Getting To Know The Shirataki Noodle
The Low Carb Noodle Craze!
Shirataki Noodles
There has been a sudden increase in the number of people getting interested to know more about Shirataki noodle, the amazing low-carb noodle from Japan. It seems like the Shirataki noodle craze is sweeping more and more countries as people who have decided to go on a healthy low-carb lifestyle are seeking alternatives to the carb-rich pasta they know and love.
What is Shirataki?
Shirataki is a very low carbohydrate, low calorie, translucent, thin, gelatinous traditional noodle of Japan. It is made from the famous konjac plant. "Shirataki" was derived from the Japanese word which means "white waterfall", a perfect word to describe the appearance of these traditional noodles. Largely composed of a water-soluble dietary fiber called "glucomannan" and water, Shirataki noodle has very little flavor of its own. According to some research, glucomannan helps people lose weight and suppress appetite since the gel it forms in the stomach helps a person maintain a feeling of fullness.
Shirataki noodle first became very popular in Asian markets and supermarkets where these traditional Japanese noodles are sold in both dry and soft wet forms. It has a normal shelf life of one year. Some Shirataki brands may require pre-boiling or rinsing as the water the noodle is packaged in has an unpleasant odor especially to those who are not accustomed to it.
Shirataki noodles are generally sold in two types: traditional Shirataki noodles and Tofu-based Shirataki-style noodles. The traditional Shirataki noodles have zero calories, zero net carbohydrates, gluten-free, and are very useful for those who are on low-carb diets. Tofu-based shirataki-style noodles are called the low-carb noodles since the carbohydrate content in these noodles is very minimal. However, compared to the traditional Shirataki, tofu-based Shirataki noodles have shorter shelter life and should be stored in the refrigerator even before opening the package.
The Benefits of Eating Shirataki Noodle
Shirataki noodle is high in fiber, and like any other fiber-rich food, it has other health benefits aside from its being useful for low-carb dieters and for those trying to lose weight. Included here are the possible reduction of risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
How is Shirataki Noodle Eaten?
Shirataki noodle can be used in different dishes. Asians, particularly Japanese, eat them stir fried because they will absorb the flavor of the seasonings and sauce used. However, there are also dieters who have tried cooking the Shirataki noodle in Western style recipes, including pasta and salads. The rather bland of Shirataki noodle reflects the taste of the recipe used and only limitation one has in cooking this traditional Japanese noodle is the imagination of the person cooking it. Thus, if you are imaginative enough, you can have a very delicious at the same time healthy meal.
