Glucomannan is a soluble fiber that is also commonly called a dietary fiber. It is taken out from konjac, a plant mostly found in Asia. It is usually added on food to form emulsion and as thickener. Traditional Chinese medicine has long been using products containing glucomannan as it is found to have potential in the treatment of various illnesses. However, the American Food and Drug Administration did not approve its claim of being effective for treating common diseases.

Although the glucomannan was not able to gain approval in the US, the Smart Meal Colorado, however, allowed it to be launched in their market as nutritional supplements to treat obesity, control blood sugar, manage cholesterol level, suppress appetite, provide physical relief from constipation, and aid in weight loss.

How Does Glucomannan Work?

Basically, glucomannan forms a bulk gel as it absorbs water and acid in the body. This substance fills the stomach, giving a person the feeling of being full. In such condition, appetite is being suppressed; that marks a good start for losing weight. Moreover, this gel works with the stomach in the relief of constipation.

As the gel moves through the digestive system, it works in maintaining cholesterol level, which is an effective way of avoiding complications as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Glucomannan can also be of great help in getting one’s blood sugar on the right level. Having a stable blood sugar level can be very important, especially for people with diabetes.

How Safe Is Glucomannan?

Like any other health supplements, the question of whether it is safe to take depends on a person’s condition. For instance, pregnant and lactating women, who need to receive full nutrition, are not advised to take glucomannan. People who will undergo surgical procedure in two weeks’ time are also refrained from taking the supplement so as to allow the prescribed medicine to be absorbed by the body after the operation.

As everyone needs to have high fiber diet to be in the best of health, glucomannan successfully takes the edge in meeting such need.