A 2-ounce (dry) serving of spaghetti packs in more than 200 calories. And because it’s almost pure carbohydrate, it’ll send your blood sugar rocketing through the roof.
Now imagine eating 3 ounces of delicious noodles at a cost of exactly zero calories. Zero carbs. And no big spike in your blood sugar.
It’s a dieter’s dream.
You may be thinking it’s impossible. But it’s not.
Better blood pressure, cholesterol & blood sugar with noodles
Plus, that same 3-ounce serving of noodles could also…
- Promote healthier cholesterol levels
- Help relieve constipation
- Support lower blood pressure
- Encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut
- Promote better blood sugar control
All this from eating noodles? Absolutely… if those noodles are shirataki.
Let me explain.
In the Far East, people have been eating the bulb-like tuber of the konjac plant for thousands of years. Konjac is often called “elephant yam,” though it isn’t related to yams at all.
Shirataki noodles are made of healthy soluble fiber
The tuber is packed with glucomannan, a soluble fiber. And it’s this fiber that makes shirataki noodles so special.
The Japanese make shirataki noodles from konjac flour. These noodles are almost entirely soluble fiber. They contain no carbs… no calories… and no guilt.
Italian scientists added just 1 gram of glucomannans to the diet of 93 constipation sufferers for a month. All 93 became more regular and experienced less abdominal discomfort.1
Shirataki boosts healthy gut bacteria
Researchers at Taiwan’s Chung Shan Medical University got similar results. But they also found glucomannan promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.2
That’s a big plus, because these bacteria improve digestion and support immune system health.
Because it’s fiber, glucomannan helps you feel full faster, too. In fact, as little as 2 grams – just .07 ounces – per day promotes “significant” weight loss, according to experts at Rush University College of Nursing.3
Eating spaghetti with tomato sauce is a great way to pack on pounds. But with shirataki noodles, it becomes delicious diet food.
And not just diet food… but health food, too.
Better blood sugar in 3 weeks with glucomannan
Canadian scientists tested glucomannan on two groups of people with blood sugar problems. One group ate a biscuit with glucomannan every day for 3 weeks. The other group just got a plain biscuit. Then, after 2 weeks without biscuits, the scientists switched the groups for 3 weeks.
Both groups saw improvements in their blood sugar control, blood lipids (fats) and blood pressure while getting the glucomannan biscuits.4 Within just 3 weeks.
The texture of shirataki noodles is a bit more rubbery than traditional pasta, but they make a good substitute. And, like pasta, they don’t have a strong flavor.
They also come in several “shapes” – including angel hair and fettuccini.
Shirataki noodles are inexpensive and fairly easy to find. Most Asian grocers carry them. Some supermarkets stock them now, too. Look in the vegetable aisle or ask at the customer service desk. (Some stores carry
Tofu shirataki, this isn’t made from the same elephant yam.) They’re also available online.
References:
1 Passareti, S., et al, “Action of glucomannans on complaints in patients affected with chronic constipation: a multicentric clinical evaluation,” Ital J Gastroenterol. Sep-Oct 1991;23(7):421-5.
2 Chen, H.L., et al, “Konjac acts as a natural laxative by increasing stool bulk and improving colonic ecology in healthy adults,” Nutrition. Nov-Dec 2006;22(11-12):1112-9.
3 Keithley, J. and Swanson, B., “Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review,” Altern Ther Health Med. Nov-Dec 2005;11(6):30-4.
4 Vuksan, V., et al, “Konjac-mannan (glucomannan) improves glycemia and other associated risk factors for coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes. A randomized controlled metabolic trial,” Diabetes Care. Jun 1999;22(6):913-9.
Dr. Woliner is a board certified medical physician and modern day pioneer in the world of alternative men’s health and nutritional science. Using a unique combination of modern “Western” medicine and traditional holistic healing practices, Dr.Woliner has revolutionized men’s health care treatments for many of today’s most common male health concerns – specializing in alternative treatments for Prostate enlargement (BPH) and a myriad of erectile concerns and men’s sexual health issues.
Visit Dr. Woliner and the rest of the team at Best Life Herbals.
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I thought these articles were very informative. I have special needs to help me loose belly fat as I have prostate problems, ED, & my PSA is at 4.7. I could use more information on how to loose weight. 72 years old good BP, Good Colestrol over weight by 80 pounds.