Even if you’ve never heard of konjac, chances are you are aware of the products made from this plant.
Shirataki noodles, a substitute for pasta that you’ve probably seen on the shelves of nearby health shops, are made from konjac.
Yet a sippable jelly made of konjac has only just made its way onto the market.
Does this fiber-filled jelly genuinely function as some companies say it does to curb hunger? How wholesome is konjac jelly?
You should be aware of the following.
What’s Konjac Jelly?
Konjac jelly is made by mixing water with the corm of the konjac plant. Because it has fiber and starch, the corm can be used in place of gelatin.
When companies make konjac jelly, they add flavoring and sugar substitutes to make a snack that tastes like gelatin and has few calories.
What is Konjac?
Konjac is a Natural herb that is native to different regions of Asia, where it has been utilized for quite some time in traditional Chinese medicine,” says Dana E. Hunnes, Ph.D., M.P.H, R.D., a senior dietitian at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and author of the book Recipe for Survival.
The plant, which is also known as elephant yam, snake palm, or voodoo lily, is renowned for its starchy qualities and for being a good source of soluble dietary fiber, says Hunnes.
In soup and sauce recipes, konjac may be added to thicken the liquid. As a prebiotic supplement, glucomannan, a polysaccharide obtained from konjac, may assist to support regularity by providing food for good gut flora.
According to Hunnes, the corm, or subterranean portion of the plant, is primarily employed to produce these goods.
What Are Konjac’s Health Benefits?
According to Hunnes, soluble fiber in oats and konjac may both maintain normal cholesterol levels.
While it only included seven participants, research indicated that the fiber in konjac may potentially help relieve constipation.
But, how about konjac jelly?
Konjac jelly won’t necessarily help you lose weight, even if consuming more fiber has been linked to reducing body weight.
The glucomannan in konjac was shown to have no appreciable impact on weight reduction in a research including 53 overweight and moderately obese people.
It’s also important to note that many goods made with konjac jelly that are presently on the market have very little to no fiber. These are not a snack high in fiber; they are largely simply sugary snacks.
Instead, choose one of these high-fiber meals if you want to get the advantages of dietary fiber.
A non-edible method to participate in the konjac fad if you’re scared to eat this herb is to use it to create face sponges.
What Does Konjac Jelly Taste Like?
Konjac jelly has a unique texture that is jelly-like and chewy, similar to the texture of gummy bears. The flavor of konjac jelly is mild and subtle, with a slightly sweet taste that is often accompanied by a fruity flavor, depending on the variety of jelly.
Some people describe the taste as similar to that of coconut water or a fruit juice. Additionally, konjac jelly is available in a variety of flavors, including grape, peach, and apple, which can add an extra layer of sweetness or tanginess to the overall taste. This variety of flavors makes it easy to find a konjac jelly that appeals to your taste buds. Whether you prefer a more traditional taste or a fruity twist, there is likely a konjac jelly flavor that will suit your preferences.
What Brands of Konjac Jelly Are the Best?
First factors: When choosing whether to eat konjac jelly, Hunnes advises you to carefully read all directions and cautions.
You may need to chew konjac jelly since it won’t dissolve in your tongue as flavored gelatin would.
A lot of well-known brands of konjac jelly don’t truly contain a large quantity of dietary fiber, despite the konjac plant’s famed fiber content.
Only sweetness and a chewy texture are offered by konjac jelly, and many varieties are laden with added sugars and sugar alcohols.
These are a few of the most well-known manufacturers, although it would definitely be better for you to fulfill your snacking urges with lower-calorie snacks that include more nutrients, such fiber.
- Jelly.B Drinkable Konjac Jelly
Jelly.B Drinkable Konjac Jelly is a popular brand of konjac jelly that can be used as a beverage. The root of the konjac plant, which is used to make the jelly, is high in fiber and may have health benefits.
The product comes in a small bottle that’s easy to carry, and it comes in different flavors like grape, peach, and apple. Small pieces of chewy konjac jelly are floating in a sweet, flavored liquid in each bottle.
- Jayone Drinkable Konjac Jelly
Available in grape, mango, or peach flavors, these six-calorie jelly pouches are sweetened with 12 grams of erythritol and have no fiber.
- EVERYDAZE Konjac Jelly
This company offers a variety of flavors, from peach to cola, along with added collagen and vitamin C.
Although the label claims “zero sugar,” be aware that it also includes sucralose and the sugar alcohol erythritol (a sugar substitute).
Frequently Asked Questions
is konjac jelly good for you
Yes, konjac jelly is good for you. It is high in fiber and has potential health benefits such as promoting fullness, regulating digestion, and controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
What is konjac jelly made of?
Konjac jelly is made from the root of the konjac plant, which is native to Asia. The root is processed into a soluble fiber called glucomannan, which is then mixed with water and other ingredients to create the jelly-like texture.
What is the side effect of konjac jelly?
Consuming too much konjac jelly may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It is important to drink plenty of water when consuming konjac jelly to avoid choking hazards. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, should consult a healthcare provider before consuming konjac jelly as it may interfere with medications or cause adverse effects.
