Konjac fiber is derived from an Asian plant and is sold in capsules, tablets or powder. Studies have shown that when taken as a dietary supplement before eating, konjac fiber can help you lose weight and relieve constipation. Even though konjac fiber is very effective, side effects concerning the digestive system may occur. Consult with your doctor before beginning any kind of diet.
Konjac
The konjac plant is native to Asia and has been cultivated for many years for its starchy root. Fiber extracted from the root is used in Asian cuisine for noodles, candy and desserts and as a thickener in sauces. Konjac root contains high levels of the polysaccharide glucomannan, composed of the carbohydrates mannose and glucose. Glucomannan is a type of dietary fiber, and the majority of it is excreted as waste. Consuming sufficient dietary fiber helps you feel full and aids in digestion.
Konjac Fiber Diet
The theory behind the konjac fiber diet is simple. Take one to two capsules of konjac fiber or glucomannan with a full glass of water before every meal. If you prefer to use konjac fiber powder, stir 1 tsp. into an 8 oz. glass of water and drink before every meal. A study reported in 1984 in the "International Journal of Obesity" showed that obese patients who took konjac root powder before every meal for eight weeks lost significantly more weight compared with patients taking placebo.
Konjac Fiber Diet Benefits
Aside from weight loss, the konjac fiber diet may provide additional benefits, especially in diabetics. A Chinese study in the June 1990 issue of "Biomedical and Environmental Sciences" reported that hyperglycemia was prevented and controlled in diabetic patients on a konjac fiber diet. In addition, the levels of blood lipids were reduced in diabetic patients on a konjac fiber diet, as reported in the February 2003 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition." Also, children on a konjac fiber diet experienced less constipation than those on placebo, as reported in the March 2004 issue of the journal "Pediatrics."
Konjac Fiber Diet Risks
One risk of the konjac fiber diet is the possibility of effects on the digestive system. Side effects may include gas, bloating and abdominal pain. As of 2011, konjac fiber has no known drug interactions, but you should take a daily multivitamin in case the absorption of certain vitamins in the diet is affected. To ensure that the fiber does not pose a choking hazard and to prevent side effects to the digestive system, always drink a full glass of water after every dose.
References
- "International Journal of Obesity"; Effect of Glucomannan on Obese Patients; DE Walsh, et al.; 1984
- "Biomedical and Environmental Sciences"; Effect of Konjac Food on Blood Glucose Level in Patients with Diabetes; CY Huang, et al.; June 1990
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; HL Chen, et al.; February 2003
- "Pediatrics"; Fiber (Glucomannan) is Beneficial in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation; V Loening-Baucke; March 2004
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