Getting the right vitamins and minerals in one’s weight loss program is extremely important – especially if you’re trying to manage unwanted weight, and have a metabolic health problem like diabetes or high cholesterol levels. But we obtain it, eating an adequate amount of certain nutrients can be very difficult. Luckily, supplements like konjac can provide us the nutritional boost we need to live a long, healthy life.
You might not have heard of the mighty konjac prior to this, but trust us, this herb packs a strong nutritional punch. The konjac plant includes a starchy root called a “corm” which manufacturers use to create flour, jelly, and supplements that can benefit our health in a lot of ways. Actually, it’s been used historically in Chinese medicine, and is often present in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Shirataki noodles, for example, are made from konjac flour.
How Konjac Benefits Your Health
Konjac is considered to be a nutritional powerhouse since it contains a high amount of soluble fiber in the form of glucomannan. Generally, soluble fiber improves our health since it binds to excess cholesterol within the small intestine helping to eliminate it in the body. In addition, fiber decelerates this enzymatic process, making it tougher for the body to transform carbohydrates into glucose. Consequently, jetski from glucose levels from spiking and helps insulin to work better.
Glucomannan from konjac indicates to possess these effects on our bodies. One review of studies found that glucomannan supplements helped lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and blood triglyceride levels. Glucomannan seemed to be found to reduce bodyweight and fasting blood sugar within the same review, and the researchers concluded that glucomannan might be a beneficial complimentary therapy for individuals with diabetes or high cholesterol. Scientists from another study similarly discovered that glucomannan lowered LDL cholesterol, and recommended it as being a preventative treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, glucomannan from konjac will benefit those with diabetes in additional ways than a single. A 2021 overview of studies discovered that taking glucomannan made people with diabetes less likely to eat foods that increased their blood sugar levels, because they reported feeling fuller for longer – an effect that’s typically found with high-fiber foods. Another study found that taking glucomannan along with American ginseng on the 12-week period significantly lowered blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Now that you’re convinced from the magical healing powers of konjac glucomannan, you can begin incorporating it by taking it in supplement form. We love this one from Nova Nutritions (Buy on Amazon, $9.99)! As always, be sure to talk to your doctor prior to starting any new supplement regimen. It’s important too to note that as with many fiber supplements, there is a small chance of bloating and digestive discomfort. That being said, start with a little dose to see how your body reacts.
