Are you always on the hunt for some of the most effective and safest weight loss supplements? Then it’s very much likely that you have already come across something that’s called glucomannan, which is actually a sugar that acts as a dietary fiber, and thus it encourages elimination of excess pounds.
Glucomannan is actually derived from a root vegetable called konjac. Native to various parts of Asia such as Japan, Korea and China, konjac is employed for medicinal purposes as well as eaten as a vegetable. Commonly, it is used as a gelatin replacement. Konjac is also usually utilized for thickening foods or adding texture to them.
Konjac is revered for its numerous health benefits. It’s for this reason why it is commonly used for the manufacture of various supplements, most especially those that are marketed for people who like to lose weight. Sometimes it is taken by those who like to control their blood sugar and blood pressure.
Let’s check out some of the most amazing perks associated with konjac:
Regular Bowel Movement
Because it is high in dietary fiber, konjac is something that can help in promoting regular bowel movement. It’s very important for this root vegetable to be paired with enough physical activity and fluids. Otherwise, taking it can yield the complete opposite, and that is constipation.
Reduced Risk of Hemorrhoids
Supplementing with or including konjac in the diet may keep hemorrhoids from striking, according to experts. Again, it is because of the impressive amounts of dietary fiber present in it. Experts add that konjac and other fiber-containing foods may also help to lower a person’s risk of having colon cancer, which is very deadly if not detected early.
Controlled Blood Sugar
Dietary fiber in konjac helps slow down the release of sugar in the bloodstream. This is exactly the reason why the exotic vegetable is commonly recommended for people with diabetes for better management of their sugar levels. Konjac is also beneficial for individuals who are at high risk of developing diabetes.
Increased Energy Levels
Another wonderful thing about keeping abnormal blood sugar levels in check is it helps promote stabilized energy. Due to this, konjac can be very helpful for people who are leading very busy lives on a daily basis. Konjac also supplies good carbohydrates, which serve as fuel for the cells.
Lowered Heart Disease Risk
Konjac may help in warding off heart disease risk because of the fact that it’s a phenomenal source of dietary fiber. Heart experts say that a diet high in fiber can help in lowering bad cholesterol levels as well as high blood pressure. Such prevents the heart and blood vessels from damage, thus keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.
Eliminated Excess Weight
One of the most popular uses of konjac is for the reduction of weight, thanks to its staggering dietary fiber content. Based on numerous studies, konjac helped participants to lose unwanted pounds even without severe reduction in their caloric intake. Konjac also helps keep overeating at bay as it makes the stomach feel full.
The above are some of the health benefits that konjac is known to bring. If you are planning to take it as a supplement, make sure that you let your doctor know about it first. This is most especially true if you are pregnant or nursing, or suffering from a medical condition and taking prescription drugs for its management.
Even though it’s all-natural, the use of konjac as a supplement may produce unfavorable side effects. Some of them are nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas, and diarrhea or constipation. Make sure that you opt for a high quality product offered by a reputable vendor, and follow the instructions carefully.
