A rapidly hydratable konjac flour is disclosed which is distinguishable from native konjac flour in that it gains at least least 60% of its potential peak viscosity within 10 minutes after dispersal into water at 25.degree. C., at least 80% of its potential peak viscosity within 20 minutes after dispersal into water at 25.degree. C., and from 80 to 100% of its potential peak viscosity within 30 minutes after dispersal into water at 25.degree. C. Methods for manufacturing rapidly hydratable konjac flour and uses for the inventive flour also are disclosed.
Methods of producing low viscosity glucomannan compositions by mixing a viscosity lowering compound with glucomannan under conditions suitable to form a low viscosity glucomannan composition are disclosed. The ability to modulate (increase or decrease) viscosity by combining glucomannan with compounds of differing molecular weights is described. Also, methods for lowering blood glucose and cholesterol in mammals by administering an effective therapeutic amount of maltodextrin-glucomannan complex are described. Additionally, methods for converting a food or beverage product from an initial low viscosity substance to a high viscosity end-product are also described herein.
