Introduction
In the world of Korean cuisine, there's a hidden gem that has been captivating the taste buds and promoting health for centuries - Konjac. Known for its incredible versatility, nutritional benefits, and unique texture, Konjac has become a staple in Korean households and a rising star in global health-conscious diets.
Join us on a gastronomic journey as we explore everything you need to know about Konjac, the Koreans' favorite health food. From its fascinating history to its numerous health benefits and innovative culinary uses, we're here to shed light on this extraordinary ingredient.
In this blog, we'll dive deep into the rich heritage of Konjac in Korean culture, where it's been cherished for its role in traditional dishes and its potential for promoting well-being. Discover the science behind Konjac's remarkable health advantages, including weight management, blood sugar control, and digestive health. We'll also share some mouthwatering Korean recipes that showcase the versatility of this unique ingredient, allowing you to bring a taste of Korea into your own kitchen.
What Is Konjac?
Konjac is the short version of the Latin name Amorphophallus konjac. It’s a root plant with a bulbo-tuber, or corm, that can grow up to 10 in in diameter. It has one large leaf (which can be 4 ft across) and some enormous flowers.
Image Credits: W. Fitch via Wikimedia Commons
This plant grows in China, Japan, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It’s usually found on mountain slopes 2000-4000 ft above sea level. A konjac’s roots can grow to 1-2 lbs in around three years if it’s in optimal conditions:
- warm temperatures
- not too much water,
- the right amount of sun.
Image Credits: Image via NuPasta Us
Did you know that konjac has other names? It’s also called konnyaku potato, voodoo lily, snake palm, devil’s tongue, and elephant yam, among many others. (Don't be fooled, konjac isn’t actually a yam!)
Health Benefits?
Konjac has a few confirmed or possible health benefits. First, it has high fiber content in the form of glucomannan. Glucomannan can prevent constipation (especially for pregnant women), increase bowel movement, and decrease blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Image Credits: Image via The Good Mood Co
Studies have shown that taking konjac dietary supplements can lead to decreased food intake: it makes you feel full more quickly, making you eat less. However, it's important to note that it doesn’t directly lead to weight loss.
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Glucomannan is also prescribed to patients with Type 2 diabetes, since it slows the digestion process and allows for increased blood sugar absorption.
Image Credits: Image via Today's Practitioner
Finally, konjac can help reduce acne, due to its wound healing properties and its gentleness. It’s especially recommended for oily and sensitive skin.
Side Effects?
Like any health product, there’s debate over how effective konjac really is. However, it’s also controversial due to choking hazards. In 2010, Health Canada warned people that taking glucomannan tablets or powder with less than 250 ml of fluid could lead to a blocked throat or choking.
Image Credits: Unsplash+ in collaboration with Ivana Cajina via Unsplash
But there's more risk from eating konjac fruit jellies. They form a gel that is hard to chew and which can get stuck in a person's trachea, leading to injuries or deaths. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued recalls before it finally banned the jellies in 2001. Canada, Australia, England, the European Union, and other countries have also banned them.
Image Credits: Image via Food Safety News
Besides these concerns, konjac can cause digestive problems like:
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- nausea.
It can also cause an obstruction in the bowel or esophagus. Finally, while it does lower blood sugar levels, it could decrease them too much, leading to problems for diabetics.
Image Credits: Healthy Eve via Flickr
Children, expecting and new mothers, older people, and those with difficulty swallowing should be very careful when taking konjac products. Some people should avoid consuming konjac altogether.
What Products Can I Find Konjac In?
The most popular konjac products are jellies and sponges. Konjac fruit jelly comes in plastic cups or sachets and are usually eaten by squeezing directly into the mouth. As mentioned earlier, it can be a choking hazard, so please chew well and completely before swallowing.
L-R: Japanese Foodie via Flickr / Meagan Tape via Instagram
Next are konjac sponges, which are good exfoliators for sensitive skin. They expand and become rubbery when exposed to water, and they’re also biodegradable. Just make sure to dry completely between uses and throw them away after 4-6 weeks or if moldy or smelly.
Image Credits: hongking allwin via Flickr
You can also get konjac in the form of Japanese shirataki noodles, made with konjac flour, limewater, and water. The noodles can be eaten on their own or in dishes like sukiyaki, a type of hot pot with thinly sliced beef and other ingredients.
Image Credits: cassaendra via Flickr
Since konjac forms a gel-like substance, it’s often used as a vegan substitute for gelatin, which is usually made from animal collagen. Konjac corm powder is also used in countries like China for vegan versions of seafood dishes, like plant-based shark fin soup.
Image Credits: Gleam via Wikimedia Commons
Konjac appears in Japanese hand papermaking and fish cakes (oden), Chinese jellies (“móyù dòufu” or “xuě móyù”), and Vietnamese cakes, noodles, and drinks. It’s even used for oral colon-targeting drug delivery systems (OCDDS) and other colon-related products.
Image Credits: KENPEI via Useful Tropical Plants
Conclusion
Like any diet product, don’t rely solely on konjac for weight loss. Take it with other healthy foods and exercise. And remember: konjac doesn't work the same for everyone. Don't be disappointed if the results aren't what you expected.
Have you tried konjac jelly or konjac supplements before? Would you recommend them? Let us know below!
