Glucomannan

History:

Glucomannan fiber is derived from the starchy tuber of the Amorphophallis plant, which is sometimes also called the Konjac plant. It is a perennial that is native to Asia, mostly China and Japan,  and also grown in Korea. Each plant produces one large tuberous root (generally over ten pounds in weight) that resembles a beet, and puts up a thick stem with one enormous leaf and one evil-smelling flower or spadix, which is pollinated by flies. The bark of the plant has the appearance of snakeskin, which has given rise to one of its common names, Snake Plant, and it may be found in light woodlands or cultivated beds in rich, moist, loamy soils in dappled shade, but will also survive in sun and either acid or alkaline soils. The root produces the excellent dietary fiber that has been used as a nutritious supplement in Oriental foods, such as noodles (shirataki) and tofu, and is also included in the gelling agent, konnyaku, in Japanese cuisine. It is considered a health food in Japan that is used to maintain healthy intestinal function. An interesting side-story tells us that Konjac powder was added to the first national currency of Japan in the late 1800s to prevent counterfeiting, but it was stopped after rats began to eat the bills. Glucomannan forms a thick, gooey gel when exposed to fluids and results in a soft mass that moves through the intestines in approximately twelve hours' time. It is not digested by the body, but produces a bulkier stool that tends to cause peristalsis in the intestines (muscle contractions), resulting in less pressure and more easily expelled waste as it passes through the colon (with much less straining). The dried corm (short, vertical, swollen underground plant stem) of the Konjac plant contains around forty percent Glucomannan gum. Glucomannan is mainly a straight-chain polymer, with a small amount of branching. It has a very high molecular-weight polysaccharide made of d-glucose and d-mannose sugars. This relatively complex carbohydrate is a polymer made up of many monosaccharides joined by glycosidic linkages. Other constituents in Glucomannan include fiber, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus and iron.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules, two (2) times each day with water.

Contraindications:
It is recommended that Glucomannan Herbal Supplement and other medications be taken at different times, as fiber interferes with the absorption of other medications. Taking Glucomannan may interfere with the actions of blood sugar medicines resulting in the return of symptoms otherwise controlled by prescription medicines; this includes any change in blood sugar control. Glucomannan may produce gas and diarrhea in some people, but these symptoms usually disappear after several days or with a reduction in dosage. It is recommended that plenty of water be drunk with Glucomannan, as the fiber tends to expand and may cause breathing problems or lodging in the throat. Taking Glucomannan supplements without adequate liquids may cause it to swell, and, in extreme cases, cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty swallowing. People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take Glucomannan.

Capsule Information:
Our Glucomannan supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.