Konjac powder: uses and nutritional benefits

Konjac is a perennial plant belonging to the Araceae family. Widely developed in Southeast Asia and Africa, this plant is appreciated for its rhizome. The rhizome makes it possible to obtain a granular flour, very rich in fibres. These fibers are mostly soluble fibers called glucomannan. The glucomannan represents 40 % of the bulb. Reduced in powder, it is concentrated to reach more than 80 % of the final composition of the Konjac powder. Glucomannan is the main active ingredient of Konjac. Like all fibers, it reduces the absorption of other nutrients and traps them in its long indigestible matrix. Thus, Konjac powder reduces the absorption of carbohydrates or lipids, including cholesterol. This soluble fiber has the particularity to form a viscous gel in contact with water. After ingestion, it acts on satiety: it is very satiating. Virtually calorie-free, Konjac gives the impression of having had a good meal without the energy that accompanies it. Therefore, Konjac helps to lose weight while participating in the digestive comfort. Latin name: Amorphophallus konjac. Botanical family: Araceae. Part used: Rhizome.

Recommended consumption

Konjac powder is a concentrate of fiber. It is preferable to increase the doses as you go along in order to avoid unpleasant side effects:

  • In classic cure: 1 g, that is to say 1/2 teaspoon of Konjac powder before the meal, 2 times a day.
  • In cure with satiating aim: 2 g, that is to say 1 teaspoon of Konjac powder before the meal, 2 times a day.
  • As a cholesterol-lowering treatment: 4 g, or 2 teaspoons of Konjac powder before meals, 2 times a day.
In what form?

To make the most of their benefits, you can use them :

  • In powder form
At what time of day?

We advise you to use them during the following meal(s) to take full advantage of their benefits:

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
What modes of use?

You can incorporate them into the following preparations to make them easier to take:

  • Drink, water
Precautions for use
  • Risk of suffocation in case of difficulty swallowing or in case of ingestion with inadequate fluid.
  • If you are taking medication at the same time, seek medical advice.
  • Pregnant and nursing women should seek medical advice.
  • Persons suffering from intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction should seek medical advice.
  • In excess, Konjac powder causes digestive disorders: stomach aches, bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, digestive discomfort, etc. Be sure to respect the recommended dosages.

Health Nutrition Benefits

2 grams of Konjac powder contain a significant portion of the Population Dietary Reference (PNR) for Fiber.

As such, Konjac powder can complement your healthy and varied diet.

Digestive system

Konjac powder is extremely rich in fiber. Fiber has laxative power. To eead more: constipation and diet. Because of this Konjac powder helps to fight against :

  • Constipation

Metabolism

Konjac powder is known for its soluble fibers named glucomannan. These fibers have a real satiating effect: they swell in the stomach. Thus, Konjac increases the volume of food, without providing calories. Result: the feeling of having a full stomach is almost immediate.

The role of fibers does not stop there, they also reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and lipids which improves blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Moreover, a study shows that a supplementation of Konjac powder significantly reduces fasting blood sugar and the value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C: reference parameter indicating the balance of blood sugar over three months).

Cardiac system

Excessive sodium intake has harmful consequences on health, including high blood pressure. Naturally low in sodium, Konjac powder contributes to the prevention of blood pressure disorders.

Nutritional properties

Main properties

  • Hypolipidemic (glucomannan): Konjac powder is extremely high in fiber. Fiber (glucomannan) decreases the bioavailability of all other nutrients in food. Thus, cholesterol and triglycerides see their absorption moderated, reducing their blood concentrations.
  • Glycemic control (glucomannan): low in sugar and a fiber carrier, Konjac powder has no glycemic index. Alone, it does not influence blood sugar levels. Accompanied, the Konjac powder lowers the glycemic load. It is a good accompaniment to harmonize blood sugar levels after a meal.
  • Appetite regulator (glucomannan): glucomannan is a soluble fiber: it swells quickly in contact with water. As a result, it moderates the appetite by increasing the volume of the food bowl and reducing the glycemic load of other foods. Konjac powder would be the most satiating food that exists.
  • Laxative (glucomannan): by its contribution in fibers, the Konjac powder modulates the digestive transit. The fibers, mostly glucomannan (a soluble fiber) has the particularity of swelling quickly in contact with water. Thus, Konjac increases the volume of the stools which accelerates the digestive transit.

Secondary properties

  • Antihypertensive (sodium): naturally low in sodium, Konjac powder helps maintain normal blood pressure. Excess sodium increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Nutritional values

*Recommended Daily Allowance

Learn more about the plant : Konjac

Konjac or Amorphophallus Konjac belongs to the family of the Araceae. It is a perennial plant of the subtropical regions. We find it in edge of forest, in the scrub of Southeast Asia and in Africa. The plant grows from a globular rhizome, about 30 cm in diameter. Each plant has a single long leaf of 1 m length, divided into many leaflets. The flower finishes the spadix which measures approximately 50 cm length. The flower is unisexual, conical and of a color going from green to brown purple. Their spathes appear before the leaves. They are speckled with brown and white with an odor, it seems, ''fetid''. The fruits are orange berries. Konjac tubers can weigh 4 kg and have a floury texture. It is the rhizome of Konjac which is the most used by the Man. Especially in Asian culture, mainly in Japan where Konjac flour (konnyaku) is used for culinary purposes: cake, vermicelli, dry cake ...

Did you know : Konjac gum

Konjac gum is a food additive (E425). The food industry uses it to thicken, to gel or as a bulking agent in food preparations. Like all gums, it can cause intestinal discomfort in case of excess.

Organic Konjac (in powder)

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