Glucomannan

Glucomannan (Amorphophallus Konjac Root)

What is Glucomannan?

Glucomannan, as a dietary fiber, according to Wikipedia, is a water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from konjac root used for centuries in traditional Asian cooking. Due to its swelling properties, glucomannan is often used as a food additive. Dr. Oz praised it’s one of the best ways to control your hunger, “the best appetite suppressant,” and “nature’s skinny sponge.” Glucomannan has many other names, such as the broom of the intestines, konjac root, Amorphophallus Konjac, Glucomannan Powder, Konjac Root Fiber,etc.

Natural sources of glucomannan

Glucomannan comprises 40% by dry weight of the roots, or corm, of the konjac plant. Another culinary source is salep, ground from the roots of certain orchids and used in Turkish cuisine. Glucomannan is also a hemicellulose that is present in large amounts in the wood of conifers and in smaller amounts in the wood of dicotyledons. However, Konjac Root is the best source, and the popular specifications include 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%,etc.

How does glucomannan work?

Glucomannan has recently been televised as a safe and effective weight loss supplement that acts as a natural appetite suppressant.  From the root of konjac plant, glucomannan is a supplement that works to fill you up so you don’t feel hungry. Its secret is soluble fiber, with makes you feel full without being bloated.

Benefits of taking glucomannan supplements

1) Glucomannan and Weight Loss

In a research review published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine in 2005, scientists found that taking glucomannan in doses of two to four grams per day may result in significant weight loss among overweight and obese individuals. According to the review’s authors, glucomannan may help promote weight loss by increasing satiety (the feeling of fullness after eating).

While glucomannan shows promise as a weight loss aid, the review’s authors note that more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of taking glucomannan for weight loss.

2) Glucomannan and Cholesterol

Glucomannan may help keep cholesterol in check, suggests a 2008 report published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition. After analyzing 14 clinical trials on glucomannan, the report’s authors concluded that glucomannan may lower total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. In addition, glucomannan appeared to reduce body weight and cut levels of triglycerides (harmful blood fats). However, the report’s authors note that glucomannan does not seem to affect HDL (“good”) cholesterol or blood pressure.

3) Glucomannan and Constipation

Glucomannan may help treat childhood constipation, according to a 2004 study published inPediatrics. The study involved 46 chronically constipated children, each of whom was treated with either glucomannan or a placebo for four weeks. Among the 31 children who completed the study, researchers found that glucomannan was more effective in alleviating constipation. Glucomannan also appeared to reduce abdominal pain.

4) Glucomannan and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Glucomannan may help manage rheumatoid arthritis, according to preliminary research published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters. In tests on rats, the authors of a 2008 study found that certain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds available in glucomannan may be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage for glucomannan

Glucomannan capsules and powders are available in single-serving doses as well as in bulk powder. Daily total doses of 3 to 4g of glucomannan, taken incrementally throughout the day before meals, are effective for weight loss.