By
Julia Andersson
Photo: asianfoodgrocer.com
If you're trying to lose weight, by now you may have heard of shirataki noodles. These noodles were invented by the Japanese over 2000 years ago.
Shirataki noodles are made from flour ground from the bulbous root (or corm) of the Konjac plant. This flour is known as konjac flour and is not a carbohydrate like traditional flour. It is 100% soluble fiber which is combined at a ratio of 3% to 97% water to create a solid gel. When left in blocks this gel is called konnyaku. When formed into noodles it is called shirataki which means 'white waterfall'. Traditional konnyaku is grey in color from the addition of seaweed to the mix.
Konnyaku and Shirataki are effectively calorie free since the human body is incapable of converting fiber into energy. Even if konjac flour were a traditional carbohydrate, a 100 gram serve of shirataki would contain only 12 calories based on the three grams of fiber it contains and the fact that one gram of carbohydrate contains four calories.
Most of the health benefits of shirataki are derived from the fiber content. The American Dietetic Association recommends 20-35 grams fiber per day. The average American only consumes around 15 grams of fiber per day.
Health Benefits of Shirataki
One serving of shirataki noodles per day;
So are shirataki noodles a super food. The answer is a resounding 'NO!' The term super food refers to foods that are highly nutritious. Clearly, this doesn't apply to shirataki noodles since the only nutrient is fiber.
However, when used in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet they are ideal for anyone who wants to lose weight and take advantage of the health benefits they present. So they are well worth making a regular part of you diet.
Photo: asianfoodgrocer.com
If you're trying to lose weight, by now you may have heard of shirataki noodles. These noodles were invented by the Japanese over 2000 years ago.
Shirataki noodles are made from flour ground from the bulbous root (or corm) of the Konjac plant. This flour is known as konjac flour and is not a carbohydrate like traditional flour. It is 100% soluble fiber which is combined at a ratio of 3% to 97% water to create a solid gel. When left in blocks this gel is called konnyaku. When formed into noodles it is called shirataki which means 'white waterfall'. Traditional konnyaku is grey in color from the addition of seaweed to the mix.
Konnyaku and Shirataki are effectively calorie free since the human body is incapable of converting fiber into energy. Even if konjac flour were a traditional carbohydrate, a 100 gram serve of shirataki would contain only 12 calories based on the three grams of fiber it contains and the fact that one gram of carbohydrate contains four calories.
Most of the health benefits of shirataki are derived from the fiber content. The American Dietetic Association recommends 20-35 grams fiber per day. The average American only consumes around 15 grams of fiber per day.
Health Benefits of Shirataki
One serving of shirataki noodles per day;
- Helps prevent 'spikes' in blood sugar levels by stabilizing them.
- Are gluten free.
- Are carbohydrate free and ideal for low carb diets like Atkins.
- Reduces cholesterol levels by around 10% and LDL (bad cholesterol) by 7.2%.
- Reduces tryglycerides by 23%.
- Reduces Systolic blood pressure by 2.5%.
- Boosts the immune system.
- Reduces inflammation and helps prevent polyps from forming in the colon.
- Aids in vitamin and mineral absorption.
- Increases healthy bacteria in the colon.
- Helps prevent colon cancer.
- Effectively contains zero calories making it ideal for weight loss. Compare this to an average of 210 calories per cup of traditional pasta or noodles.
- Fiber acts as an appetite suppressant by slowing digestion and keeping you full for longer.
- Contain zero nutrients other than fiber
- Too much shirataki may result in diarrhoea.
- Some people may find the odor of shirataki unpleasant. (Simply rinse shirataki to remove odor).
- Shirataki has a gelatinous texture similar to rice noodles and some people don't like this texture, especially if they hope to replace traditional pasta.
- Shirataki noodles have little flavor so must be combined with other tasty foods.
- Insufficient other food at the same time as shirataki will result in malnutrition.
So are shirataki noodles a super food. The answer is a resounding 'NO!' The term super food refers to foods that are highly nutritious. Clearly, this doesn't apply to shirataki noodles since the only nutrient is fiber.
However, when used in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet they are ideal for anyone who wants to lose weight and take advantage of the health benefits they present. So they are well worth making a regular part of you diet.
Want to try Shirataki noodles? Find out where to buy Shirataki Noodles.
Julia Andersson is a student of nutrition dedicated to helping people overcome obesity. Obesity is the number one health issue of the twenty first century. Learn how to live a healthier life by maintaining healthy weight and exercise habits through her weight loss blog at http://bestwaytoloseweight4u.com.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_AnderssonJulia Andersson is a student of nutrition dedicated to helping people overcome obesity. Obesity is the number one health issue of the twenty first century. Learn how to live a healthier life by maintaining healthy weight and exercise habits through her weight loss blog at http://bestwaytoloseweight4u.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7480989
Nice Recipe...eating shirataki noodles can also help in controlling blood sugar levels.
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