What is Konjac Extract Powder?

Konjac extract powder has recently gained popularity as a weight loss supplement and ingredient in gluten-free recipes. But what exactly is Konjac extract? And how is the powder form used? Keep reading to learn all about the origins, benefits, and applications of this unique dietary fiber.

What Is Konjac?

Konjac is a plant that has been cultivated in eastern Asia for over 2000 years. Its scientific name is Amorphophallus konjac, with Amorphophallus meaning “misshapen penis” referring to the shape of its tuber. Konjac is native to China and Japan and grows well in temperate forests.

The main use of the konjac plant is in its large tuberous root, which resembles a yam. The konjac tuber is notable for its high content of a soluble fiber called glucomannan. This glucomannan is what gives konjac its gelling and thickening properties.

Konjac tubers can reach up to 20 pounds in size once mature. The outer skin is a yellowish-brown color with a purple tint. The inside is a dense white flesh with a very mild taste. When harvested, konjac tubers can be ground into flour or dried and sliced. Traditionally they are used to make konjac jelly snacks, konjac noodles, and konjac tofu.

The glucomannan fiber content of raw konjac is around 40%. To make konjac extract powder, this is increased to 95% glucomannan through extraction and purification processes. This concentrated soluble fiber is what provides the health benefits.

Glucomannan Fiber Benefits

Glucomannan is a water-soluble polysaccharide fiber that has some unique properties. When konjac powder is added to water, the glucomannan absorbs the water and turns into a thick gel. As the gel travels through the digestive system, it also absorbs bile acids and cholesterol. This leads to some impressive health benefits:

Improves cholesterol levels – Glucomannan can lower LDL “bad” cholesterol by up to 15%. It also increases HDL “good” cholesterol.

Promotes feelings of fullness – The expanding gel takes up space in the stomach and small intestine, triggering stretch receptors that signal satiety to the brain.

Facilitates weight loss – By promoting fullness and reducing appetite, glucomannan can lead to reduced calorie intake and assist with weight loss.

Regulates blood sugar – The delayed stomach emptying and inhibition of carbohydrate absorption helps regulate blood glucose.

Supports colon health – Glucomannan acts as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria. It also softens stool and improves regularity.

Lowers triglycerides – Human trials show modest reductions in blood triglyceride levels with glucomannan supplementation.

Improves liver health – Animal studies indicate konjac glucomannan may reduce fat buildup in the liver and protect liver tissue.

Contains antioxidants – In addition to fiber, konjac contains antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, and glutathione.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why konjac extract powder has become popular as a dietary supplement and functional food ingredient. The glucomannan provides an easy way to increase feelings of fullness between meals, curb cravings, and promote weight management.

How Konjac Extract Powder Is Made

Konjac extract powder is produced through a simple hot water extraction process:

Fresh konjac tubers are harvested when mature, typically 8-12 months after planting. Early fall is the ideal time.

The tubers are thoroughly washed, peeled, and sliced into pieces.

Slices are boiled for 30-90 minutes to remove any bitter components and become softened.

Boiled slices are dried either in the sun or using steam heat.

The dried konjac pieces are milled into a fine flour or powder.

To extract the glucomannan fiber, the powder is mixed with near boiling water for 1-3 hours to dissolve the fiber.

Extracted solution is filtered and concentrated until a semisolid paste remains.

Paste is dried using drum roller or spray drying methods to produce konjac extract powder.

Extraction process results in 95% glucomannan fiber content, with only trace levels of sugars, starch, or flavors.

The final konjac extract powder has a white to yellowish color and mixes easily into foods and liquids. No solvents are used, making it a natural vegan and non-GMO ingredient.

How To Use Konjac Extract Powder

The konjac powder can be used in either savory or sweet recipes:

Add 1-2 teaspoons to smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, yogurt, juice, and water for thickness.

Mix it into bread doughs, muffins, or cookies before baking to increase moisture and fiber.

Whisk a teaspoon into soups, stews, and chilis right before serving to create a richer texture.

Create konjac “pasta” by mixing the powder with water and baking it into noodle shapes. 

Use it to make vegan jello or konjac jelly candies by mixing them with fruit juice.

Bind veggie burger patties, meatballs, or beanballs by replacing the egg with konjac powder.

Thicken up stuffing, polenta, risottos, and porridge by stirring in small amounts.

Replace 1/4 of the flour in baked goods with konjac powder to make them healthier.

Since konjac absorbs a lot of water, it’s crucial to hydrate it fully and allow 5-10 minutes for it to reach maximum thickness. Start with small amounts until you determine the right balance for a recipe.

Recommended Konjac Extract Powder Dosage

For health purposes, the standard konjac supplement dosage is 1-3 grams taken with a full glass of water 30 minutes before meals. It’s best to start with 1 gram and gradually increase the amount over 2-3 weeks. Taking it on an empty stomach maximizes its gelling action.

Higher doses around 5 grams may be prescribed for significant weight loss, but can increase the choking risk if taking konjac on its own. Make sure to drink plenty of additional water with konjac powder to avoid dehydration.

Conclusion

Konjac extract powder provides a safe, natural way to boost fiber intake and harness the beneficial properties of the glucomannan soluble fiber. From promoting satiety and weight loss to optimizing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, konjac offers multi-faceted health support. Add it to foods and beverages or take it as a daily supplement to improve your overall nutrition.

Email angel@angelbiology.com to learn more about our fruit and vegetable powders. Let us help you add flavor and nutrition without unwanted sugars or fillers.