Undoubtedly, noodles are a popular choice for everyday meals and special occasions, and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger dish. This is because they are easy to prepare and can be eaten in many ways.
However, individuals who follow a low-carb diet might struggle to find tasty, satisfying alternatives to high-carb foods like noodles. Fortunately, Konjac noodles allow you to enjoy your favourite dishes without the carbs. Being plant-based and low in calories, it can help you follow your diet plan without feeling like you’re missing out on your beloved noodles.
What are Konjac Noodles?
Another name for Konjac noodles is miracle noodles or zero-calorie noodles. These noodles are really popular in Asia, especially in Japan and China, but they’ve made their way to other nations as well and are totally keto-friendly. In fact, 97% of Konjac noodles are made of water, and the remaining 3% is fibre.
While fibre is technically a carbohydrate, the type in Konjac noodles, called glucomannan, is non-digestible and doesn’t affect insulin. This fibre has some fascinating benefits: it acts as a detox agent, supports weight loss (as shown in several studies), and even helps loosen mucus.
When you eat Konjac noodles, it’s important to note a few things. First, they are flavourless, so you’ll need to add some sauces or seasoning to enhance their taste. Second, the texture isn’t exactly like traditional pasta, but it’s similar enough.
Why Konjac Noodles Are Perfect for a Low-Carb Diet?
Here, learn some key benefits of Miracle Noodles:
Reduces hunger – Konjac noodles can help suppress appetite by reducing the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for hunger.
Stabilises blood sugar – The fibre in these noodles, when digested by gut microbes, helps produce certain short-chain fatty acids that assist in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels.
Supports digestion – It can also help with constipation, though most people consume small amounts, so you might not notice a significant effect unless you eat large portions.
Zero calories – Since it’s primarily fibre, Konjac noodles have no calories, making them perfect for a keto diet without disrupting your carb intake.
Alternative options – If you’re looking for other low-carb noodle substitutes, you might also enjoy spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
How to Cook Konjac Noodles?
Cooking with these noodles is simple. All you have to do is:
- After taking the noodles out of the package, drain them in a strainer and give them a quick rinse with cold water.
- Boil and drain the noodles.
- Re-add the drained noodles to the pot, turn the heat down to medium, and dry-fry them until all of the moisture has been extracted.
Some people would instead wipe the noodles with a paper towel, eradicating the excess moisture before combining it with the other ingredients. When frying vegetables or protein like chicken or prawns, blot the noodles first. Add them to the pan after cooking the protein. Simply heat the noodles until thoroughly cooked, and they’re ready to eat.
If you’re ready to start cooking with Konjac healthy noodles, you can easily find them online from various UK retailers. Many sites specialising in healthy ready meals delivered uk also offer Konjac noodles as a low-carb, nutritious option.
Health Benefits of Konjac Noodles Beyond Low-Carb Eating
Here’s why Miracle/Zero calorie noodles fit so well into a low-carb lifestyle:
Low Carbohydrates
While leading pasta brands contain as much as 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, Konjac noodles have almost zero carbs. This means you can take a massive bowl of noodles without worrying about raising your blood sugar levels or overdoing your daily recommended carb intake.
High in Fiber
Konjac noodles are also high in glucomannan, a soluble fibre. This fibre swells in the stomach when it comes into contact with water. Plus, this assists in reducing hunger and prevents a feeling of hunger resulting from overeating. So, this extra fibre is a significant bonus for those on a low-carb diet. Fullness can sometimes be a challenge with such diets.
Low in Calories
Konjac noodles are also great for anyone monitoring the number of calories they take. The calories per serving are approximately 10 to 20. This makes them one of the smallest calorie additions you can include in your meals. Moreover, it is especially useful for people on a low-carb diet. This type of diet requires them to consume fewer calories than they burn.
Gluten-Free and Vegan
In other words, if you are on a gluten- or plant-based diet, you will find that Konjac noodles are ideal for use in your meals. Their bland taste makes them versatile and easily absorb different sauces and flavours.
Get Delicious and Healthy Ready Meals Delivered!
You may replace konjac noodles with starch in many Asian cuisines. They taste and texture similar to rice noodles and work well in various dishes. However, avoid using zero-calorie noodles in soups, as they quickly dissolve when submerged. Additionally, they can become rubbery and almost gelatinous in texture.
If you are ready to try them, a UK-based company called Eat Water focuses on producing Konjac-based healthy products such as Konjac noodles, rice, and many other products you’d love to have. Plus, they offer healthy ready meals delivered in the UK, so you can continue eating low-carb meals at home without stressing over preparing meals.
Made from the konjac plant, these noodles are virtually calorie-free and low in carbohydrates, making them perfect for those looking to reduce their carb intake.
Order your noodles today and start enjoying guilt-free, delicious dishes that fit perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle!