Konjac

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch) belongs to the Araceae family, and originates from southeast Asia. It is grown in south and southeastern China and Vietnam. Its flowers are produced on a dark purplish spathe, with a thick tuber that can grow up to 30 cm in diameter.
The dried and pulverised tuber is called konjac flour, from which konjac glucomannan¹ is obtained.

History

Konjac has been used in China, Japan and East Asia as food. In China, a gel is prepared with konjac flour for detoxification, phlegm liquefaction and relieving circulatory problems. It has also traditionally been used in China for over 2,000 years for asthma, skin and blood disorders, burns and hernias².

Composition

Konjac tuber is rich in glucomannan, a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide. It is a soluble fibre that readily mixes with water to form a high viscosity gel¹.

Our extract

• Extract name: Dry extract of konjac standardised to contain 90% glucomannan
• Scientific name: Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch
• Part used: Tuber

Benefits

Glucomannan is a soluble fibre that increases feelings of fullness and helps you lose weight. It is also used as a laxative and in cases of high blood lipid levels¹. Glucomannan in the context of an energy restricted diet contributes to weight loss³.

Usage, dosage

To lose weight(1):  9 capsules a day, To lose weight(1): 9 capsules a day, divided into three doses: 3 capsules before breakfast, 3 before lunch and 3 before dinner, together with one or two glasses of water. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g of glucomannan and when following a low-calorie diet.

For cholesterol(1): 12 capsules per day, divided into three doses: 4 capsules at breakfast, 4 at lunch and 4 at dinner, together with two glasses of water. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 4 g.

 Studies/research

Glucomannan is effective in reducing weight and body fat^{4, 5}. When ingested with liquid, the soluble fibre forms a viscous gel in the digestive system that slows gastric emptying and slows down the absorption of nutrients^{1, 2}, which creates a feeling of fullness and helps control appetite and lose weight.
Various clinical studies have shown that consuming konjac glucomannan can lower blood cholesterol levels, improve intestinal transit, gut flora, and the metabolism of carbohydrates².
Finally, konjac glucomannan also has antioxidant properties. One study established an increase in the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and gut mucosa, due to the gene expression regulation mediated by this fibre⁶.