Have you ever wondered, ‘Why Is Konjac Root Banned In Australia?’, read the article get clear your doubt and also learn more about Konjac root.
Why Is Konjac Root Banned In Australia?
Devil’s tongue, mainly identified as Konjac root, is a starchy curative tuber that grows underground. It is generally grown in some parts of Asia and has an edible corm. It is used as a supplement and in making food such as Shirataki noodles. It is safe to ingest.
Konjac root was banned as a supplement in 1986 in Australia. This was because of the possibility that there were very many chances and incidences of choking and also other cases such as the obstruction of the abdomen.
Jelly mini cups were also later banned on 21st August 2002 following a substantial rise in the number of demises or near-deaths due to ingesting the mini-cup konjac jellies.
Other countries such as the United States, England, Canada, and the rest of the European Union also joined in the product ban. The Konjac fiber glucomannan causes the feeling of being full as it causes the abdomen to swell due to the high fiber content. Glucomannan was banned in tablet form in Australia.
What are some of the Uses of the konjac root?
1. As a Traditional medication
Konjac was used by the Native people of the republic of china for close to more than 20 centuries ago. Treatment of various conditions such as asthma, cough, hernia and breast pain, or even burns. A gel prepared from the Konjac root flour is used to detoxify the body, alleviate blood stasis, and liquefy the phlegm. Clinical studies have shown that constantly supplementing your diet with Glucomannan can lower the cholesterol in the plasma and even improve carbohydrate metabolism.
2. As a food source
Konjac root is used to make low-calorie noodles, known by their Japanese name Shirataki. It is also used to make snacks as it is believed to be a key ingredient in weight loss due to its significant fiber content that causes the abdomen to swell, giving a feeling that a person is full, causing them to eat less food, playing a part in weight loss.
3. As a food additive
Konjac root extracts such as Konjac gum and konjac glucomannan are water-soluble and can be used as a thickener when cooking. It can also be used as a stabilizer in making gel and can even be used to substitute fat in food.
4. As a dietary supplement
Konjac has a wide assortment of well-being benefits due to its massive fiber content and can be used to help lower cholesterol in a person’s body and regulate glucose levels in the blood.
5. As a Natural Moisturizer
Konjac root is incorporated into various beauty products in the cosmetic industry. It is known to lock in moisture when applied to the skin, which helps it retain its moisture and prevents the skin from drying up, leading to supple and healthy skin. It can also be used to unclog pores and by people with oily skin.
What are some of the Side effects of Konjac root?
1. Bloating
Glucomannan can cause a feeling of being bloated in person due to its enormous fiber content that the stomach finds hard to digest, causing it to swell.
2. Obstruction of the Abdomen
Due to its extraordinary absorbency, Glucomannan may pose a risk as it might cause blockage in the intestines or abdomen, obstructing it because it expands before getting to the gut.
3. It can be a choking risk
Glucomannan may present a threat for both children and grown-ups because it can cause blockage of the gullet/esophagus due to its exceptional absorbency
4. Allergic reactions
Some allergic reactions to Konjac root may include rashes on the skin, Other persons may experience strain in breathing, and a hive outbreak on your skin after consuming Konjac root or glucomannan may also be a warning that you are affected. Persons could also experience signs of itchiness after consumption.
5. Soft stool/ Diarrhea
Although rare, another hostile response towards the Konjac root may be soft stool as it is also a laxative. It can also cause diarrhea and is also used to relieve constipation in people since it has high fiber content.
Conclusion:
The root is not digestible by humans and is often used as a source of dietary fiber through a product derived from it called Glucomannan. Konjac root contains many health benefits due to its massive fiber content.
However, a majority of risks are associated with this tuber, causing it to be banned in countries such as Australia and the European Union.
It can suppress the need to eat and has a low-calorie count, causing it to be seen as an ingredient that can be used in weight loss by most of the population around the world.
A fraction of the death rate can be attributed to the Konjac root products, for example, the Shirataki noodles.
