Health Benefits of the Konjac Glucomannan Fiber

The potential benefits of Konjac soluble fiber are:

  • Regulation of lipid metabolism, reduce blood lipid and cholesterol.
  • Reduction of blood glucose.
  • Reducing risk of constipation and cancer of lower digestive tract.
  • Improvement of diet for diabetics.
  • Konjac glucomannan fiber slows the absorption of sugar and cholesterol from the digestive tract, helping to control sugar levels in diabetics and reducing cholesterol levels.

Soluble fibers such as Glucomannan have many health-promoting benefits due to their ability to form a soft gel with water. Research indicates that soluble fibers help lower blood cholesterol, slow glucose absorption, lower the Glycemic index and promote regular bowel movements. Derived from Konjac root, glucomannan has an extraordinary water-holding capacity and is the most viscous of all known dietary fibers.

Glucomannan offers benefits for those seeking to lose weight. Studies show that supplementing with glucomannan enhances the weight-loss effects of a calorie-restricted diet. Glucomannan may promote weight loss in obese adults, even in the absence of a calorie-restricted diet. When obese adults consumed 1 gram of glucomannan fiber one hour before each meal for eight weeks, they lost an average of 5.5 pounds of body weight—with no other changes to their eating or exercise patterns.

Glucomannan creates a feeling of satiety or fullness through its water-binding effects. By creating a thick gel, glucomannan delays gastric emptying and slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps to lower levels of insulin and blood glucose. Additionally, glucomannan improves blood-lipid profiles and can lower systolic blood pressure. Because of these effects, glucomannan can greatly benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

Glucomannan is a dietary fiber that dissolves in water and comes from the root of the Konjac plant, As with most dietary fiber, glucomannan is an effective bulk-forming laxative, meaning that it stimulates the passing of larger stools which can move through the colon smoothly and is easier to eject.

Glucomannan works in a similar way to other water-soluble fibers. It is able to attach itself to bile acids in the gastrointestinal system and move them out of the body in the form of excrement. This makes the body convert other cholesterol into bile acids, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the amount of other fats in the blood.

Glucomannan could be effective as a weight loss aid because it takes up space in the stomach, which then simulates the sensation of being full.

Like many soluble fibers, glucomannan can bind with a variety of substances in the digestive tract to slow digestion, relieve constipation and reduce the absorption of fat and carbohydrates. As such, glucomannan is often used in products intended to reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as blood sugar. Because it can absorb a great deal of water and promote a feeling of fullness, glucomannan is frequently used in supplements intended to promote weight loss.

Glucomannan works in a similar way to other water-soluble fibers. It is able to attach itself to bile acids in the gastrointestinal system and move them out of the body in the form of excrement. This makes the body convert other cholesterol into bile acids, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the amount of other fats in the blood.

Glucomannan could be effective as a weight loss aid because it takes up space in the stomach, which then simulates the sensation of being full.

Konjac can delay the absorption of glucose, effectively reducing postprandial blood sugar.

Konjac Shirataki Noodles
Konjac Plant
Konjac root
(Konjac corm)