weight loss throughout a 5-week trial than a 1200-calorie diet plan 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 period of 60 days.
3. A double-blind, randomized trial using konjac root followed 20 overweight ladies for a duration of 8 weeks, with stringent guidelines to continue their usual diet and workout routine. Supplementation of 1 gram of konjac root was offered three times daily, one hour prior to each meal. By the end of eight weeks, individuals taking supplemental konjac root lost a moderate quantity of weight, while the average 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 the use of brushes, scrubs, or other extreme tools, you may want to consider a konjac facial sponge.

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

This post will take a closer take a look at what a konjac sponge is, together with its benefits, how to use it, and the ranges for different skin types.

What’s a konjac sponge used for?

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

However this root is likewise utilized to make facial sponges that are gentle enough for everyday use.

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

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

What are the advantages?

If you’re questioning why many individuals are utilizing a facial sponge made from a root plant, we relied on the professionals to get their take on this natural appeal item.

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

Because the plant is incredibly gentle, using a sponge with konjac is typically advised for unclogging pores, especially with oily and acne-prone skin. In addition to cleaning and exfoliating, Mudgil states a konjac facial sponge is also great for eliminating makeup.

Since konjac facial sponges permit you to carefully exfoliate your skin without excess irritation, they’re generally considered safe for a lot of skin types. Nevertheless, Linkner does suggest preventing them if you have really sensitive skin.

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

Rather, for really delicate skin, Linkner suggests using a medical-grade chemical exfoliant. This includes alpha hydroxy acids (ahas), which are now created to gently exfoliate the skin and are generally well tolerated by all skin types.

Are there various kinds of konjac sponges?

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

” The konjac facial sponge itself is the same. It’s the variations in color– which come from the various active components– that represent various indicators,” said Mudgil.

For instance, a green konjac sponge typically has green tea, pink has pink clay, and gray or black has charcoal components added to it.

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

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

A konjac sponge with charcoal benefits acne. “For oily skin types, I like components such as charcoal to cleanse and control excess sebum, specifically considering that charcoal has antibacterial properties to help with acne,” stated Linkner.

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

For additional hydration and more glowing skin, a konjac facial sponge with red clay oil may be worth a shot. Red clay might assist increase blood flow to the skin.

How do you utilize a konjac sponge?

Directions

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

Can you use it every day?

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

Depending on how typically you use it, it’s finest to replace your konjac sponge about every 4 weeks.

If you use it more frequently, consider changing it after 3 weeks, and if you only use 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 simple it is to clean up. That stated, there are some simple steps 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 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 shocked when it starts to break down. Linkner states this will happen considering that konjac is a fibrous root.

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

Taking care of your konjac sponge

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

Just hang it to dry in a well-ventilated area (not in a damp shower) and prevent hanging it in direct sunshine. You can likewise put it in a little sealed container and place it in the fridge.

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

Konjac Powder

Konjac in Cosmetic Solutions

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 abundant in protein, lipids, fatty acids, plus vitamins A, B, C, D, & & E, and natural minerals such as copper, zinc and magnesium. With this effective mix of natural components and gentle thickening capability, Konjac Powder also shines for usage in the skin care arena as an amazing plant-based ingredient option to synthetic polymers, such as carbomer.

Konjac Powder is ideal for creating a range of bath, body, skin and hair care items that require gelling/texturizing effects similar to those supplied by artificial polymers. Use Konjac to help formulate clear, steady gels that preserve a soft and pleasing feel, with no tackiness, while supplying a tidy, plant-based component alternative.

Keratin Natural Hair Conditioner Dish

Keeping frizzy hair away is the primary objective of this formulation. The action of the keratin integrated with glycolic acid assists hair to be smooth and manageable, marula and avocado oil add nutrition, and konjac adds that smooth feeling. All of these incredible ingredients combine in the Standard Conditioner base for a deep conditioning, customized conditioner!

Ingredients

• 1/2 Gallon 81% Basic 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. Carefully heat using stove top or microwave 1/2 Gallon Basic Conditioner to 180F and get rid of 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 blending with a stick mixer or high shear mixer till completely mixed.
4. Add 2 oz marula oil and 2 oz avocado oil and continue blending.
5. Slowly add 1oz konjac powder by spraying into mix while constantly combining with stick mixer or high shear mixer.
6. Mix till all active ingredients are well-blended.
7. As soon as the conditioner has cooled to space temperature, pour into bottles or back into initial 1/2 gallon container and delight in! [10]

Side effects of konjac

A lot of negative effects of glucomannan are moderate and impact the gastrointestinal system. Typical ones consist of bloating, diarrhea, gas, upset stomach, and burping (Wharton, 2019).

It’s unusual, however there have actually been periodic reports of more serious reactions. For instance, supplements can expand inside your digestion tract and trigger an obstruction. There was a case in Australia where a lady had an extreme obstruction in her intestines after eating konjac flour noodles (Jackman, 2018).

It can also get stuck in your throat and end up being a choking risk. There has been a case of a throat obstruction in one female who was taking a glucomannan supplement (Vanderbeek, 2007). Several gel sweets including konjac have been determined as choking dangers and are prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (FDA, 2002). [11]
When an individual consumes konjac in the form of fruit jelly, it might position a choking danger, especially in children. This is due to the fact that it takes in a great deal of water and does not liquify easily. For this reason, it is important to chew konjac jelly thoroughly to ensure smooth swallowing.

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

Konjac supplements can also affect blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes need to talk to a physician before taking them.

Other individuals might experience diarrhea when they take konjac supplements. This is due to the way in which konjac affects the gut and decreases irregularity. Another method to reduce constipation is to consume a lot of water.

Conclusion

Konjac products might have health benefits. For instance, they may decrease blood glucose and cholesterol levels, enhance skin and gut health, assistance heal wounds, and promote weight-loss.

Just like any uncontrolled dietary supplement, it is best to speak to a doctor prior to taking konjac. An individual must also discuss konjac with a medical professional prior to giving it to a kid for irregularity or other health concerns.

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

References

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