Glucomannan, also known as konjac glucomannan (GMK) is a complex carbohydrate that comes from the tuber of the Amorphophallus konjac plant . It is popular in Asian countries as a processed food, whether in pasta, tofu, jams, mixed with meat, among others. It is also used in traditional oriental medicine.
According to Lamkey, GMK is very easy to bind to water, which is why it is used as a thickener or gelling agent. In this way, it becomes a substitute for fat, proteins such as gluten and the bulking agent. In the United States it is classified as a safe ingredient or GRAS and in Europe it is approved as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer and gelling agent.
According to an article published in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria, it is a highly soluble fiber with a higher viscosity than other fibers. This causes a feeling of fullness effective for weight loss, in addition to other health benefits.
How is it used? What must be taken into account when using it? In the next space we will tell you more about its effects and its contraindications. Keep reading!
Glucomannan benefits
Glucomannan is a complex carbohydrate made up of glucose and mannose units, which are linked together by β- 1,4 bonds, which are not recognized by the enzymes of digestion.
As it is not digested, it behaves like a fiber with a high capacity to absorb water; 1 gram of GMK can capture up to 200 milliliters of water. This property confers several benefits, such as those that we will describe below.
Causes satiety
When this type of fiber is ingested, it increases the viscosity in the stomach, which delays its emptying. Consequently, a feeling of fullness is achieved that lasts for a long time.
In this way, as described in the magazine Alternative Therapie , glucomannan decreases appetite and becomes an adjunct to weight loss diets.
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