What is Glucomannan?
Derived from the roots of the Asian Konjac root, Glucomannan is the nature’s richest source of soluble fiber. Boasting many health and weight loss benefits, Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber that has the ability to absorb water in the stomach and expand to several times its size as a bulky fiber thus increasing satiety.
Glucomannan flour is the key ingredient used in making Japanese Shirataki noodles, or NoOodles™. It is a healthy alternative to pasta and a popular weight-loss and low-calorie diet supplement used by health buffs to lose weight or to live a healthy lifestyle.
This fiber-packed staple is beneficial in treating constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis (a condition where small, bulging sacs or pouches of the inner lining of the intestine become inflamed or infected) by acting as a bulk. Glucomannan is also known to help with type 2 diabetes, control rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, lower blood cholesterol and protect against colon cancer.
Recent studies suggest that a high-fiber diet results in increased excretion of cholesterol, reduced risk of some types of cancer and heart disease.
What are Glucomannan Noodles?
Glucomannan noodles are traditional Japanese noodles often called konnyaku noodles. These uniquely textured noodles are thin, chewy, translucent, gelatinous with almost no flavor by themselves. Low in carbs and calories, the key ingredient of these highly famed noodles is a rich dietary fiber called Glucomannan, which is derived from the roots of yam-like Konjac plant grown in Japan and China.
Glucomannan noodles are easy to cook. Cooking with these noodles can be very rewarding for weight loss and healthy living. Pre-packaged in water in a refrigerated plastic bag, Glucamannan noodles are generally available in fresh produce aisle of major grocery stores. They smell a little odd on opening the ready-to-eat package but the odor disappears soon. These noodles can be prepared either by boiling them briefly or running them under hot water. They can be the main ingredient or they can play alongside vegetables, meat, tofu, soy sauce to enhance the flavor.