Glucomannan

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Glucomannan is one of many types of appetite suppressants that burst onto the market with big claims about helping to aid weight loss in the context of a energy restricted diet. We take a closer look at what exactly glucomannan is, whether it works to curb appetite and what types of glucomannan supplements are available.

What is glucomannan?

Glucomannan, also known as konjac, comes from the tubers of the amorphophallus konjac, a plant native to south-east Asia. The konjac fibre is extracted and used in supplements to help aid weight loss and suppress the appetite. It is also incorporated in food products, such as “zero” noodles and rice, which imitate the starches in their appearance and texture but with none of the carbohydrates.

How does glucomannan work?

As with many types of fibre, glucomannan works by expanding in the stomach, helping you feel fuller. But glucomannan beats many other fibres in terms of its water-absorbing qualities, which help draw excess water out of the body.

It forms a gel with water in your stomach, which can also delay food from emptying, extending the feeling of fullness. So, while everyone’s body, metabolism and diet regime may differ, glucomannan may provide a helpful aid when it comes to feeling fuller for longer.

Glucomannan supplements

Glucomannan supplements come in various forms, including glucomannan capsules and powders which can be made up into drinks.

Boombod and Slimbiome

Boombod is a popular weight loss brand that uses konjac in some products. Boombod Shots are a great companion to busy modern life.

The shots are designed to be taken just before each meal to help provide a feeling of fullness with only 10 calories. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of glucomannan in three doses of 1 g each, together with 1-2 glasses of water, before meals and in the context of an energy-restricted diet.

They also contain loads of vitamins and minerals to support the natural functioning of your cells and metabolism. Holland & Barrett’s own Slim Biome is another glucomannan shot powder that has been researched in conjunction with Oxford Brooks University.

Again the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of glucomannan in three doses of 1 g each, together with 1-2 glasses of water, before meals and in the context of an energy-restricted diet. As well as combining konjac with vitamins and minerals, it also contains botanical ingredients such as green tea extract.

It comes in various flavours too, including strawberry with lime, pineapple, and raspberry.

Glucomannan tablets

Of course, many people will prefer the convenience of taking konjac fibre pills and there are great options available. Holland & Barrett Glucomannan Complex Capsules contains konjac fibre and you can take up to six per day prior to meals.

For an even simpler option, we offer a one-tablet-per-day glucomannan supplement, Holland & Barrett Glucomannan & Chromium Capsules. Chromium is a mineral that is a great little addition as it contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

Is glucomannan the best weight loss supplement?

There are myriad remedies out there claiming to be diet pills, slimming pills or weight loss pills. However, few of them are diet pills that work or that have been backed up by science. Fibre supplements, such as glucomannan, are different as there is scientific evidence that fibre really does help to fill us up.

And that is usually without the calories or fat of other food groups. Of the types available, glucomannan is considered one of the best fibre supplements as it absorbs more water, forms a gel that helps you feel fuller for longer and is not only very low in calories, but has been found to help absorb fat from your gut. It is important to remember that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of glucomannan in three doses of 1 g each, together with 1-2 glasses of water, before meals and in the context of an energy-restricted diet.