Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Glucomannan - The Magic Supplement


Women's Health recently posted the Women's Health Perfect Body Diet, and the plan included taking daily doses of Glucomannan. Glucawhat? you say?

"Glucomannan is a gentle and effective natural fiber that promotes healthy colon function. Derived from the konjac root, glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber considered to be a "bulk-forming laxative." This means it may help you produce stools that are easier to pass, with less straining on your system.

Glucomannan may also promote healthier cholesterol and support healthy blood sugar levels."

This came directly from Vitacost.com where I purchased my bottle, but actually surprised me a bit 'cause WH didn't tell me this was a laxative! They told me that this root was a natural fiber that would expand in my stomach, and help me feel more full, thus...making me eat less over time.

After trying out this "magic pill" I would agree with both Vitacost and WH, the pill does provide laxative like effects (who am I kidding, it makes you poo) but it also does fill up your stomach and make you feel more full. Read more below about what WH had to say about this magic pill...

"Your Secret Weapon Sprinkle this super-fiber on your food and feel stuffed on fewer calories When you're trying to trim down, soluble fiber is your BFF--it expands in your digestive tract, making you feel fuller and warding off snack attacks. But a girl can down only so many bowls of All-Bran before she feels so gassy and bloated she's afraid to leave the bathroom. There is one kind of soluble fiber, however, that works without the nasty side effects. Glucomannan, which comes from an Asian plant known as the konjac, or elephant yam, is nature's get-skinny sponge. Able to expand up to 50 times its own water weight, it's one of the world's most effective fibers, so you can cut down on calories without even trying.

Researchers at Chicago Rush University College of Nursing reviewed 12 clinical trials to determine the benefits of glucomannan and found that it promotes weight loss and satiety.
Glucomannan is also flavorless, so you can add it in powder form to just about anything, from smoothies to frozen entrées to sauces. Mix it in thoroughly (otherwise you might get unappetizing clumps that can stick in your throat) and wait 2 to 3 minutes for it to soak up whatever sauce, broth, dressing, or other liquid is on your plate. It will thicken your food and fill up your stomach, sending satiety signals to your brain. Because of that, you'll want to wash it down with plenty of water, so drink at least 8 ounces of H2O with every meal or snack.

In addition to cutting calories, both meal plans include 6 grams of glucomannan a day. It generally comes in capsules, so break them open and mix the powder directly into your food. (Our fave: NSI Glucomannan, $10 for 180 2 g capsules,
vitacost.com)"

After using this on several occasions (I have yet to be a continuous follower of the powdery pill...so bad at taking things regularly) I must say that the 6 grams a day is definitely the most you should take, each pill (if you purchase the recommended bottle) is 2g, and when I take this it totally makes me feel full!

I usually mix it into my yogurt at breakfast, or into soups or really whatever you want. You just open up the little pill and oila! instant fullness. Be careful though, it can get clumpy and gross if not stirred enough, or if you try and put it into something small. I am going to try and use this more frequently and I will report back on my findings.

NOTE: I usually don't promote taking any pill for weight loss (thank god I listened to my bowels when everyone was screaming alli alli alli....I know I would have slipped up with some grease and had 'oily stools' or whatever it warned against) or really pills and medicine in general (yet I am the ultimate hypochondriac, go figure ) but as this is a natural supplement (from the elephant yam) I don't have a problem using it. However please note that:

Warnings
Pregnant or lactating women, diabetics, hypoglycemics, and people with known medical conditions and/or taking drugs should consult with a licensed physician and/or pharmacist prior to taking dietary supplements.

Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

4 comments:

rachaelgking said...

Okay, okay, I'll try your magic glucomannan! Sheesh.

Kristin @ The Southern Summer said...

Oh please don't act so excited about it...when you lose all this weight I can say I told you so!

Unknown said...

Thanks for good link......

http://allnutri.com/pid3527/glucomannan.aspx

Anonymous said...

Didn't work for me. Tried to cut 200 calories from my diet using glucomannan, and I was just as hungry using it as not. (I have been eating VERY clean--only carbs were veggies, only fats: olive oil & avocados, only protein: lean chicken, turkey, eggs & greek yogurt.)