What is konjac?

Losing weight is hard. Whether you’re just starting your journey or want to boost your results, it can be challenging to know the right way to achieve your goals.

Of course, the best way to lose weight is to eat healthy and balanced meals with the right amount of calories. Supporting your routine with exercise will help you to achieve the results you want.¹ Remember, quick fixes and miracle cures are unlikely to get you where you want to be.²

Despite this, there are a wide variety of weight loss supplements and weight management tools out there. Some can help to support your fat-burning aims, but it’s essential to choose wisely. Not all weight loss aids are created equal, some won’t make a difference to your journey, and some can even be dangerous.³

Konjac is a popular weight loss supplement and food product. It is one that has had several clinical trials, suggesting that it could be a beneficial addition to your weight loss regime.⁴ But what is konjac, and how does it work? We’ve got everything you need to know below.

What is konjac?

Konjac, also known as glucomannan, is a type of plant grown in parts of Asia. While it has striking ornamental flowers (also known as voodoo lilies in the gardening world), it’s the root that we focus on when it comes to nutrition.⁵

Konjac roots are tuber-like, and look a bit like a yam. The root, or corm, is a rich source of soluble dietary fibre, which has a variety of different uses. Throughout history, the konjac plant has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, we often use it as a food ingredient or supplement.⁶

When mixed with water, konjac takes on a gel-like consistency.⁷ That makes it a handy ingredient for thickening, as well as providing you with a feeling of fullness. It’s also known for having a high fibre context, which may also contribute to feeling satiated.⁸

Benefits of using konjac

There is a wide range of reported konjac benefits, ranging from supporting weight loss to helping gastrointestinal problems. Some of these benefits are supported by clinical trials while others are not, so it’s a good idea to be cautious when learning more about the konjac benefits.

Some of these benefits might include:

• Weight loss⁹
• Constipation¹⁰
• Skin health¹¹
• Lowered cholesterol¹²

How to use konjac

Konjac is available in a variety of different forms. These can include:

• Jelly
• Diet foods (like noodles and pasta)
• Flour
• Supplements¹³

If you decide to take konjac supplements, remember to follow the instructions on your chosen product carefully. It’s usually recommended to drink plenty of water when consuming glucomannan supplements to prevent choking.¹⁴

Who should avoid konjac?

Konjac is generally considered safe for most people, although there are some side effects to be aware of. These may include:

• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Stomach upsets¹⁵

It’s important to remember that konjac can be a choking hazard, especially if taken without water.¹⁶

Last updated: 31 March 2021