DESCRIPTION:
Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber that is derived from konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). Like other forms of dietary fiber, glucomannan is considered a ��bulk-forming laxative.�� Glucomannan promotes a larger, bulkier stool that passes through the colon more easily and requires less pressure��and subsequently less straining��to expel. Good results have been noted in preliminary1 and double-blind studies of glucomannan for the treatment of constipation. In constipated individuals, glucomannan and other bulk-forming laxatives generally help produce a bowel movement within 12 to 24 hours. The use of glucomannan for diverticular disease of the colon has also been studied in preliminary research; about one-third to one-half of the subjects were found to benefit from glucomannan.7
Glucomannan delays stomach emptying, leading to a more gradual absorption of dietary sugar; this effect can reduce the elevation of blood sugar levels that is typical after a meal.8 Controlled studies have found that after-meal blood sugar levels are lower in people with diabetes given glucomannan in their food,9 and overall diabetic control is improved with glucomannan-enriched diets according to preliminary10 and controlled11 12 trials. One preliminary report suggested that glucomannan may also be helpful in pregnancy-related diabetes.13 One double-blind study reported that glucomannan (8�C13 grams per day) stabilized blood sugar in people with the insulin resistance syndrome (syndrome X).14 In a preliminary study,15 addition of either 2.6 or 5.2 grams of glucomannan to a meal prevented hypoglycemia in adults with previous stomach surgery; a similar study of children produced inconsistent results.
Like other soluble fibers, glucomannan can bind to bile acids in the gut and carry them out of the body in the feces, which requires the body to convert more cholesterol into bile acids.This can result in the lowering of blood cholesterol and other blood fats. Controlled and double-blind20 21 studies have shown that supplementation with several grams per day of glucomannan significantly reduced total blood cholesterol, LDL (��bad��) cholesterol, and triglycerides, and in some cases raised HDL (��good��) cholesterol. One double-blind study reported that glucomannan (8�C13 grams per day) lowered total and LDL cholesterol in people with the insulin resistance syndrome.22
Glucomannan may help weight loss by occupying space in the stomach, thereby making a person feel full. One double-blind study reported weight loss averaging 5.5 pounds in adults when one gram of glucomannan was taken with a cup of water one hour before each meal for eight weeks.23 However, a similar study of overweight children found that glucomannan was not significantly more effective than a placebo.24 Other controlled studies have found that glucomannan improves the results of weight loss diets in overweight adults25 and children.
SPECIFICATION
APPLICATION
Konjac mannan can be used a gelling agent, thickener, film former, stabilizer, emulsifier and soluble fiber source in bakery products, confectionary, dairy products, noodles, pasta, health foods, functional foods, frozen foods and ice cream, canned, minced meat and fish, salad dressing and sauces, pet foods, edible films and capsules. Health Benefits FJ- mannan has been shown in clinical studies to slow the digestion of carbohydrates and absorption of sugars in the blood stream which lowers the glycemic effect. This helps to control the insulin resistant syndrome and the development of diabetesII, as well help in the management of this disease. It lowers blood cholesterol (12%) and total blood lipids (17%) as well blood pressure (7%) which help in reducing in the risk of heart disease. The product can also be used to control appetite and aid in weight loss. ProMannan, owned by Fiber Tech Co. Ltd. Canada, has been clinically proven of being the following effects: 1.Reduces postprandial (after-meal) glycemia (slow release carbohydrate) 2.Improves diabetic control ( ADA:fiber supplement required for long-term diabetic control) 3.Lowers blood cholesterol (��drug like�� effect �C19-29% lowering) 4.Lowers blood pressure (rarely seen with fiber) 5.Controls appetite and reduces body weight (4-fold multi-impact effect) 6.Increases insulin sensitivity (treatment and prevention of syndrome �CX) 7.Improves syndrome-X (unique effects- presently no treatment available)