Glucomannan is a complex sugar that lowers cholesterol and blood sugar and prevents constipation. There are studies stating that it helps lose weight, improves intestinal health and helps protect the skin.
glucomannanIt is a natural fibre. For this reason, many people use glucomannan supplements to lose weight. Besides, it also has other benefits. Nowadays, rapidly advancing scientific studies have determined that konjac glucomannan supplement significantly lowers plasma cholesterol, improves carbohydrate metabolism, and promotes bowel movements.
What is Glucomannan?
Glucomannan, a natural, water-soluble dietary fiber also known as konjac, is found as a supplement in drink mixes. It is also added to food products such as pasta and flour.
Once the fiber is extracted from the plant, it is used as a food additive in addition to being sold as a dietary supplement - it is an emulsifier and thickener, designated by E425-ii.
This dietary fiber has the ability to absorb water and is one of the best known dietary fibers. It absorbs so much liquid that if you empty a “glucomannan capsule” into a small glass of water, the whole thing turns into a jelly. Due to this feature, it is thought to help lose weight.
What is Glucomannan?
How to Obtain Glucomannan?
From the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac) is obtained especially from the root of the plant. The plant extends from warm, subtropical, tropical east Asia, Japan and China to Indonesia in the south.
The edible part of the konjac plant is the root or bulb, from which glucomannan powder is derived. To make konjac root edible, it is first dried and then ground into a fine powder. The final product is a dietary fiber called konjac flour, also known as glucomannan powder.
Glucomannan is a fiber composed of mannose and glucose. It has the highest viscosity and molecular weight compared to other dietary fibers. When you put dry glucomannan powder in water, it swells tremendously and turns into a gel.
What are the Benefits of Glucomannan?
Provides a feeling of satiety: Glucomannan is a natural dietary fiber and absorbs the water it contains, forming a gel in the stomach. This gel increases the feeling of fullness by creating volume in the stomach. In this way, you need to eat less and thus losing weight process is supported.
Lowers cholesterol: Since glucomannan is an indigestible fiber, it absorbs cholesterol and fats while passing through the intestine and throws them out. It is known that the liver absorbs cholesterol due to the gel formation it contains. In this way, it helps reduce cholesterol levels and supports heart health.
Protects intestinal health: Glucomannan helps the digestive system function regularly by increasing intestinal motility. Additionally, it protects intestinal health by contributing to the nutrition of good bacteria in the intestine.
Protects the skin:Glucomannan reduces skin redness and protects skin cells against UVB-induced damage. It prevents the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Taking glucomannan supplements for a long time delays aging.
Glucomannan's ability to provide a feeling of fullness can be beneficial in the weight loss process. Glucomannan, a type of natural fiber, absorbs a high amount of water in the digestive system and forms a gel. This gel increases the volume of the stomach and keeps the person full for longer. When a food or supplement containing glucomannan is taken, this gel swells in the stomach and thus the person needs to eat less. In this case, less calorie consumption is ensured and the weight loss process is supported.
Glucomannan Supplement
Research shows that glucomannan supplements may be effective in weight loss. For example, one study found that glucomannan supplements support weight loss. In this study, it was found that participants taking glucomannan stayed full longer and ate less. Additionally, some studies suggest that glucomannan may lower cholesterol levels and improve gut health.
However, it should also be noted that glucomannan alone is not a miraculous weight loss solution. Glucomannan supplements should be used as part of a balanced nutritional program and an active lifestyle. Additionally, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before use.
What are the Glucomannan harms?
Digestive problems: When you do not consume enough water while taking glucomannan, it can cause bloating in the intestines. This situation constipationcauses bloating and gas problems.
Consumption limitations: It is important that you take adequate amounts to benefit from the weight loss effects of glucomannan, but excessive consumption may cause side effects. Do not exceed the dosage recommended for your body.
Drug interactions: Glucomannan has the potential to interact with medications. It should especially not be used together with sugar-lowering drugs, antidepressants and drugs that affect blood clotting.
Glucomannan is a type of plant fiber that may aid in the weight loss process. It supports weight loss thanks to its feature of providing a feeling of fullness. However, it is not enough on its own for weight loss and it is important to use it together with a balanced nutrition program and an active lifestyle. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using glucomannan supplements.
