Looking for a low-calorie, low-carb flour substitute? Look no further than konjac flour! Made from the stem or corm of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac), konjac flour has been a popular staple for centuries in Japan. In fact, konjac flour made waves in the West because of a Japanese noodle known as shirataki.

Konjac flour is also featured as a staple in other East Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Korean. It typically appears in the form of cakes, noodles and jellies. Konjac flour is also used for vegan seafood alternatives.

Top health benefits of konjac flour

Noodles made from konjac flour are thought to be healthier than those made from refined flour – and for good reason. Below are some of the reported health benefits of konjac flour:

1. It helps lower cholesterol

Konjac flour’s high fiber content is no secret. Its fiber comes in the form of glucomannan, which helps slow the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. Glucomannan also binds to excess cholesterol and ferries it out.

Having high cholesterol levels can put you at risk of developing serious conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. So by keeping your cholesterol levels under control, konjac flour might just help decrease your risk of developing health problems associated with high cholesterol levels.

2. It promotes bowel movement

Konjac flour is great for those who feel constipated or bloated after a meal. The fiber in konjac flour helps keep food moving along the intestines. Fiber also binds to stool, adding bulk and making it easier to pass.

In fact, some research indicates that supplements with glucomannan from konjac can help boost digestion and promote regular bowel movement.

3. It aids in weight loss

Food products made with konjac flour are touted as weight loss-friendly foods. This benefit has to do with how glucomannan promotes fullness. In the gut, glucomannan turns into a thick gel, which helps slows the rate at which the stomach empties itself of food. This has the effect of discouraging snacking and overeating.

4. It supports diabetes management

The glucomannan in konjac flour also helps stabilize blood sugar the same way it controls cholesterol levels. In the gut, glucomannan slows digestion, which leads to a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream.

People with Type 2 diabetes, a condition marked by high blood sugar levels, are advised against eating noodles, pasta and other food products made from refined grains to avoid dangerous spikes in their blood sugar. Therefore, shirataki noodles and similar foods made from konjac flour are ideal for diabetics.

Cooking with konjac flour

Konjac flour is often used as a thickening agent for jellies, sauces and gravy. But it works for baking, too. Use it where you would normally use cornstarch, such as in pie fillings or puddings. Konjac flour also gives a soft texture to cookies, breads, cakes and other pastries. You can even make your own shirataki noodles.

To dip your toe in the water, give this simple recipe a go:

One-carb gluten-free tortillas

Give your homemade burrito wraps a healthier twist by using tortillas made from konjac powder.

Ingredients for 12 servings:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 3 tablespoons konjac powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. In a bowl, combine almond and coconut flour with konjac powder and salt.
3. Crack all of the eggs into the bowl and add the olive oil. Mix until just incorporated.
4. Pour hot water into the bowl. Continue mixing until a light dough forms.
5. Cover the dough, leaving a small opening for the steam to escape. Let cool for a few hours.
6. Divide the dough into 12 sections. Roll each one into a ball. Roll them into tortillas between two sheets of oiled parchment paper.
7. Peel off the sheets. Heat a skillet and cook each tortilla on both sides until the edges brown. Repeat.
8. Top with meat and shredded vegetables and serve warm, or serve them with soup.

Konjac flour is low in carbs and calories and boasts several health benefits to boot. Reap these benefits and use konjac flour when making your sauces, soups and pastries.

Sources:

OrganicFacts.net

WellAndGood.com

LowCarbMaven.com