Healthy Snacks with Konjac
As we become much more conscious about our meal plan, we are searching for foods that are tasty but do not compromise our health. Accordingly, there are plenty of different foods and ingredients that are appearing in the market that promise great health and weight loss benefits. One such ingredient that has been in the spotlight is the konjac plant, thanks to its diverse benefits.
Photographer: Lena
What is the Konjac plant?
Konjac is a Japanese root vegetable that is full of fiber. Asians have known about konjac since ancient times because it was mainly grown in Asia but presently, it is widely cultivated all over the world for domestic and commercial purposes. Similar to an odd-shaped potato, it contains a soluble fiber called glucomannan, a type of fiber that has impressive health benefits. In fact, Konjac is already a common ingredient within the vegan community. Upon having no fat and almost no calories, it’s also widely known to aid in weight management, therefore improving cholesterol levels.
Effects
Other than weight management, Konjac has many other astonishing benefits:
Prevent constipation
As Konjac contains glucomannan that increases the number of probiotic bacteria and helps control sugar levels in the body, it aids in digestion and helps prevent diabetes. It is able to help strengthen your digestive system, making it a great natural remedy for those who have digestion problems helping to restrain constipation.
Eye health
Konjac is highly rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial for our optical health. The plant can help to reduce eye-related problems, enhance optic nerves and keep our eyes healthy.
Better skin
Konjac contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which is good for our skin and it also helps in healing wounds in our skin. Also, facial sponges made by konjac are a great tool for cleansing our skin with its soft surface. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, they can help combat oily skin and reduce acne.
Various health benefits
Apart from the benefits stated above, the Konjac plant presents a lot of other advantages for our health. Its antibacterial properties can help with minor oral health problems such as toothache. It is believed that an increase in the level of immunity may also be given. Our body may be able to help fight common diseases such as cold and flu more effectively. Additionally, the plant can help to stabilize blood pressure levels, which therefore will help with our heart health.
Diverse kinds of foods made by Konjac
Due to its plain taste, it can come in various flavors and shapes. The konjac plant can be transformed into diverse forms such as noodles, rice, jelly or dietary supplements. By far the best way people have found to lose weight with the konjac plant is by consuming foods with konjac as a key ingredient. Foods have been produced with fewer carbohydrates and fewer calories. This is a great alternative for those wanting to continue eating dishes that would usually be higher in carbs and calories to increase energy levels and boost metabolism. Konjac foods move through our digestive system very slowly, which helps us maintain low blood sugar, lose fat, feel full and delay nutrient absorption into our bloodstream.
Noodle and Rice
Konjac noodles are wholesome because they are both filling and low in calories at the same time. On its own, it is a healthy alternative to wheat pasta and rice noodles. One good way to enjoy konjac noodles is with a stir fry with tofu and nutritionally dense, organic vegetables.
One of the most popular foods in South Korea--the konjac diet jellies--are mainstream. Even though it might just taste like normal jelly snacks, Essential C’s Konjac Jelly from Everdaze is a diet jelly with low calories and no sugar. It is a combination of konjac, vitamin C, collagen, erythritol in different fruit flavorings. These jellies come in spout pouches, making it convenient to eat and store them on the go. It is a refreshing, fruity and delicious zero-sugar snack option. We can satisfy our sweet tooth and consume our daily dosage of Vitamin C and Collagen without extra calories or sugar to our diet, making it a great snack option for adults and children alike.
With so many health benefits, it’s no wonder many people are looking for ways to add the konjac plant into their diet and beauty regime. Instead of junk foods and sugary snacks, I would recommend Konjac foods that will fulfill your cravings and help you take care of your health.
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