India, Dec. 15 -- I f rice is a non-negotiable part of your daily meals, cutting calories or losing weight can feel especially challenging. But there's a Japanese white rice alternative known as shirataki rice that's fast gaining popularity across cities worldwide, and it may just make things easier. For rice lovers across Asia and even parts of the West, it's emerging as a promising alternative to a beloved staple. Made from the konjac root, derived from Japan's konnyaku plant, the key component in shirataki rice is glucomannan, a soluble fibre known for its potential gut-health benefits. "Glucomannan expands in your stomach and makes you feel full sooner. While one bowl of rice has around 360 calories, a bowl of shirataki rice has just about 20 calories," explained Dr Rebecca Pinto of Mumbai to Onlymyhealth. Translucent and slightly gelatinous in texture, shirataki rice is virtually calorie-free and also boasts prebiotic properties. Reports from Onlymyhealth suggest that glucomannan feeds beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion and supporting immunity. The fibre is also believed to help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing carbohydrate absorption. Additionally, studies suggest it could help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. According to maono.com, individuals who swapped white rice for shirataki rice experienced reductions in waist circumference, improved lipid profiles, and fewer blood sugar fluctuations. HTC...