Potential Health Benefits of Konjac/konjac gum application

Potential Health Benefits of Konjac/konjac gum application        

Potential Health Benefits of Konjac

Treatment of Constipation

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber, and as such, has been investigated for the treatment of constipation. Glucomannans may relieve constipation by decreasing fecal transit time. In the treatment of chronic constipation, glucomannans significantly improve symptoms of constipation while being well-tolerated and free of relevant side effect.

Cholesterol and Other Lipids

Glucomannans have demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the total cholesterol of obese patients. In healthy men, four weeks of taking 3.9 grams of glucomannan decreased total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure. Notably triglycerides dropped by 23%. Glucomannans have also been tested in children with high cholesterol in conjunction with a diet. Interesting enough, great decreases in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were observed in girls when compared to boys. When used in conjunction with chitosan, glucomannan decreases serum cholesterol, possibly by increasing steroid excretion via the feces. 

Type 2 diabetes

Glucomannans may be useful as a therapeutic adjunct for type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to improve the lipid and alleviate the fasting blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetics. 

Weight loss

In a study lasting 16 weeks, 200 overweight and obese subjects were given a mixture of Psyllium seed husk (3g) and glucomannan (1g) twice daily, the same mixture 3 times daily, or a placebo. The Psyllium and glucomannan groups lost, on average, 4.53kg and 4.60kg respectively compared to 0.79 kg by the control group. This was not a statistically significant difference. The glucomannan group has increased satiety compared to the control group and the LDL cholesterol was significantly reduced during the study period. The treatments were well tolerated in all groups. An 8 week double blind trial involved 20 obese patients. A placebo or a glucomannan fiber supplement of 1gm was given to the subjects one hour before each meal. No changes were made to the diet or exercise habits of the patients. The study found that over the 8 week period, cholesterol levels were significantly reduced, and the Glucomannan group has an average weight loss of 2.5kg.

Konjac Flour Application in the Food Industry

Konjac flour is soluble in cold water and forms highly viscous solutions. Therefore, Konjac flour is used as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, and dressings. As a gelling agent, Konjac flour is also used to bind water in meat and vegetarian analogs. The gelling property of Konajc flour also allows it to be functional as a fat replacer in many types of processed foods. Additionally, Konjac flour is excellent film former, perfect for batters and breading.

Our factory :