How is Konjac Glucomannan unique from
other soluble fiber?
Konjac Glucomannan is the most viscosity soluble fiber
in nature - it forms an extremely viscous solution.
Konjac Glucomannan has the highest molecular weight of any dietary
fiber known to science - molecular weight is between 200,000-2,000,000
Daltons.
Konjac Glucomannan has the highest water holding capacity of any soluble
fiber - up to 100 times its own water weight.
Konjac Glucomannan can form either a reversible or a thermo-non-reversible
gel.
Kojac glucomannan (KGM) molecules structure
What are the health benefits of soluble
fiber?
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved food manufacturer
use of the following information on product labels:
- Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include fruits,
vegetables, and grain products, which also contain fiber (particularly
soluble fiber), may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 3g of
soluble fiber from whole oats per day may reduce the risk
of heart disease.
- A low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains containing
fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may lower blood cholesterol
levels, reduce the risk of heart diseases, and possibly prevent
some types of cancer.
- Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include a daily
intake of soluble fiber from whole oats or psyllium seed
may reduce the risk of heart disease.
The American Dietetic Association recommends that people consume
20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, of which 5 to 10 grams should be
soluble fiber. However, Americans typically average only about 12
to 17 grams of total fiber and only 3 to 4 grams of soluble fiber
a day - about half the recommended amount.
How does soluble fiber work?
Soluble fiber is the only known food component that will lower blood
cholesterol when you add more to your diet. Foods high in soluble
fiber help prevent sugar from rising too high after meals by keeping
food in the stomach longer. Sugar is absorbed more slowly, preventing
free fatty acids and triglycerides from rising too high after meals.
Free fatty acids bind to insulin receptors and prevent insulin from
doing its job of driving sugar from the bloodstream into cells. In
addition, soluble fiber does the following:
- It binds to fat in the intestines, preventing some fat absorption.
- It dissolves fluids in the large intestine and forms a gel that
binds with bile acids in the intestines. As a result, the liver
converts more cholesterol to bile acids, and blood cholesterol levels
are reduced.
- It slows digestion and the absorption of nutrients, resulting
in a slow and steady release of glucose from accompanying carbohydrates.
- It soaks up excess bile acids found in the intestinal tract -
the same acids that are converted into blood cholesterol.
- It delays stomach emptying, triggering satiety (a feeling of
fullness) that can be helpful in people with type 2 diabetes trying
to achieve weight loss goals.
Soluble Fiber Intake & Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus: The Research
Research proves that the higher the viscosity of soluble fiber, the
better the control of blood sugar level in patients with Type 2 diabetes:
The
New England Journal of Medicine (May 11, 2000. v342: 1392-1398)
Beneficial effects of high dietary fiber intake in patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus.
"A high intake of dietary fiber, particularly of the soluble
type, above the level recommended by the ADA, improves glycemic control,
decreases hyperinsulinemia, and lowers plasma lipid concentrations
in patients with type 2 diabetes"
Clin
Excell Nurse Pract.(September 2000; 4 (5): 272-6)
Dietary fiber and type 2 diabetes.
"Water-soluble fiber appears to have a greater potential
to reduce postprandial blood glucose, insulin, and serum lipid levels
than insoluble fiber. Viscosity of the dietary fiber is important;
the greater the viscosity, the greater the effect. "
Med
Hypotheses. (June 2002; (6): 487-90)
Glucomannan minimizes the postprandial insulin surge: a potential
adjuvant for hepatothermic therapy.
"Glucomannan (GM) is differentiated from other soluble fibers
by the extraordinarily high viscosity of GM solutions. Administration
of 4-5g of GM with meals, blended into fluid or mixed with food, can
slow carbohydrate absorption and dampen the postprandial insulin response
by up to 50%. "
Diabetes
Care (1999 Jun v22, i6; 913-919)
Konjac-mannan (glucomannan) improves glycemia and other associated
risk factors for coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes. A randomized
controlled metabolic trial.
"KJM fiber added to conventional treatment may ameliorate glycemic
control, blood lipid profile, and SBP in high-risk diabetic individuals,
possibly improving the effectiveness of conventional treatment in
type 2 diabetes"
PDF
Format
Diabetes
Care (2000; 23: 9 - 14)
Beneficial effects of viscous dietary fiber from Konjac-mannan
in subjects with the insulin resistance syndrome: results of a controlled
metabolic trial.
"A diet rich in high-viscosity KJM improves glycemic control
and lipid profile, suggesting a therapeutic potential in the treatment
of the insulin resistance syndrome."
PDF
Format
Journal
of the American College of Nutrition (2003, February, 22(1): 36-42)
Konjac supplement alleviated hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia
in type 2 diabetic subjects--a randomized double-blind trial.
"The KGM supplement improved blood lipid levels by enhancing
fecal excretion of neutral sterol and bile acid and alleviated the
elevated glucose levels in diabetic subjects. KGM could be an adjunct
for the treatment of hyperlipidemic diabetic subjects."
Are there natural food sources of soluble
fiber?
Soluble fiber is found in oats, oatmeal, oat bran, beans, legumes,
barley, citrus fruits, and psyllium. It can also be found in gums,
including; Konjac gum, vegetable gum, pectin, guar gum and gum Arabic.
But generally, most have only a small percentage soluble fiber. Oat
bran contains the highest level of soluble fiber, about 14%. All other
grains contain much less. In comparison, fresh Konjac contains an
average of 13% dry matter, of which 64% is glucomannan, making glucomannan
the richest soluble fiber resource in nature.
How can Konjac Glucomannan powder be
used?
Like cornstarch, but with 10 times the viscosity, Konjac Glucomannan
powder thickens sauces, gravies, puddings and pie fillings without
affecting taste. In bakeries, it helps soften wheat flour and provides
rich texture without adding unwanted calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
Konjac Glucomannan is easy to use, dissolving easily into hot or cold
liquids.
Can Konjac foods be made at home?
In addition to buying Konjac foods in the super market or online,
you can them make them yourself. You can easily prepare Konjac foods
at home using the following simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of glucomannan (contains 6 grams of soluble fiber.)
- 1/2 teaspoon of pickling lime, a food grade calcium hydroxide.
Procedure:
Pour 2 cups of cold water into a pot. Stir in a half-teaspoon of pickling
lime. Then, add 1 tablespoon of Konjac Glucomannan powder, stirring
continuously to a boil. Boil the mixture for about 3 minutes. Remove
from heat. A thermally stable (non-reversible) gel is formed once
the mixture cools down. Cut gel into small pieces, dip in water or
steam about 3-5 minutes and then cook in the way you like.
How is Konjac pasta prepared?
Konjac pasta can be boiled or cooked with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
It can then be tossed with sauces, vinegar, hot salsa, or ingredients
like pepper, onion, or garlic. To prepare Konjac pasta, simply dip
it in water for 3-5 minutes, and then prepare it any way you like.
Konjac Foods Recipes
Olive Pasta with Mushrooms and Tomatoes
1/2 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
1/4 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup pitted ripe olives
1 tablespoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon dry basil
Drain and rinse Konjac pasta with cold water and drain again. Place
into a large
bowl. Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, olives, parsley and basil; toss
gently, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Size: 2
Classic Spiced Konjac Pasta
1/2 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2cup chopped red pepper
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 cup chopped onion
1/8 teaspoon pepper
In a large bowl, stir vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth.
Add Konjac pasta, celery, green pepper and onion. Toss to coat well.
Refrigerate covered for at least two hours to blend flavors.
Serving Size: 2
Vegetable Konjac Pasta
1/2 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 medium chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/8 cup olive oil
1/8 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
Gently mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate until
cold, allowing the mixture to set for an hour before serving to enhance
the flavor before serving.
Serving Size: 1
Pepper Konjac Pasta
1 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
1 hard boiled egg, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
4 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoon vinegar
Drain and rinse the Konjac pasta well. Add the oil and vinegar, mixing
well. Add all
other ingredients and mix well. Then salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Size: 1
Olive Konjac Pasta
1/2 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
4 or 5 olives -- pitted and quartered
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Freshly ground pepper -- to taste
Drain and rinse Konjac pasta with cold water. Transfer to a mixing
bowl and toss immediately with the olive oil. Add vinegar and toss
again. Add the olives, oregano, and pepper. Toss again.
Serving Size: 2
Italian Konjac Pasta
1 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 whole tomatoes, diced
9oz can tomato sauce
4oz Italian dressing
Drain and rinse Konjac pasta with cold water, then drain and add
olive oil.
Add remaining ingredients. Add onion and red wine vinegar to taste.
Serving Size: 2
Konjac Garlic Pasta
1/2 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
4 large tomatoes, quartered
1 red bell pepper, sliced
8 black olives
4 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon white vinegar
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Drain & rinse Konjac pasta under cold water. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the Konjac pasta, bell pepper, tomatoes,
and beans; add the olives & capers. Mix the oil, vinegar, garlic,
salt &
pepper. Pour over the Konjac pasta and salt & pepper to taste.
Toss well just before serving.
Serving Size: 4
Konjac Pasta Primavera
1/2 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cups sliced carrots
1 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cups sliced red onions
8oz ranch dressing
Drain and rinse Konjac pasta. Add vegetables and dressing to the
pasta.
Refrigerate several hours before serving.
Serving Size: 1
Balsamic Konjac Pasta
1 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
1 cup peeled & chopped tomatoes
2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup minced red onions
2 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1/8 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
Drain and rinse Konjac pasta with cold water, drain again.
Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl. Cover & let stand at
room temperature for 1 hour. Fold in the Konjac pasta just before
serving
Serving Size: 4
Konjac Pasta with Peppers
1 pound Konjac Glucomannan pasta
4 tomatoes, chopped
1 green pepper, cubed
1 yellow pepper, cubed
1/2 hot pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Drain and rinse Konjac pasta with cold water, and drain again
Combine vegetables in large bowl. Combine oil, vinegar, garlic,
parsley, chili powder, salt & pepper to taste. Pour over vegetable
mixture.
Stir in Konjac pasta, sprinkle with sunflower seeds and toss. Chill.
Serving Size: 1
Customer Testimonials
I love your line of products! I regularly use your "pastas"
and am always delighted with the results. As an individual with hyperglycemia,
your products have returned many of my favorite dishes to my daily
menu. Cerise
I received my konjac glucomannan powder last week. Since then, I've
been using it as extra fiber and also as a thickener in low carb diet
recipes. A little goes a long way - it only took a 1/2 teaspoon to
thicken a sauce for an entire dinner. Joy
I tried your product for the first time tonight. I made chicken tetrazzini
in white wine sauce with shallots and mushrooms. I added the Konjac
noodles to this. The taste was fantastic -IĄŻll never look back! Belinda
I've tried the Konjac noodles. I find they pick up the taste of whatever
you cook with them. I recently saut¨Śed the noodles in a pan with
garlic, butter, and olive oil. I then tossed in some parmesan cheese.
IĄŻd put them with anything. Gail
I have used both Konjac and guar gum to thicken sauce. Even though
they both work well, it is difficult to get the right consistency
with guar gum. Konjac is easier to work with. Marselle
I used Konjac "flour" to thicken my turkey gravy for thanksgiving
and it worked wonderfully. A little bit thickens a lot. It behaves
similar to cornstarch, except that it thickens up cold - no heating,
stirring, or waiting for it to thicken. Marla
I was interested in your product because I cannot eat too many carbohydrates.
I tried it yesterday. It is extremely tasty with beef and vegetables!
Marion
Last night, I used the glucomannan powder for the first time. I am
very impressed! I normally use xanthan gum as a thickener, but I don't
like the taste. The glucomannan has a neutral taste and it isn't slimy
like the xanthan gum. I am looking forward to experimenting with it.
Lana
Excellent product! I use them in a low carb Asian curry soup. Nora
The Konjac noodles take on the taste of whatever you put on them.
They are a wonderful substitute for pasta and are so versatile and
filling that you can put them in anything. They also have very few
calories, which always helps. Cheri
Fry them with some soy sauce and you have an excellent side dish.
Michael
I ate Konjac noodles this weekend with Ragu Meaty sauce ¨C excellent.
I've also used them as a base under stir-fried steak, onions and peppers
(I poured the juice from the pan over everything). Kalish
My family has the noodles about twice a week in a stir-fry. We had
them last night with marinara sauce, seafood, and a nice salad. On
occasion, we substitute them for spaghetti with bolognaise and cheese
sauce. For those of us who miss pasta, these noodles are a blessing.
Zero carbs and heaps of fiber...just what the doctor ordered. Misty
Food Regulatory Status of Konjac Glucomannan
FDA approved as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) in the United
States
Health Canada approved as a food ingredient in Canada
Konjac Glucomannan powder be affirmed as GRAS for use as a food ingredient
Listed on FCC (Food chemical codex), the 4th edition 1996 USA
Approved by the EU # L295127, E-425
Listed under E425, Annex V, food additives, 1998, EU
Konjac Glucomannan
Pasta Online Catalogue
Konjac Glucomannan Powder (Konjac Flour)
Konjac Glucomannan Instant Thin Noodles
Konjac Glucomannan Instant Wide Noodles
Konjac Glucomannan Instant Tube Pasta
Konjac Glucomannan Instant Flat Pasta
Konjac Glucomannan Instant Mini Pearl (Tropical
Pearl)
Konjac Foods
355 W. Olive Ave., Suite 104
Sunnyvale, CA 94086 USA
Tel: 408-246-3605
Fax: 408-749-7079
Email: info@konjacfoods.com
Web: www.konjacfoods.com
