Low Carb, Low Calorie Diet No No's Are Now Yes, Yes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_tongue

If you have not heard already I thought I’d share! Over the course of the low carb diet craze and as people have started eating this way for life, there have been many low carb products that have infiltrated the market.  I try to keep my clients away from naturally high carb foods that are reinvented by commercial companies as a low carb food product. Actually I feel the same way about messing with any natural food, including high fat foods morphed into low fat foods or even selling just the white of an egg because of an unproven belief that egg yolks are evil.
I am inspired to write about a Japanese noodle called Shirataki meaning “white waterfall”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirataki_noodles, that has hit the market,
It is not an altered product which is why this may be an answer for those who are used to seeing starch on their plate or for long term low carbers who might want to dabble in a little pasta or rice. Shirataki noodles are versatile as they fit into any diet plan. This is so key for families where everyone eats differently.
Too good to be true, you may ask? Maybe not, as the noodle is derived from soluble fiber, and not much else. Health benefits of soluble fiber and glucomannan may include:

1. delayed stomach emptying increasing satiety (feelings of fullness),
2. promotion of good bowel function and help alleviate constipation, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8566676,
3. supports good bowel health because it is a prebiotic (food used by healthy gut flora)
4. blood sugar control via a similar mechanism as the diabetes drug acarbose/precose,
5. decreased cholesterol and possibly LDL  cholesterol
6. increased insulin sensitivity, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10857960?dopt=Abstract,
7. fits right into any diet: gluten-free/gliaden free, low-calorie, low carb, vegan

Be aware that just like anything, too much of a good thing may not be so good. Individuals have reported side effects when taking glucomannan supplements, these adverse effects were: intestinal obstruction, flatulence, diarrhea, and effects on the metabolism of  medication like making diabetes medications more potent causing hypoglycemia, http://www.drugs.com/npp/glucomannan.html. These types of reactions to glucomannan is likely more from large supplement doses but you should still be aware and eat as part of a balanced diet instead of going overboard and making it the main food you consume. So although it may seem like a miracle food you want to gobble up, small amounts should do the trick.
So you are now up to par on the health benefits, what about taste?
Well, it does not taste like pasta because it is not processed semolina (wheat) pasta. It actually does not have a taste because it is just a fiber gel. It takes on the flavor of condiments, sauces or soups and does not have the same texture. If you go into this thinking it is an equal replacement, you will not like it. Think about it as a different healthier food that is a hands down winner when it comes to calories, carbs and health.
Compare the nutritional facts for yourself
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Pasta will set you back 180 calories and 41 grams of carbs (100% of carbs converts to sugar in your body) for a 2 oz. (or 1/4 of a cup) portion. If you choose to eat 1/2 a cup double that and if you eat a whole large bowl, forget about it, http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/ronzoni-healthy-harvest-whole-wheat-blend-pasta-thin-spaghetti-16-oz-51307860.
At forty grams of carbohydrates, this is not possible on a very low carb diet. Even if you did squeeze pasta in, it goes against everything low carb because the carbs you do eat are high nutrient dense vegetables, nuts, seeds or low glycemic fruit.
Miracle noodles angel hair pasta, 3 oz. is 0 calories and 0 carbohydrates.
Pick your poison or not. But this is definitely worth a try. If you are wondering how to prepare shirataki “Miracle Noodles”, there are some interesting ideas in this free recipe downloadable book, http://www.miraclenoodle.com/t-Recipes_Preparation.aspx#back.