Glucomannan and its Slimming Effects
Like other popular supplements such as conjugated linoleic acid, chromium, fenugreek or theobromine, glucomannan promises to trigger significant weight loss by promoting satiety and other health benefits.
So if you are done with conventional over-the-counter diet pills that are downright unsafe and ineffective, then this review is going to be a good introduction for you as your supplement-based weight loss program.
So What is Glucomannan?
Glucomannan or also known as konjac root, is a water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the roots of the elephant yam (konjac).
Various products that promotes this herb include drink mixes, tablets, supplement and is even used as a food agent in pastas, tofu and flour.
People use this herb for constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels.
But this herb is now popularly known as a slimming agent due to its alleged ability to support key areas of weight loss, especially with regards to your diet program.
How does it Work?
Glucomannan works inside the stomach and intestines, absorbing water to form a bulky fiber which helps treat constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Due to its high fiber content, this herb also helps to slow the absorption of sugar and cholesterol from the gut, which promotes healthy sugar levels in diabetic people, while effectively decreasing cholesterol levels.
Can Glucomannan Help with Weight Loss?
Now that we know how glucomannan works, it is time to know if this herb can truly support weight loss.
First off, glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber. What does this mean?
We all know that enough fiber in your system does promote good things on your health, especially if you are looking to improve your weight.
Glucomannan’s fiber promotes weight loss through different mechanisms. First, it has very low calorie levels, takes up space in your stomach which helps you to feel fuller, longer.
Fiber also helps delay emptying of the stomach which contributes to satiety, and helps reduce the absorption of protein and fat.
So glucomannan doesn’t just suppress appetite by forming a bulky fiber inside your stomach, but it also promote reduced calorie intake and weight loss through several significant ways.
Is Glucomannan Safe?
According to experts, the most ideal dosage for glucomannan is about 1gram, 3 times per day.
This amount is well tolerated and is generally considered safe to most adult dieters.
One common worry among dieters is the possibility of this herb to expand before it reaches the stomach. When this occur, it may cause choking or blockage of the throat and esophagus.
To prevent this, you have to washed down with 1 to 2 glasses of water or other liquid. Also, you have to take glucomannan before your meal for better weight loss effects.
Some reported side effects are not serious and are common in herbs that works similarly like glucomannan (hoodia gordonii). This include flatulence, bloating, soft stools or diarrhea.
Is Glucomannan for You?
This highly depends on your weight loss goals.
If you are looking to lose those belly fat or energy boost, then it is better for you to take fat burners such as guarana, yohimbe, synephrine, or capsicum.
But if your problem is your overactive appetite and uncontrollable eating, then glucomannan is definitely one of the best supplements out there.
One supplement that is entirely made out of this herb is Glucomannan Plus. Check our review to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-205/glucomannan
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/glucomannan#section5