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 appropriate 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 big volume of water and turn it into a gel. It’s just recently gained appeal as a weight reduction supplement – a low-calorie food, Konjac Root has been shown to lower the absorption of fat and protein while still leaving you feeling complete and satiated. In its powdered form, Konjac is likewise used in vegan seafood, where it can simulate the texture of shrimp, scallops, and more. You can also discover it in the form of fruit jelly sweet, noodles, and flour. [1]

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) is a root vegetable native to Yunnan, China, cultivated in tropical areas throughout Southeast Asia. The konjac plant’s stem grows up to six feet tall and branches out into large leaves and flowers; however, the part that producers harvest is the starchy root base, in some cases incorrectly called a corm. The underground tuber is the edible part of the plant, utilized 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, but you can also discover it in non-food products.

• Food: Konjac is an ingredient in various food products, such as shirataki noodles, konjac jelly, and konjac flour. These ingredients are popular in conventional Japanese food; some producers likewise market them as gluten-free replacements.
• Dietary supplements: You can buy glucomannan, a major element of konjac, as a dietary supplement. However, the Fda (FDA) does not manage supplements, so there is no basic dosage. Speak with a health care professional prior to adding supplements to your diet.
• Skincare: Konjac root is a popular cleansing tool in the skin-care industry. You can use 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 ten minutes. Use the damp sponge directly 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 kinds grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China. Konjac has been understood in Japan since the 6th century as a medicinal food.During the Edo duration (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 been understood in Japan because the sixth century as a medicinal food. During the Edo period (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 food, konjac (konnyaku) appears in dishes such as oden. It is generally mottled grey and firmer in consistency than many gelatins. It has really little taste; the common variety tastes vaguely like salt, normally with a somewhat oceanic taste and odor (from the seaweed powder contributed to it, though some kinds leave out the seaweed). It is valued more for its texture than flavor.

Ito konnyaku is a kind of Japanese food consisting of konjac cut into noodle-like strips. It is normally sold in plastic bags with accompanying water. It is frequently utilized in sukiyaki and oden. The name actually implies “thread-konjac”.

2. Japanese konnyaku is made by blending konjac flour with water and limewater.Hijiki is often 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 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]

Intro to konjac – structure

Structure of Konjac Glucomannan

The main 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 somewhat branched polysaccharide having a molecular weight of 200,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons (actual molecular weight of KGM depends on the konjac range,.

Processing method and storage time of the raw product. Like natural hydrocolloids, the molecular weight of KGM decreases by heating, period time in processing and storage duration. Some glucose residues consist of side chains composed of β-1,4 glucose residues linked 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 contribute to the solubility residential or commercial properties and lie, usually every 9 to 19 sugar systems. [4]

Konjac Nutrition Information

Entire konjac tubers are mainly carbohydrates and contain virtually 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

Whole konjac likewise contains 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. In between 2 and 3 percent of raw konjac is made up of these important minerals and vitamins.

Once processed, konjac can be used 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. However, extremely little konjac is required to make such items. Most konjac items are primarily water, with percentages (in between 1 and 5 percent) of konjac.

Nutritional Worth of Konjac Products

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

You’ll find comparable nutrition for most 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 product’s label likewise states that it consists of small amounts– in between 1 and 4 percent of the everyday worth– of calcium and phosphorus, also.

Konjac also has a variety of other usages. The Food Reviews International study specifies that konjac’s texture and neutral flavor make it useful in food processing, where it is used as a thickening agent, preservative and fat replacement. Small amounts of konjac can be discovered in a variety of food products– anything from the coating on a sweet to a filler in a sausage. You may even find it used as an edible product packaging on your food.

Fiber Usage and Konjac

According to Harvard Health Publishing, women should consume in between 21 and 25 grams of fiber each day, while guys ought to take in around 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. The exact amount you ought to consume is based upon your overall calorie intake.

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

The remaining 40 percent of your fiber consumption should originate from soluble fiber, like glucomannan. Soluble fiber can assist regulate your blood glucose and cholesterol, and slow digestion. Unlike insoluble fiber, soluble fiber is broken down when digested.

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

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

Advantages of the konjac plant

Enhances digestion

Konjac is water soluble and therefore aids digestion. It has the ability to help enhance your digestion system, making it an excellent natural treatment for those who have food digestion problems. It can likewise assist with irregularity and hemorrhoids.

Assists control diabetes

Because konjac consists of glucomannan, this is a fantastic agent to assist control 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 day-to-day healthy consuming far more useful. By aiding with the absorption of minerals, any foods and drinks you consume will be able to be utilized more effectively.

Oral health benefits

Because the konjac plant consists of anti-bacterial homes, it can help with small oral illness such as a tooth pain. The konjac plant can assist to clean teeth and battle germs.

Increased resistance

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

Managed blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure problems, you may wish to try and include konjac root into your diet plan. The plant can assist to stabilise blood pressure levels, which therefore will assist with your heart health.

Eye health

A fascinating benefit to the konjac plant is it’s capability to help in optical health. The plant can help battle eye associated issues, consisting of eye inflammation. It can assist to reinforce optical nerves and keep your eyes healthy.

Increase metabolism

Konjac can be utilized to help increase energy levels and enhance metabolic process. This is a terrific option for those wanting to increase workout or aid with weight-loss.

Assisting PMS signs

PMS can be rather bothersome for numerous females and women, but the konjac plant can assist by offering added minerals and vitamins to your diet plan. This can assist to overcome some of the symptoms of PMS for females.

Anti-inflammatory

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

Better skin

If you are searching for a charm item to assist clean your face from daily dirt and grime, konjac sponges are a fantastic choice. Sponges made from konjac can help clean the face and thanks to their anti-bacterial homes, they can help to combat oily skin and lower acne. These sponges are natural and biodegradable, so when you have actually finished using them, you can easily put them in your compost.

Weight Reduction Supplements

Some reports have actually been contrasted when it concerns konjac supplements to help with weight loss. Some have found some terrific results with konjac supplements to help reduce hunger and increase weight-loss.

Weight-loss Foods

By far the best way people have found to drop 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 developed which suggests less carbs and therefore, lower in calories. This is an excellent alternative for those wishing to continue eating meals that would normally be higher in carbohydrates and calories to help with weight-loss.

With numerous health advantages, it’s no surprise that many individuals are looking for methods to add the konjac variety into their diet plan and charm program. With many foods now including konjac into the active ingredients list, it’s now getting easier to delight in the foods we enjoy, all while acquiring health and helping with weight-loss. [6]

How does konjac root aid you slim down?

Digestive enzymes discovered in the human gastrointestinal system can not break down konjac fiber, because of its complex molecular structure. This suggests that the ingredient reaches the intestinal tracts mainly intact, allowing it to take in enormous 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 major role in supporting weight loss.

Of course, these effects are not totally special to konjac fibre, as all kinds of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber have actually been revealed to help reduce food consumption and lower body weight.

In fact, a meta-analysis of all existing research studies focused on weight reduction and dietary fibre intake discovered that by increasing everyday fibre consumption by 14 g or more, overweight people 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 fibres like konjac root may also assist increase digestive health by restoring the supply of helpful germs. When fiber reaches the fermentation phase of food digestion, short-chain fatty acids (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 tract germs.

Since it has been recommended that konjac fiber soaks up the greatest amount of water when compared with other kinds of soluble dietary fiber, it follows that konjac fibre could be the most reliable kind of fiber to use in your weight reduction efforts.

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

Here are a few of the research study findings:.

1. One Norwegian research study of 176 obese participants found that a 1200-calorie diet and fiber supplementation using Glucomannan yielded more weight loss during a 5-week trial than a 1200-calorie diet plan supplemented with another type of fibre (guar gum or alginate), or the 1200-calorie diet alone.
2. A similar, smaller sized research study noted the same conclusion as above, this time over a duration of 60 days.
3. A double-blind, randomized trial utilizing konjac root followed 20 overweight women for a period of 8 weeks, with strict instructions to continue their usual diet and workout regimen. Supplementation of 1 gram of konjac root was offered three times per day, one hour prior to each meal. By the end of 8 weeks, participants taking supplemental konjac root lost a moderate amount of weight, while the average individual getting the placebo in fact put on weight. [7]

What Is a Konjac Facial Sponge?

If you’re looking for an item that’ll carefully clean your skin without using brushes, scrubs, or other severe tools, you might want to think about a konjac facial sponge.

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

This short article will take a closer look at what a konjac sponge is, together with its benefits, how to utilize it, and the varieties for various skin types.

What’s a konjac sponge used for?

Konjac, which is likewise described 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 also used to make facial sponges that are mild enough for everyday usage.

” A konjac facial sponge is a way to physically exfoliate the skin to eliminate 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 restricted, a 2013 research study discovered that konjac could be used as a topical restorative item for acne to assist improve skin health.

What are the benefits?

If you’re wondering why so many people are utilizing a facial sponge made from a root plant, we relied on the specialists to get their take on this natural appeal product.

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

Because the plant is extremely mild, using a sponge with konjac is typically advised for unclogging pores, particularly with oily and acne-prone skin. In addition to cleaning and exfoliating, Mudgil states a konjac facial sponge is likewise excellent for removing makeup.

Since konjac facial sponges enable you to carefully exfoliate your skin without excess irritation, they’re usually thought about safe for most skin types. Nevertheless, Linkner does recommend avoiding them if you have really sensitive skin.

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

Instead, for extremely sensitive 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 generally well endured by all skin types.

Are there various kinds of konjac sponges?

All sponges advertised as konjac facial sponges contain konjac. What makes them various 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 symbolize different signs,” stated Mudgil.

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

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

The standard konjac sponge, with no added ingredients, may be the very best choice if you want something mild and nonabrasive.

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

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

For extra hydration and more radiant 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?

Directions

1. After you get a sponge, soak it in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will assist expand it to full size.
2. Once it is full 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 utilize it every day?

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

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

If you utilize it regularly, think about changing it after 3 weeks, and if you only use it a couple of times a week, you may be able to stretch 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 said, 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 use, so it does not harbor any germs,” stated 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 amazed when it starts to break down. Linkner says this will happen because 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, rinse with tidy water, and with tidy hands, squeeze in between the palms to get rid of excess water. Preferably it ought to dry entirely in between usages.

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

As long as you’re looking after it, you can utilize a Konjac sponge for up to 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 Formulations

Konjac Powder is comprised of a high viscosity soluble fiber called glucomannan, which can broaden to 100 times its volume in water making it a very reliable 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 capability, Konjac Powder likewise shines for use in the skin care arena as an exciting plant-based active ingredient alternative to artificial polymers, such as carbomer.

Konjac Powder is best for producing a variety of bath, body, skin and hair care items that need gelling/texturizing impacts comparable to those supplied by synthetic polymers. Usage Konjac to assist formulate clear, stable gels that keep a soft and pleasing feel, without any tackiness, while offering a clean, plant-based ingredient option.

Keratin Natural Hair Conditioner Dish

Keeping frizzy hair away is the main objective of this formula. The action of the keratin integrated with glycolic acid assists hair to be smooth and workable, marula and avocado oil include nutrition, and konjac includes that smooth sensation. All of these amazing active ingredients combine in the Basic Conditioner base for a deep conditioning, customized conditioner!

Active 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

Directions

1. Carefully heat using 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 mix to the heated Basic Conditioner while blending with a stick blender or high shear mixer till completely combined.
4. Include 2 oz marula oil and 2 oz avocado oil and continue blending.
5. Slowly add 1oz konjac powder by sprinkling into mix while constantly mixing with stick mixer or high shear mixer.
6. Mix up until all components are well-blended.
7. When the conditioner has actually cooled to room temperature level, pour into bottles or back into original 1/2 gallon container and take pleasure in! [10]

Negative effects of konjac

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

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

It can also get stuck in your throat and become a choking threat. There has been a case of a throat obstruction in one female who was taking a glucomannan supplement (Vanderbeek, 2007). A number of gel candies containing konjac have actually been identified as choking threats and are prohibited by the U.S. Fda (FDA) (FDA, 2002). [11]
When a person eats konjac in the form of fruit jelly, it might posture a choking danger, especially in kids. This is due to the fact that it absorbs a great deal of water and does not liquify easily. For this reason, it is essential to chew konjac jelly completely to make sure smooth swallowing.

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

Konjac supplements can likewise impact blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes ought to speak with a medical professional prior to taking them.

Other people might experience diarrhea when they take konjac supplements. This is due to the method which konjac affects the gut and minimizes constipation. Another method to reduce constipation is to consume lots of water.

Conclusion

Konjac items may have health benefits. For example, they may lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improve 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 before taking konjac. An individual ought to also talk about konjac with a physician prior to giving it to a child for constipation or other health concerns.

People should always consume 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