Glucomannan is a well-known dietary fiber with the strongest viscosity and highest molecular weight among other known fiber-based nutrition supplements.
Extracted from the roots of konjac, its supplements are commonly available in forms of powder, capsules, and tablets that are widely used for lowering cholesterol, controlling blood sugar levels, reducing weight, and curing constipation in the human body.
Reported Effects
1) Helps with weight loss.
2) Controls blood pressure.
3) Prevents bad cholesterol levels.
Reported effects include:
Helps in reducing weight – Glucomannan dietary supplements are very effective for losing weight in many ways. It helps with increasing the feeling of fullness and controls appetite towards overeating. It also contributes to reduced digestion and absorption of fats and sugar which in turn helps prevent an increase in body weight.
It also boosts intestinal function by absorbing toxin elements and promoting function of the colon in the body. All of these properties of this dietary fiber are useful for weight loss and therefore is widely used by people who suffer from diabetes. Athletes and bodybuilders use this supplement to control their weight and add it to their regular meals to prevent overeating.
Promotes good cholesterol and prevents bad cholesterol levels – Another important use of this fiber supplement is its ability to lower LDL, also referred to as bad cholesterol in the body. At the same time, it also helps to increase the levels of good cholesterol and, therefore, supports better health.
Treats constipation – This fiber supplement is also used for the treatment of constipation because the fiber content help ease the symptoms of constipation.
Treats insulin resistance syndrome– In diabetic people, glucomannan supplements have been found to be very effective for controlling their blood sugar levels and therefore may be used for helping to treat insulin resistance syndrome.
Controls blood pressure – It has also been reported to be effective for people with high blood pressure since it aids in lowering the levels of blood pressure.
Possible Dangers
Glucomannan is considered to be non-toxic in the human body and therefore has no reported side effects. Higher doses of the supplement in some individuals, however, have been observed to reduce the body’s vitamin absorption capabilities.
FDA Approved?
Glucomannan has been approved by the Drug and Food Administration as only a food additive. Products that contain this fiber and are used for treatment of various medical conditions have, however, not been evaluated by the FDA yet.
Studies
Many earlier studies have shown strong evidence of glucomannan supplements as a dietary fiber that significantly helps reduce ones appetite and therefore prevents the risks of gaining weight.
Some studies performed on mice suggested that it can aid in relief from various allergies of the skin. Certain studies on mice also reported that glucomannan may have strong inhibitory effects on various kinds of lung tumors.
Researchers have also found that this dietary fiber may be effective for the treatment of hyperthyroidism due to its beneficial effects on the thyroid hormone levels in the human body.
A study conducted on approximately 60 healthy men showed that glucomannan intake helped reduce the bad cholesterol in the body, but the good cholesterol level was not impacted.
The same study also suggested that a recommended dosage of the supplement may reduce the systolic blood pressure level in men who were put under examination.
As per some recent studies, supplements of glucomannan also helped maintain the fasting sugar levels in the body and therefore can be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Supplements using this ingredient:
2. Vortex BURN
3. NOW Glucomannan
4. Top Secret Nutrition Appetite Suppressant
5. NOW Cider Vinegar
6. NOW Easy Cleanse
7. Mega-Pro Mega Cut Fat Burner
8. Nature’s Secret Ultimate Cleanse
9. Nature’s Secret Ultimate Fasting Cleanse Kit
Conclusion
Glucomannan is considered to be the strongest dietary fiber due to its high molecular weight and viscosity. As a dietary supplement, it is widely used by weightlifters and bodybuilders as a fat burner to keep their body healthy and fit to perform strenuous exercises and workouts.
Many of the commercial products available today include glucomannan as the primary ingredient along with a secondary compound known as Yohimbine HCL.