Funchoza: health benefits and harms

One of the most popular dishes in Asian cuisine is funchoza. This product is also called glass noodle, as it is transparent. Funchose has an original taste, in addition, it can be prepared with any additives, using traditional and modern recipes. This product is not in vain so popular, and not only in China or Japan. It contains a lot of useful substances and generally has a beneficial effect on the body.

What is funchose and what is it made of

Funchoza is a type of noodle that was invented in Southeast Asia. The exact place of appearance of the dish and its creator are unknown, since this product has existed for more than a century. In the old days, such noodles were made independently, at home. The recipe for each housewife could differ slightly. But today, the production of glass noodles has gained industrial scale, as it is one of the basic food products in countries such as Korea, Japan, and China.

Due to the fact that Asian cuisine has reached a peak in popularity in Europe and even outside the continent, today mass production of funchose is established in many countries. It is used as a side dish, as an alternative to regular wheat or rice noodles.

Funchoza is a long noodle that has a translucent appearance in a solid, raw form. During cooking, it becomes completely transparent. Funchose is made from starch, which is found in some types of beans. The classic version is made from mung bean or mung bean, but chickpeas are also often used. The same technology sometimes produces an alternate version of corn starch funchose. But in Asian cuisine, such a fake is not recognized. Moreover, in 2006, Chinese regulatory authorities that caught unscrupulous producers using corn starch to make glass noodles forbade them to carry out their activities.

What is the difference between funchose and rice noodles

Asians do not need to tell what the difference is between rice noodles and classic funchose. They know this very well from early childhood. But for representatives of the Slavic peoples, the difference is not entirely clear, especially if there is no experience in choosing a real funchose.

1. The first difference is the composition. Rice noodles are made entirely of rice starch. Funchoza is the result of the processing of legumes; it consists of starch obtained from other crops.
2. The second difference can be seen in the cooking process. The fact is that funchose retains its transparency completely, it should never be digested, since starch does not provide a solid texture. Products made from rice noodles whiten completely during the cooking process and are more dense.
3. The third difference between funchoses is their taste. The fact is that rice noodles have a taste and aroma of rice, although not as pronounced. Funchoza is almost tasteless, it must be cooked exclusively with sauces and additives.

Inability to distinguish funchose from rice noodles is often used by unscrupulous manufacturers, offering not very high-quality products. Another difference by which you can navigate in stores is that funchoza is always a little thinner and more transparent than rice noodles.

Composition and calorie content

Funchoza is considered a high-calorie product, as it consists of starch, which is processed by the body into simpler substances, including glucose. This is both a plus and a minus, it all depends on the amount of product consumed. But there is good news - the funchose in the cooking process becomes less high-calorie. To be more precise, the caloric content of dry and finished product is significantly different:

• dry funchose - 320 kcal per 100 grams;
• finished glass noodles - 80 kcal per 100 grams.

An advantage of a starch product is that it contains so-called complex carbohydrates. That is, they are longer processed by the body, which takes a lot of energy. Therefore, funchose is not dangerous for those who control body weight. The main thing is to correctly calculate the total daily calorie content and does not go beyond the established framework.

But carbohydrates are far from the only valuable component of glass noodles. Funchoza has a beneficial effect on the human body also because it contains the following substances in high concentration:

• rutin (vitamin PP);
• selenium;
• iron;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• tocopherol (vitamin E);
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• zinc;
• magnesium.

As you can see, funchose contains a whole complex of useful minerals and vitamins, which is why it has the most beneficial effect on the human body. The advantage of this product is that all the components are contained in a sufficiently high concentration, up to 25% of the total daily intake of an adult in one serving. Funchoza is easily absorbed by the body, therefore, all valuable substances enter the bloodstream and are distributed as intended for healing, restoration, development and strengthening of tissues and organs.

What is useful funchose

Funchoza is a dish that is rich, first of all, with carbohydrates. That is, the product is an excellent source of energy necessary to ensure vital processes in the body, daily activity. But this is far from the only useful property. Scientists were able to study in the course of experiments and studies what could be a useful funchose for the male and female body, and also found out what risks are the regular use of the product.

For women

If you include funchose in a woman’s diet, you can significantly improve well-being, increase the level of vital energy, and also protect the body from premature aging and dangerous diseases. Here is a list of the main beneficial effects of eating glass noodles for the female body.

1. Antioxidants and zinc take care of the skin, prolonging youth and improving its appearance.
2. Zinc has a beneficial effect on the health and beauty of hair, nails, and skin.
3. Selenium regulates the hormonal background, improves well-being, eliminates the imbalance.
4. Rutin is the best way to prevent the appearance of vascular "stars" and varicose veins. Rutin is especially effective in combination with products containing ascorbic acid.
5. Iron maintains the necessary level of hemoglobin, participates in the processes of hematopoiesis.
6. Complex carbohydrates protect blood vessels, preventing the accumulation of bad cholesterol.
7. Magnesium strengthens the nervous system, prevents the appearance of headaches.

It is important to understand that funchose will become even more useful if you choose the right additives for it. For example, noodles with seafood is an excellent aphrodisiac, a remedy for violations in the reproductive system. If you add mushrooms, the body will be enriched with vitamins that protect the brain, stimulate the immune system, and take care of the health of internal organs.

For men

Selenium is one of the most valuable components of the fungicose for the male body, as it participates in the process of hormonal regulation and supports reproductive function. This component produces the following effects:

1. Extends the duration of the reproductive period in men.
2. Maintains hormonal balance.
3. Prevents the appearance of early signs of aging in the stronger sex.

In addition, the product contains a powerful antioxidant - fat-soluble vitamin E, or tocopherol.It neutralizes the action of free radicals in the human body, thereby protecting men from the most common forms of cancer. Funchozo must be included in the diet with strong physical exertion, as it provides the body with energy and prevents depletion.

Scientists were able to find out that the balanced complex of minerals found in funchosis prevents the development of cardiovascular disease in men over 40 years old. Therefore, you can use this product for almost everyone. It does not have dangerous gluten, and there are no other components that suppress the production of male hormones.

During pregnancy

One of the common problems that a woman has to face during pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia. Since the body spends its “reserves” on the growth and development of the fetus, a woman may experience iron deficiency. If it comes to critical, dangerous indicators, treatment is needed - taking the prescribed drugs. But to prevent this from happening, it is important to enrich the diet with products that have this component. Therefore, funchose is extremely useful for pregnant women, it prevents the development of anemia, but at the same time does not pose any threat to the fetus.

Additional benefits of the product - it is rich in zinc, contains magnesium and potassium, which is necessary for the formation and development of organs and systems of the fetus. But it is important to understand that funchose is a product rich in carbohydrates, the excessive consumption of which increases the risk of excess weight during pregnancy. Also, it is not recommended to use funchoses with too sharp and sour sauces, which can harm the body or lead to an upset digestive system.

When breastfeeding

Before the child is 3 months old, it is not recommended to introduce funchose into the diet of a nursing mother. This is due to the fact that the product is prepared from starch beans and can cause increased gas formation, as well as lead to increased colic in the newborn. Also, early introduction of such products into the diet often leads to constipation in infants.

In general, glass noodles are absolutely safe for the body of a nursing mother and baby. Moreover, it contains the necessary substances for the growth and healthy development of the child. But it is necessary to use it as carefully as possible, no more than 2-3 times a week. You need to start with a small portion to see how the child’s body will react. If no negative effects are found, you can gradually increase the servings. Of course, do not forget that funchose and sauces should not contain such additives:

• chilli;
• spicy and spicy seasonings;
• in excess of vinegar and other acids;
• soy sauce.

It is useful for nursing mothers to use funchose with baked or stewed vegetables, seafood, low-fat, dietary meat. If, after the first use, unpleasant symptoms have occurred in the baby, it is worth abandoning the product and consult a doctor.

For kids

Funchoza appears very early in the diet of children from Asian countries, since there it is considered one of the basic foods. Moreover, in China, Korea and Japan, even preschool children use glass noodles with hot sauces and additives, which is often a shock for a European person. But this is not an example to follow.

The fact is that representatives of the peoples of Asia have resistance to spicy food, since it is not used for the first millennium in these regions. In the old days, it was impossible to provide food storage in the refrigerator, and due to the climate, pathogenic bacteria developed in it very quickly. Spicy seasonings served as a disinfectant and preservative. Now there is no such need, but culinary traditions remain.

Modern children are not recommended to introduce funchose up to 3 years in the diet. Moreover, at this age it is advisable to eat glass noodles without spicy additives, sour and salty sauces.The best options are the use of noodles as a side dish for stews, vegetables, fish.

Is it possible to eat funchose when losing weight

Often, when losing weight, people exclude from their diet all foods that are rich in carbohydrates. This is a mistake that will only slow down the achievement of the result. The only safe and recognized medicine method of weight loss today is a healthy diet in conjunction with physical activity. But the exclusion of carbohydrate products does not make food healthier; rather, on the contrary, it introduces the body into a state of energy deficiency, which leads to disruptions in metabolic processes.

Funchoza, although it is considered a carbohydrate product, has quite a low calorie content when cooking. So, it can be used as a component of a diet for weight loss. The main thing is to calculate the total calorie content per day. For women, it is recommended to consume 1300-1400 kcal per day for weight loss, for men - from 1800 to 2000 kcal daily.

Funchoza in medicine

In traditional medicine in Asian countries, fungoza is not used as a medicine, but it is recommended as a component of the diet for various diseases. It can be used as an adjuvant to strengthen the body, cleanse and heal.

With diabetes

Doctors who adhere to traditional methods of treating diabetes negatively relate to the inclusion of foods rich in carbohydrates in the diet. Therefore, in a hospital, a nutritionist is unlikely to recommend using this product, moreover, it may even prohibit its use, since there is a risk of increased sugar. But in alternative Chinese medicine, glass noodles are a popular way to restore the body.

An important nuance - with type 1 diabetes, you can periodically consume glass noodles, but you should definitely control your blood sugar. To avoid critical indicators, it is recommended that after consuming carbohydrate products to devote at least some time to physical activity, for example, take a walk. In general, the components of funchose have a beneficial effect on the body, stabilize the functioning of the endocrine system, increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin, which can inhibit the development of the disease and prolong the life of a person suffering from diabetes.

Important: the glycemic index of funchose is 80 units.

With pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas in the acute stage is an occasion for a complete rejection of any food. Only after doctors manage to stop the inflammatory process, is it gradually allowed to switch to a diet that may include funchose, but without hot sauces, acidic and salty additives. It is also important to cook funchose with a minimal amount of fat. With pancreatitis in the stage of remission, funchosis is especially useful, since it produces the following effects:

1. Reduces the production of pancreatic enzymes that destroy the pancreas.
2. Promotes tissue regeneration.
3. Prevents the development of exacerbation.
4. Protects the remaining organs of the digestive system from the destructive action of enzymes produced in excess.

Starch, which is abundant in glass noodles, has enveloping properties, reliably protects the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and organs involved in the digestion of food. But before introducing this product into the diet, it is necessary to consult with your doctor.

With gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the tissues of the stomach. If you do not protect the mucous membrane, it can continue to break down in an aggressive environment of digestive enzymes and gastric juice, which will lead to the development of ulcers, bleeding, acute pain and other negative consequences. Therefore, people who have been diagnosed with chronic gastritis, it is useful to use funchose as a product that protects the tissues of the stomach and accelerates their recovery.

With gout

Thanks to mineral compounds, as well as active antioxidants, funchose helps to improve well-being with gout. The fact is that this disease is associated with the accumulation of salts in the body, which leads to disruption of the functioning of organs and systems, the appearance of chronic pain of various localization.

You can add funchose to the diet only with the permission of the attending physician. An important condition for accelerating the cleansing of the body is also the consumption of a large amount of fluid. It is useful to supplement the diet with raw vegetables and fruits, which will enhance the action of the active components contained in funchose.

Harm and contraindications

With excessive consumption, any product is dangerous to the body, and funchose is no exception. For diabetics, glass noodles are dangerous with an excess of carbohydrates, so too often it is not worth it to avoid an increase in blood sugar. Another problem that lovers often consume this type of noodle is flatulence, bloating and constipation. But if you correctly combine the products and not abuse, no negative consequences should arise, on the contrary, funchose will only heal the body.

All useful properties of the product will be appreciated only by those who do not have contraindications. It is forbidden to use glass noodles for such diseases and conditions:

• acute gastritis;
• pancreatitis during exacerbation;
• stomach ulcer;
• high blood sugar;
• renal failure;
• individual intolerance.

Fungose ​​with spicy sauces is also harmful for other diseases of the digestive system. If you correctly dose the amount of this product in the diet and not use it if there are contraindications, then it will bring health benefits.

How to choose and store

Real funchose can be bought not only in Asian countries. Today on the shelves of large supermarkets there are several varieties of this product. There are options that are made in China or Korea, they can be bought only if they have a sticker with the Russian text on the detailed composition of the product and other important information.

Domestic products can also be of high quality, but their cost is usually 20-30% higher, since raw materials are imported from other countries for their production. It is important that the composition does not contain harmful chemicals and bleaching additives that contain toxic heavy metals. It is also important to pay attention to the main ingredients - the real funchose is prepared only from legumes. If in the first positions potato or corn starch is indicated, this is not glass noodles, but counterfeit. Funchoza is sold in various formats and packages:

• thin long noodles in portioned bunches;
• "Nests";
• large packs in which 6-8 separate servings.

Store purchased noodles better in a glass, closed container. An important condition for the safety of the product is the optimal level of humidity in the room, as well as the absence of extraneous odors. The shelf life is determined individually, you need to look at the markings on the package.

Is it possible to freeze boiled funchose

If there is a finished cooked fungicose left, it is not advisable to freeze it, after that it may lose its properties, especially if there are additives in the composition of the product. But if necessary, boiled funchose, the diameter of which is more than 1 mm, can be frozen. It can be thawed immediately in a pan with stew, mussels or shrimp. Cooking cold dishes - snacks and salads - from frozen funchose is not recommended.

How to cook funchose: recipes

Glass noodles are so easy to prepare that even a schoolchild can cope with the task.The main thing is to know with what to combine the product and how to boil it in order to maintain elasticity. There are 4 popular recipes that have been enjoyed not only by people in Asia, but also by Europeans.

With Chiken

Funchoza with chicken and mushrooms is not inferior in taste to the Italian classic pasta with the same ingredients. All you need to cook in 3 servings:

• 100 grams of glass dry noodles;
• 100 grams of dried shiitake mushrooms;
• 400 grams of chicken breast;
• 1 chili pepper
• 3 cloves of garlic;
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce;
• 40 ml of vegetable oil;
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.

Separately, you need to steam or boil in boiling water for 3 minutes glass noodles, drain the water. Soak the mushrooms first, and then cut into thin strips. Similarly chop the chicken. In a deep frying pan, heat oil in which to fry strips of chicken and mushrooms. When the chicken mushrooms get a golden hue, reduce the heat and add the noodles. Salt, add crushed garlic and chopped pepper, then pour in soy sauce and mix. Stir under the lid for 2 minutes and serve hot.

With shrimps

The prawn funchose turns out to be quite tender and nutritious. This dish is prepared quickly, so you can use the recipe in case you need to surprise sudden guests.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• king prawns - 10 pieces;
• dry funchose –100 grams;
• bell pepper - 2 large fruits;
• vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons;
• soy sauce - 1 tablespoon;
• sesame seeds - 20 grams;
• garlic - 1 clove;
• salt to taste;
• sugar - 1 tablespoon;
• tomato paste - 1 tablespoon.

Funchozo need to pour boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Sweet pepper is better to take in different colors - the dish will look more appetizing. Cut the pepper into half rings and grind in a pan with vegetable oil, then add steamed noodles to the same place and pour all the soy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, add shrimp, salt and crushed garlic. At the very end of cooking, add tomato paste with sugar diluted with water and simmer under the lid for another minute. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

With mushrooms

Shiitake is the best choice for making funchoses with mushrooms. If it is difficult to get dried Chinese mushrooms, you can take any that are available - royal mushrooms, mushrooms, porcini mushrooms.

Ingredients:

• 350 grams of fresh mushrooms (preferably assorted);
• 120 grams of dry glass noodles;
• 1 carrot;
• 1 large onion;
• soy sauce;
• ground black pepper;
• Bay leaf;
• 1 tablespoon sesame;
• vegetable oil;
• salt to taste.

Mushrooms need to be cut into small pieces and fry in a pan so that at least 50 percent of the liquid evaporates from them. After that add grated carrots and chopped onions to the mushrooms. Salt and cook under a closed lid over low heat for 5 minutes. During this time, steam the funchose, drain the water and add to the mushrooms with vegetables. Add soy sauce, ground pepper and bay leaf. Stir on a small fire for 2-3 minutes.

In Korean

Korean style funchose salad is a mix of fresh, raw vegetables, steamed glass noodles and a selection of spices. The main thing in the preparation of this salad is to properly steam the noodles so that it has a solid consistency.

Ingredients:

• 40 grams of dry funchose;
• medium-sized cucumber;
• 1 carrot;
• 1 bell peppers;
• bulb;
• vegetable oil to taste.

You will also need Korean dressing (2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground hot red pepper, salt, sugar to taste and a little vinegar).

You need to take the thinnest noodles, put in a deep container and steam with boiling water. After 5 minutes, remove and discard in a colander to rid the product of excess fluid. While water is draining, do the following:

• peel the carrots and cut into thin strips;
• also cut pepper and cucumber;
• put everything in a deep bowl, add funchose and dressing, and then mix.

To give the salad a refined taste, let stand for 15–20 minutes, and then serve on the table, sprinkled with black sesame seeds.

What funchose is eaten with

Funchoza can be eaten with almost all kinds of products, as it has a neutral taste. But if you combine glass noodles with the same products that do not have pronounced flavoring, the dish will turn out tasteless. The list of products with which starch noodles are most successfully combined:

• a fish;
• seafood;
• mushrooms;
• meat;
• offal;
• vegetables (raw, stewed and baked).

The main ingredient in dishes with funchose is sauce. The taste qualities of noodles depend on it, therefore, this component needs to be given special attention. It should be combined to taste not only with noodles, but also with other additives that will be used.

How to make funchose sauce

There are many recipes for funchose sauces, so everyone can choose the right option for themselves, taking into account personal preferences and tastes. It is important to understand that the taste of the finished dish will directly depend on which sauce is chosen. There are three options for the most popular funchose sauce recipes.

1. Mix soy sauce with lemon juice in a 1: 1 ratio, add 2 garlic cloves crushed by the garlic. You can use hot chili peppers.
2. The second option is prepared on the basis of sesame oil, soy sauce and vinegar. Take 2 parts butter and sauce to 1 part vinegar. Bring the taste to balance by adding sugar. As seasonings, add such products: ground coriander, grated ginger, black pepper, garlic.
3. A simple sauce, which is suitable for dietary dishes, consists of chopped herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, white pepper, a pinch of mustard seeds.

Funchosa is the right ingredient in the diet. It is useful for the body, moreover, it is easily prepared and boiled contains a minimum amount of calories. If you learn how to cook the dish correctly, it can become your favorite treat for every day or for the holidays.

Photo funchoses