Konjac Noodles the Miracle Noodles

Konjac noodles are often called miracle noodles are naturally low-carb, a perfect replacement for the carb-heavy wheat and rice noodles. Konjac offers much more than a low-carb solution with its many medicinal properties.

The Konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac) also known as Konjaku, Konnyaku, Elephant yam, Devil’s tongue, snake palm, and voodoo lily is a native plant to East Asia. The noodles have a translucent look, smooth texture, and firm consistency with only 3g of carbohydrate per 100g serving. It makes a perfect alternative to wheat and rice noodles for those on low-carb, keto, and paleo diets.

Various research on Konjac shows many medicinal properties:

• Detoxification
• Tumour suppression
• Blood stasis prevention
• Phlegm liquefication
• Treatment of asthma
• Cough
• Hernia
• Breast pain
• Burns
• Skin disorders (1)

Key Benefits of Konjac

Weight Loss and Diabetes Management

A 2005 study (2) found consuming Konjac promotes the feeling of satiety longer, helping to reduce hunger. Konjac helps assist weight loss when combined with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and exercise. Further, the decrease in appetite helps with diabetes management (3). Eating Konjac with American ginseng indicates a noticeable improvement in managing type 2 diabetes. A later study in 2015 (4) found that Konjac helps to reduce cravings for sugar and starchy foods, helping to lower blood sugar.

Constipation Relief

Konjac may help keep you regular and prevent constipation. In a 2006 study, Konjac improves constipation condition in adults and children (5, 6). Acting as a bulking agent and natural laxative, its consumption encourages the stool to easily pass through without straining (7, 8).

Improve Digestion

Natural probiotic enzymes found in the konjac plant feed the good bacteria in the digestive tract. Konjac increases the concentration of probiotic bacteria bifidobacteria and lactobacilli (9) in the stool in a 2008 study.

Where to Find Konjac Noodles

Konjac noodles are commonly found in Korean or Japanese food stores. The noodles are packed in water and do not require refrigeration. They are available as loose noodles or tied to a knot and cost around $1.80-$2 per 180g pack in Australia and the USA.

How to Prepare Konjac Noodles

Konjac have a natural “fishy” smell, making them a perfect addition to a seafood-based dish. To neutralise the odour, simmer the noodles in salted water for a few minutes under low heat. Other ways involve freezing the noodles in liquid and thawing prior to use and rinsing several times under running water. To remove remaining odour, marinate in lemon juice and/or with a few drops of sesame oil.

Important Notes Regarding Konjac

Drink adequate water throughout the day when consuming konjac noodles, as the glucomannan fiber acts as a bulking agent and may cause constipation. Nutritionally, konjac noodles contain a negligible amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and calories and must be consumed with adequate nutritional food. Konjac noodles are considered a medicinal food and therefore are unsuitable as a “staple” food.

References

(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874110000383
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15614200
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28687934
(4) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212619815000091
(5) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2008.10719681?scroll=top&needAccess=true&
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28429913
(7) https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2852001#hn-2852001-uses
(8) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2008.10719681
(9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6392846/

Konjac noodles recipe ideas

Stir fry Seafood Konjac Noodles

Delicious and low-carb seafood stir fry konjac noodles dish, perfect for those on low-carb, keto and paleo diet looking to lose weight.

Seafood Konjac Pad Thai

Thai favourite classic, adapted to be low-carb, Keto and Paleo-friendly. Seafood Konjac Pad-Thai is great way to enjoy Pad-Thai without guilt.

Seafood Konjac Noodles Soup

Quick and easy low carb konjac noodles soup recipe, utilizing the miracle Konjac noodles, making this recipe suitable for those on Keto and Paleo diet.