It is the soluble fiber gotten from the roots of the konjac plant which is scientifically called Amorphophallus konjac. Konjac fiber is also known as glucomannan, the konjac plant is mostly found in parts of Asia, China, Japan, Korea etc. But if you are in Africa or America it is possible you may have never heard about it before.
The Japanese call it devil’s tongue and konnyaku, and this is prepared there in foods that will look like the squares and strips of the stiff gelatin, with rubbery texture. Konjac fiber is used as gelatin substitute that will thicken, and add texture to the foods. It’s also used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the Western world, konjac is best known as a dietary supplement for weight loss and cholesterol management.
Those who consume it say it has many virtues to the human body, some of which includes the fight against health problems such as constipation
BENEFITS
Constipation
Researchers have proven that konjack has many benefits to the human body and one of them is that it helps prevent constipation, which according to Wikipedia refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. This occurs due to fact that the stool is dry and very hard. Some minor symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, or feeling like one hasn’t passed bowel movement. The result of the research showed adding konjac fiber to low-fiber diet results to amounts of the probiotic bacteria in the feces increase. It also increased bowel movement functions by 30 percent.
Cholesterol relief
A 2008 research found that konjac may help lower total cholesterol, and triglycerides. A later research found that konjac lowered LDL and recommended its use to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Weight loss
According to 2005 research result, by adding supplement glucomannan fiber in balanced, 1,400calorie of diet caused little more weight loss compared to 1,400calorie diet plus placebo. However adding additional fiber (guar gum and alginate) did not have any impact.
Help diabetes
According to Wikipedia, diabetes is group of the metabolic disorders where there are the high sugar levels over prolonged period. The symptoms of the high blood sugar will include the frequent urination, high thirst, as well as hunger glucomannan taken doesn’t matter means might help in reducing the cholesterol, or blood sugar levels or blood pressure in the diabetes patients, and reason why this must be a part of diabetic diet plan
konjac related risks
Konjac supplements may expand in esophagus and bowel and cause obstruction. Risk is much higher if you:
• Take konjac tablets
• Take konjac in any form without water
• Are elderly
• Have problems swallowing
Stop definitely taking konjac and get seek attention when you have symptoms of allergic reactions.
– Difficulty in breathing
– Hives or a rash
– Itchy skin
– Rapid heart rate
– Organ swelling, etc
Fiber is filling. Eating this regularly helps to keep you much fuller for longer, thus you are less likely overeat and snack between the meals. Konjac expands in stomach to help to keep you full.