What happens when you eat konjac noodles?

Konjac root contains around 40% of the soluble fibre, glucomannan, which creates a feeling of fullness due to its very slow passage through the digestive tract and it is shown to lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar.

endeavour.edu.au - Is Konjac Pasta Healthy? - Endeavour College of Natural Health

What time of day is best to detox?

For instance, the liver is at its peak detox stage between 1 and 3 am. You should sleep by midnight so that your liver could focus on its cleansing...

Last updated Apr 14, 2019

What is the healthiest tea to drink at night?

Chamomile tea Chamomile tea is one of the best herbal teas for bedtime because it is caffeine-free and contains sleep-inducing ingredients like...

Last updated Dec 10, 2021

Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Are the low calorie, 'skinny' pastas (made with the Asian vegetable konjac) found at the major supermarkets a super noodle or a nutritional black whole? We asked one of our writers Samantha Ward from Invora Health to investigate. Boasting claims of no-fat, low-carb and being under 10 calories per serve, gluten free and crazy high in fibre you’d wonder why these haven’t replaced every single piece of conventional pasta and noodles on the supermarket shelves. These 'wonder noodles' usually sit quietly in the aisle next to the diet protein bars and ‘bulk up’ protein shakes with obnoxious labelling so, it’s no surprise there are mixed feelings about this product amongst consumers and nutritionists.

So, are konjac noodles really good for you?

Are they a dieter's dream or a nutritionist’s nightmare?

For the purpose of this analysis, I tried SlendierSlim’s Slim Pasta.

Let’s start with the taste… It’s odd, really odd. The noodles really have no taste at all and the texture reminded me of seaweed – very chewy and difficult to swallow. They turn clear and wobbly; almost jelly like, after cooking and a great deal of onion, garlic and spices are needed to make them palatable. I experimented by using them as a base for a vegetarian Thai red curry and with the sauce all over them, the taste was quite pleasant. It still felt like chewing on rubber though.

What are konjac noodles like to prepare?

Ridiculously easy. Simply drain the liquid from the packaging, sit in hot water for a couple of minutes, drain and serve. They are wonderful for people who want to cook their own food at home but struggle to find the time. The preparation of dishes featuring these noodles will take a little longer than usual to ensure you get some flavour in there though.

So, what’s in these crazy konjac noodles?

The ingredients are listed as: Purified Water, Konjac Flour, Calcium Hydroxide (a preservative that has shown no adverse effects after countless studies). Upon analysing the ‘Slim Noodle’ variety (similar to flat vermicelli), the nutritional information stated there were eight calories per serve, 6.1 grams of dietary fibre, 23.7 milligrams of calcium and… nothing else. So, are they good for you? Konjac is an Asian root vegetable that has been consumed for centuries. When made into pasta, no grains are added and they contain no sugar – perfect for any pasta lovers wanting to go grain or sugar free. You’d be really hard pressed to find a food with more fibre than this and with fewer calories. Konjac root contains around 40% of the soluble fibre, glucomannan, which creates a feeling of fullness due to its very slow passage through the digestive tract and it is shown to lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar.

The down side?

Does lemon water lower cortisol levels?

The vitamin C in lemons helps minimize the effects of cortisol in the body and, when combined with water, can help you stay relaxed, hydrated and...

Last updated Feb 23, 2019

Will 1200 calories slow metabolism?

A prolonged 1,200 calorie-per-day diet can slow metabolism, so it is best to only do it short-term. There are risks to consuming too few calories,...

Last updated Jul 13, 2020

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

There are reported side effects of diarrhoea, loose stools and flatulence as well as oesophageal blockages due to its gelatinous consistency and the dramatic increase in size when exposed to liquids. These side effects were reportedly experienced after excessive consumption so I dare say, as long as you chew your food; you’re unlikely to end up with a blockage. The real concern I have, as a nutritionist, is that this is basically a fibre supplement, not a food. There are no other nutrients in these noodles and I fear that if eaten too regularly and without nutritious accompaniment, the consumer may risk malnutrition – especially if restricting consumption of a whole group of foods while following a strict fad diet.

The moral of the story

While these noodles are perfectly safe to consume if eaten occasionally (and chewed thoroughly), I feel they should be considered as a fibre supplement or as a temporary diet food3. If you’re looking for a natural way to lower cholesterol, these may be an option for you due to the glucomannan content however, you must remember that this should complement a healthy diet, not replace it. If you’re craving pasta or noodles but don’t want the carbs to disrupt your paleo/atkins/carbs-are-the-devil-diet, then this is a good option as long as your sauce is bursting full or vegetables to ensure your meal contains an adequate amount of nutrients. Konjac noodles should not be eaten as a staple. Yes, you’ll lose weight, but you’ll probably lose your energy, your shiny hair and your faith in ‘health’ foods. Konjac products are a great way to satisfy random cravings, lower cholesterol and top up your fibre intake if eaten as an occasional addition to a fabulously healthy and fresh whole-food diet. Interested in nutrition? Check out our Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine) !

endeavour.edu.au - Is Konjac Pasta Healthy? - Endeavour College of Natural Health

Does a banana have more vitamin C than an orange?

Vitamin Comparison A medium orange is a standout for vitamin C, offering 83 milligrams per serving or 138 percent of the daily value. A large...

Last updated Aug 29, 2018

What are the downsides of drinking apple juice?

The consumption of apple juice is generally considered safe. However, excess intake may lead to several adverse effects. It may cause...

Last updated Jul 31, 2019

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is a juice cleanse the same as fasting?

As described above, the primary difference is that with a juice cleanse, you are intaking calories, while none are consumed while on a water fast,...

Last updated Sep 25, 2019

Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is simply owned by Coke?

Simply® is The Coca‑Cola Company's second-largest brand based on net revenue in the United States, behind Coca‑Cola, and Simply® beverages are...

Last updated Jan 1, 2019