Glucomannan: Weight Loss Fiber

Find out why this ancient fiber food has become a popular weight loss supplement...

Several popular new diet supplements include glucomannan as their main ingredients. Why is this? Well, mainly because it's one of nature's richest sources of healthy soluble fiber and has been shown to possess several health and weight loss related benefits. However, glucomannan is also very abundant and, unfortunately, a few companies are charging WAY too much for their products.

Glucomannan Overview

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber obtained from the root of the Konjac plant found throughout Asia. Although it's nearly calorie-free, glucomannan has been consumed as a food (in noodles, tofu, etc.) for over 1000 years. Recent studies have shown that the health benefits of glucomannan include:

- cholesterol reduction
- blood sugar regulation
- constipation relief
- weight loss / appetite suppression

Glucomannan and Weight Loss

Glucomannan is similar to pectin (found in apples) and absorbs up to 50 times its weight in liquid. Like most high-fiber foods, it appears to help weight loss by occupying space in the stomach and decreasing hunger, curbing food cravings, etc. This property is what has led several supplement companies to use it in their weight loss formulas.

There are several good, low-priced glucomannan-based weight loss supplements available at most health food stores or on the Web. If you're having trouble losing weight they provide a safer alternative to diet drugs and stimulant-based appetite suppressors.