Glucomannan is a polysaccharide extracted from konjac (konjac), which is a water-soluble dietary fiber that can promote intestinal peristalsis and avoid constipation. Its polysaccharide structure has adsorption properties and can bind with blood sugar or cholesterol in the intestine. In addition, glucomannan itself has low calories and can increase satiety after absorbing water and swelling, reducing calorie intake. It is an indispensable choice for weight loss and blood sugar control products.
Functions of Konjac Glucomannan
Fat Reduction and Weight Loss
Keithley in the United States conducted a study to study the mechanism of action of KGM by having dieters eat KGM (7 groups of clinical trials, 39 obese people in each group). The study found that KGM played a certain role in reducing weight, whether in a normal diet or a high-calorie diet. They speculated that the mechanism of action of KGM in weight loss is that the intake of KGM food increases the viscosity of gastrointestinal contents, thereby prolonging gastric emptying time and increasing people's satiety, while reducing the absorption rate of small intestine food and reducing the fluctuation of postprandial glucose and insulin. The results of the study by West China University of Medical Sciences further confirmed this effect. After consuming konjac flour for 30 days, the weight loss rate was 78.4%, and the decline range was 0.5--4.7 kg, with large individual differences.
Ecological laxative
KGM absorbs water, increases stool volume, and improves intestinal flora; intestinal bacteria ferment KGM to produce short-chain fatty acids and stimulate intestinal peristalsis, all of which are conducive to defecation. Research by Zhang Maoyu and others from West China University of Medical Sciences shows that people with constipation can increase their daily fecal wet weight (equivalent to 11.4 grams for 1 gram of konjac flour) and fecal water content by consuming KGM; it can shorten the time food spends in the intestines and the average time of a bowel movement; and it can increase the number of bifidobacteria. Eating KGM produces an effect similar to natural defecation, which is an ideal choice for patients with chronic and habitual constipation.
Stabilizes blood sugar
Diet control is an important measure for the treatment of diabetes. KGM is not digested and absorbed, does not contain calories, and has a sense of fullness. It can also reduce and delay the absorption of glucose, making it a good supplementary food for diabetes. Studies have shown that KGM has a significant effect on improving sugar metabolism, while insoluble fiber has no significant effect. Huang Chengyu and others from West China University of Medical Sciences studied the effect of KGM on blood sugar in patients with diabetes. The results showed that KGM has a blood sugar-lowering effect, and the blood sugar-lowering effect on severe patients is better than that on mild patients, and it is more effective in lowering postprandial blood sugar and fasting blood sugar. At the same time, KGM delays glucose absorption and helps inhibit hypoglycemia.
Lowering blood lipids and preventing fatty liver
Plasma lipids are generally measured in cholesterol and triglycerides. KGM helps lipid metabolism and can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Professor Zhang Maoyu used KGM food to study 110 patients with hyperlipidemia. After 46 people ate konjac, serum TG (triglycerides), TC (cholesterol), LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) decreased significantly, and HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) increased significantly; fatty liver improved and blood lipids decreased. When blood lipids reach normal levels, they do not continue to decline, which plays a role in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing hyperlipidemia.
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