Doi, K., Matsuura, M., Kawara, A., and Baba, S. Treatment of diabetes with glucomannan (konjac mannan). Lancet 5-5-1979;1(8123):987-988. View abstract. Ito konnyaku ( 糸蒟蒻) is a Japanese food consisting of konjac cut into noodle-like strips. It is usually sold in plastic bags with accompanying water, which is drained before cooking. It is often used in sukiyaki and oden. The name literally means 'thread-konjac'. Chen HL, Sheu WH, Tai TS, et al. Konjac supplement alleviated hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects--a randomized double-blind trial. J Am Coll Nutr 2003;22:36-42. View abstract. One of the reasons some people may be familiar with glucomannan is because it’s marketed for its ability to promote weight loss. Search for “glucomannan Walmart” and you’ll see that chains like Walmart are already selling this plant fiber as a supplement. There is even a brand-name dietary supplement called Lipozene with glucomannan as its primary ingredient. Konjac supplements may also expand in your esophagus or bowel and cause an obstruction. The risk is higher if you:

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. And like all fibres, glucomannan can reduce constipation by increasing bulk, and speeding up food transit time through the colon. 10 Birketvedt GS, et al. (2005). Experiences with three different fiber supplements in weight reduction. It is generally recommended that you take glucomannan around 15-30 minutes before you eat a meal if you are using it to try and manage your weight. Japanese konnyaku is made by mixing konjac flour with water and limewater. [8] Hijiki is often added for the characteristic dark color and flavor. Without additives for color, konjac is white. It is then boiled and cooled to solidify. Konjac made in noodle form is called shirataki and used in foods such as sukiyaki and gyūdon. [4] :595As they are both sources of soluble fibre, glucomannan and psyllium husks have a range of common characteristics. They share similar properties and determining which one is right for you will depend on your individual set of circumstances. Konjac flour gluten free is a pure powder made from the root of the konjac plant. It's healthy, tastes great and is 100% gluten free! Enjoy using it in your every day cooking - you'll love the taste, nutritional benefits and versatility it brings to your life. The main difference between glucomannan and psyllium is their source. Glucomannan is derived from the root of the konjac plant, whereas psyllium husks are taken from the Plantago ovate shrub. The experts found that participants taking the supplement experienced significantly smaller spikes in blood sugar levels when compared to non-supplementing volunteers. Furthermore it was found that this “protective” benefit was experienced for at least two hours after food consumption.

Brand-Miller JC, Atkinson FS, Gahler RJ, et al. Effects of added PGX, a novel functional fibre, on the glycaemic index of starchy foods. Br J Nutr 2012;108(2):245-8. View abstract. Glucomannan is a natural ingredient with a lot of potential health benefits, from maintaining your weight to supporting your gut microbiomeKonjac powder is a pure natural product made from the Konjac root, one of nature's richest sources of glucomannan fiber. Glucomannan is a soluble dietary fiber that helps promote healthy cholesterol levels and lower blood.