Medicinal ingredients that are centuries old are often those most relied upon for safe and effective health benefits. For example, the konjac root is and a medicinal favorite of the Asian community. It can provide weight loss aid, reduce diabetes symptoms, and improve immunity.
Today, we are revealing the uses, benefits, and tips for adding this superfood to your diet to obtain its impressive health benefits:
What is Konjac Root?
The konjac root is from an Asian root plant, grown typically in Japan and China and used for medicinal purposes. In Asian territories, konjac is referred to as elephant yam, devil’s tongue, or konjaku. The locals use it for medicinal purposes, of which you will find out more today.
Konjac has a starchy corm and dietary fiber called glucomannan. As well as locally in Asian countries, it is now used across the globe for its health benefits. Worldwide, the konjac roots dietary fiber can be taken in many ways:
How To Use Konjac Root
Traditionally, the starchy root of the konjac plant was used as medicine in Asia. When the health benefits were rumored around the world, it was manufactured in various ways:
- Dietary supplements: the fiber found in the starchy root of konjac is soluble, a popular as a dietary supplement.
- Flours: the plant can be dried and ground into flour, a popular option for noodles.
- Jellies: with extra processing, konjac flour turns gum-like. This texture makes it a great alternative to gelatin.
To attain maximum konjac roots health benefits, it is best consumed in a higher concentrated form, like a supplement. Benefits that can be obtained include:
The 10 Benefits of Konjac Root
Konjac root has been reported as a useful weight loss aid, amongst many other health benefits. See below for more on how konjac root may improve your health:
1 – Helps to manage diabetes
Clinical studies show that Konjac glucomannan is useful in managing type 2 diabetes. The active components help diabetic patients stop or reduce the number of foods they eat, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
Glucomannan can help a person feel more satisfied after eating, which can curb eating habits and help regulate blood sugar levels.
2 – Konjac root for Weight loss aid
As glucomannan helps reduce appetite and curbs cravings, this can help a person eat less. Eating fewer calories due to a reduced appetite often results in weight loss.
When used for weight loss help, glucomannan is taken as a konjac root dietary supplement. It is not a fat burner but more of a promotion for longer satisfaction after eating.
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3 – Reduces bad cholesterol
Glucomannan has been shown to help reduce total and bad cholesterol levels. Thus, those with cholesterol can obtain great health benefits from taking the plant root as a supplement.
Thus, konjac root can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
4 – Regulate bowel movements
Dietary fibers are useful in regulating bowel movements and improving the health of the digestive system. Konjac root contains a lot of fiber, which can help constipation and the consistency of bowel movement.
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5 – Improves skin health
The konjac root contains a high concentration of glucomannan, which is a natural moisturizer. Not only can this help moisturize the skin, but it can improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of aging.
6 – Excels wound recovery
Konjac root is rich in mannose carbohydrates, which can speed up wound recovery. Glucomannan also naturally boosts the immune system. A regulated and healthy immune system helps the body fight bacterias as well as excel recovery.
7 – Increases mineral absorption
As much as a healthy diet is good for the body, you can reap more benefits by improved mineral absorption. Konjac root naturally increases the body’s ability to absorb minerals. Thus, with improved absorption, a person can gain more from the healthy foods and drinks they consume.
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8 – Improves oral health
The konjac root contains anti-bacterial components, which help improve overall health as well as oral health. This can help reduce or combat minor oral health issues such as inflammation, pain and fight off bad bacteria.
9 – Boosts metabolism
Glucomannan is a water-soluble fiber that can help a person with slow or unstable metabolism. The compound increases the metabolic rate by increasing blood flow and energy. Alongside a healthy diet, this promotes weight loss and improved digestion.
10 – Reduces PMS symptoms
The konjac root adds additional minerals and vitamins to your diet. Which can help reduce PMS symptoms. The root plant is also a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and PMS pains during the cycle.
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With those health benefits in mind, it is crucial to understand the potential side effects of konjac root:
Risks, Side Effects, and Hazards of Konjac Root
Although there is an abundance of health benefits of consuming konjac root, it does come with some potential risks and hazards:
- Potential choking hazard: the konjac root as a jelly contains a lot of water and is not instantly dissolved when chewing. It is advised to chew more than usual when eating konjac jelly to prevent the risk of choking. For small children, it is advised to break down the jelly before consuming it.
- Increased risk for those with high blood sugar: glucomannan can increase blood sugar levels. Thus, those with high blood sugar or diabetes should seek advice before taking the konjac root to avoid potential risks.
- May cause diarrhea: due to konjac root improving the digestive system and helping with bowel movements, this could lead to diarrhea. Avoid taking konjac root if you are prone to regular bowel movements or have a weak stomach.
Konjac root has been banned in some countries, such as Australia, due to its potential health hazards. Thus, take extra precautions and consider medical safety advice before consuming konjac root in any form.
There are some potential side effects of the dietary fiber:
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Bloating
- Sickness
To ensure health and safety when taking konjac root, it is important to respect the dosage recommendations:
Dosage and Buying Advice for Konjac Root
As there are different forms of konjac root, all of which offer health benefits, it is crucial to know what dosages to respect.
As there are many different manufacturers of konjac supplements, the dosage can vary. Typical dosages consist of 2 to 6 grams of konjac root, which should be taken with plenty of water.
Each dosage will vary depending on the brand, and the consumer must read the guidelines before taking them. The supplements are not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Thus, there are no strict guidelines. Due to the supplements not being FDA-approved, it is crucial to purchase from legitimate in-store and online sellers.
When using konjac root for konjac flour or jellies, always use the recommended amount as requested in the recipe. Again, ensure a legitimate company lists the recipe to ensure the dosage amount’s safety.
Konjac root supplements, flours, and jellies can be purchased in-store and online at leading health shops.
For more advice on konjac root, see below for the FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is konjac root banned in Australia?
The konjac root is banned in Australia due to the glucomannan content. The ingredient actively causes swelling in the stomach, which the health board does not wish to promote. The jelly form of konjac root also poses a potential choking hazard, which is another reason it is banned in this country.
Does konjac root make you poop?
Konjac root contains glucomannan, which naturally regulates bowel movement. It can help with constipation and regulate movement.
Why do konjac noodles smell fishy?
Konjac noodles report having a fishy smell, which is the natural odor of the root plant. To remove the fishy smell, it is best to rinse the noodles with water before cooking.
Is konjac rice healthy?
Konjac rice is a healthy option for those looking for low carb filling meals. It is naturally low in carbs, making it ideal for the keto diet. Eating konjac rice means a consumer can obtain its health benefits.
Does konjac root work for weight loss?
Yes, it does. Konjac root aids weight loss due to its high fiber content, which helps to keep you full for longer, and thus reducing your food intake.
Is glucomannan safe for kidneys?
Yes, it is. In fact, it is used for efficient management of diabetic kidney disease.
Is konjac safe to eat?
Konjac is safe to eat, as a flour product (rice, noodles) and jelly. Due to its gum-like texture, it is important to chew more than usual before swallowing to reduce choking hazards.
See below for our conclusive thoughts on konjac root:
Konjac root has been used for centuries in Asian countries due to its impressive health benefits. It was once primarily used in medicines. Now, it is exported worldwide to be consumed as supplements, flours, and jellies. There are many proven health benefits of all konjac root forms, from weight loss to diabetes management.
To obtain the benefits and ensure health safety, it is crucial to follow the dosage guidelines, purchase from a legitimate seller, and ensure you do not have any coinciding health conditions.
Ask more questions or leave comments below if you have any further concerns about konjac root.
