For centuries, a certain carbohydrate food has been consumed throughout Asia for its numerous health benefits. This food is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including detoxification, asthma, cough, breast pain, and even cancer suppression. Curiously enough, modern medicine has now found that this same food can also aid digestion, reduce cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels, promote healthy gut bacteria, and even help you lose weight. So, what exactly is this amazing ingredient? It’s called glucomannan, more commonly known as konjac.
The Health Benefits of Konjac
The konjac plant is a tuber that provides a carbohydrate extremely low in calories and carbohydrates yet high in soluble fiber, resulting in a gel-like substance. This unique fiber is responsible for the extraordinary health benefits associated with konjac.
Soothing digestion problems
Glucomannan fiber stimulates the digestive transit of food, which can help people who suffer from constipation. In fact, it has been shown to improve the frequency of bowel movements by as much as 30 percent. Moreover, it helps stabilize and bulk up stools for people who have frequent diarrhea. It has even been found to be beneficial for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
One of the mechanisms by which glucomannan works for these conditions is its ability to influence gut bacteria in the colon. It reduces inflammation and binds to pathogens that cause irritation.
Cancer and disease prevention
Since glucomannan fiber remains intact as it travels to the large intestine, it undergoes fermentation and feeds gut bacteria in the colon. This process results in the creation of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like propionate, butyrate, and acetate. These SCFAs reduce both inflammation in the colon and systemic inflammation. Consequently, they boost the immune system and help reduce the risk of cancer and other inflammation-induced diseases.
Cholesterol reduction
Participants in a study who were given glucomannan for 28 days experienced a 7 percent reduction in total cholesterol and a 10 percent lower LDL cholesterol level. This fiber helps reduce cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the digestive tract. Additionally, the SCFA propionate decreases cholesterol production within the body.
Weight loss and appetite control
Glucomannan offers a sense of fullness, making it an excellent aid for those trying to shed calories. By using glucomannan powder as a pre-load before meals, it’s possible to diminish those pesky hunger pangs. Just add one gram of powder to an 8-ounce glass of water and consume it 15 minutes before meals, three times a day. In an eight-week study where adults followed this practice, the test subjects lost 5.5 pounds, compared to the 1.5 pounds lost by the placebo group.
Blood sugar regulation
Various studies involving diabetic participants have shown that eating konjac products or consuming glucomannan supplements helps lower fasting blood sugar levels by as much as 23.2 percent.
Glucomannan-based products such as konjac fettuccine, angel hair noodles, lasagne sheets, and rice are readily available for purchase. These products can be used in soups, stews, and noodle dishes or consumed as pasta and rice substitutes. Note that konjac has a relatively bland taste on its own. Glucomannan powder and capsules can also be easily purchased from health food outlets or online stores like Amazon.
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From boosting digestion to reducing cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels, glucomannan (konjac) has numerous amazing benefits. Stay healthy and give this wonderful ingredient a try!
