For all the health-freaks constantly looking for low calorie alternatives to include in their diet, konjac noodles are emerging as a health-conscious option. These noodles from the East are quickly replacing traditional noodles and pasta from the shelves of supermarkets in the West simply because of their low caloric value. Given their raging popularity in the West, people might assume it is part of the many crazy food trends nowadays. But let me assure you, it’s not; instead, it has many health benefits and uses owing to its versatility.
A Brief History
Let’s review its history before delving into its benefits and uses. These low calorie noodles are made by mixing Glucomannan extracted from Konjac roots with water to form a gelatinous mixture, which is then shaped into noodles. The Konjac plant has a history of over 1500 years and is believed to have originated in the Yunnan region of China. Initially, it was mainly used for medicinal purposes by Buddhist monks, and that’s also how it made its way to Japan, where it became a dietary staple. In Japan, it’s used in various dishes, the most famous of which are Shirataki Noodles.
Benefits
As mentioned above, it’s a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, which is enough to prove that it’s a healthy, low calorie alternative to starchy noodles and pasta. Still, we should discuss its health benefits at length to provide further credibility.
- Facilitates Weight Loss: The main component of Konjac Noodles is Glucomannan, a water-soluble fibre with a shallow calorie content. Being low in calories and high in fibre, it provides a feeling of satiety without adding on to calories. Thus, it prevents overeating while helping you watch over your weight.
- Improves Gut Health: Since they are high in fibre, they act as prebiotics, which promote the growth of good bacteria. Additionally, they are highly effective in preventing constipation and other digestive issues. Including low fat ready meals in your diet can offer convenience while supporting digestive health. This is because of the fact that they are not completely digested; they just move along the entire length of the digestive tract, stimulating the muscles of the intestines.
- Stabilises Blood Sugar: These low calorie noodles do not adversely affect the blood sugar level as they have almost zero carbohydrates. Also, the glucomannan fibres present in the noodles slow down the digestion process and control the release of glucose. Furthermore, the glucomannan fibres are water-soluble, therefore making them efficient in stabilising the blood sugar level.
- Lowers Cholesterol Level: Some studies indicate that Glucomannan may help in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The glucomannan fibres bind the cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevent its absorption, improving heart health.
Check out these 10 Keto-Friendly Pasta & Noodle Alternatives
Uses
Konjac Noodles, due to their versatility, can be incorporated into several dishes as a low calorie and low carbohydrate alternative. Here are some of the ways it can be used:
- Asian Stir-fries: Stir-fries are a relatively easy dish to prepare and can be made in various ways just by combining different kinds of vegetables with different types of sauces and lean protein options. To make things more exciting and healthy, you can add Shirataki Noodles instead of your traditional Noodles or Pasta.
- Soups and Broth: To make a filling and low-calorie dinner, add konjac noodles to soups and broths. Konjac noodles may add bulk and texture to soups without increasing the calorie count, whether cooking a substantial vegetable soup or a cosy chicken noodle soup.
- Salads: Salads are top picks when it comes to diet foods as they are easy to make and also super healthy. Combining these low calorie noodles with fresh vegetables, tofu or grilled chicken and a flavourful dressing can result in a light and refreshing meal.
- Pasta Alternatives: These noodles are a popular and healthy substitute for pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese and pad thai.
Conclusion
From the information mentioned above, we can easily deduce that these noodles are beneficial for our health and very convenient to incorporate into your diet. This is also subject to the condition that one should consume it in moderation, as with any dietary substance. Too much of anything can be dangerous, no matter how healthy it is. On a related topic, if you are new to Konjac products and are willing to try them, you should ultimately check out products by Eat Water.
