LOSING WEIGHT BY EATING SHIRATAKI NOODLES
Have you ever wondered the secret to Japanese women staying so slim and in shape? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. I have been wondering, how I can lose weight while still being healthy and receiving the recommended daily nutrients. During my research I have found that eating pasta helps with this problem. I know you must be asking, what I am talking about. Pasta! Starchy pasta right? How can that help me lose weight? What nutritional value does pasta have? Well I am here to answer that question, have you ever heard of Shirataki Noodles? Yes, no. Well this is a form of pasta that was first made in Asia but has now spread all across the world. I know you must now be saying that I still have not answered your questions. How can pasta help me lose weight?
What is Shirataki Noodles?
LOSING WEIGHT BY EATING SHIRATAKI NOODLES
Shirataki Noodle is a form of pasta that adds an advantageous amount of fiber to your diet. It is so filled with fiber that there are hardly any “unhealthy carbohydrates” found in it. Shirataki Noodles are made from the root of the konjac plant which is found in various parts of Asia and is filled with a dietary fiber called glucomannan. Glucomannan is proven to control blood sugar, improve cholesterol control, and helps in weight loss, and is a great substitute for starchy noodles. Because Shirataki noodles tend to be rubbery, tofu is added to some, which acts as a control substance; thus reducing the rubbery texture. The tofu also adds protein and more carbohydrates to the Shirataki noodle, adding more nutrients.
Health Benefits of Shirataki Noodles
Shirataki Noodles, as mentioned before is a great food supplement for people trying to lose weight. The dietary fiber, glucomannan, which is found in Shirataki noodle, has been sold as a dietary pill used for weight loss for years. While Shirataki noodles have been used in the Asian diet for over 2000 years, it is new to the Western diet but is a very health change for weight watchers than taking the glucomannan capsules. Shirataki noodles also slow down the digestive process; thus, slowing down the absorption of glucose which intern slows the release of insulin. This process stabilizes the blood glucose level after each meal and helps control type two diabetes.
Weight Loss and Shirataki Noodles
The fiber found in Shirataki noodle is one that is not easily digested. This hard to digest fiber known as soluble fiber makes you feel fuller longer; thus, aiding in the weight loss process because the longer you feel full the less you are prompted to eat. The absorption process of Shirataki noodles is so slow, it allows your body to absorb more of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and lose weight. Fibers do not break down in the digestive track and because glucomannan fiber is the major ingredient in these noodles, there isn’t much calorie to be absorbed by the body.
Types of Shirataki Noodles
As stated earlier, there is the tofu Shirataki noodle and the regular noodle. However, based on what they are made of different boxes carry different number of calories. For example, labels that say Shirataki only have a zero calorie listing. Tofu Shirataki on the other hand has 20 calories for every four ounces and three grams of carbohydrates.
Where to find Shirataki Noodles
Shirataki Noodles are found in most, if not all, supermarkets and is stored in the refrigerator section and has a shelf life of up to a year. The tofu noodles; however, are found more in the supermarkets but Shirataki noodles are found in all Chinese and Korean supermarkets at a lower cost than in the regular supermarkets.
