What is Konjac Fiber?

Konjac fiber, also known as Konjac glucomannan, is derived from the Konjac plant root. The plant's scientific name is Amorphophallus konjac. Native to Asia, this purely vegetable, water-soluble dietary fiber does not contain any wheat, gluten, carbohydrates, calories, fat, protein or sugar.

History

• It has been used in Chinese cuisine for over 2,000 years, and is considered as a health food in Asia.

Identification

• It is commonly known as konnyaku, which is Japanese for devil's tongue, a name derived from the plant's appearance.

Function

• As a soluble fiber, it reduces blood cholesterol by slowing the absorption rate of digested sugars, a positive factor for people with diabetes.

Features

• It also promotes weight loss by remaining in the stomach, causing it to feel full, and it works as a natural laxative, pulling out impurities collected in the digestive tract.

Warning

• Due to the choking hazard from not taking konjac fibers properly, konjac fiber weight-loss supplements have been banned in some countries.