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Konjac Glucomannan
 
Plant Original: Amorphophallus Konjac
PartUsed:Tuber                                                                             
Specification:
                      85%,95% bu UV sulfur dioxide 10PM
                      90%,95% by UV sulfur dioxide 30PM
                      95% UV sulfur dioxide 89PM

Introduction
Glucomannan is a water-soluble polysaccharide that is considered a dietary fiber. It is a hemicellulose component in the cell walls of some plant species. Glucomannan is a food additive used as an emulsifier and thickener. Products containing glucomannan, marketed under a variety of brand names, are also sold as nutritional supplements for constipation, obesity, high cholesterol,acne vulgaris and type 2 diabetes. Although there is some clinical support for potential health benefits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any product containing glucomannan for the treatment of these medical conditions. Health Canada has authorized some products containing glucomannan for the purposes of appetite reduction, weight management, treatment of constipation and management of high cholesterol levels.
Glucomannan is mainly a straight-chain polymer, with a small amount of branching. The component sugars are β-(1→4)-linked D-mannose and D-glucose in a ratio of 1.6:1. The degree of branching is about 8% through β-(1→6)-glucosyl linkages.
Glucomannan with α-(1→6)-linked galactose units in side branches is called galactoglucomannan.
 
Natural sources
Glucomannan comprises 40% by dry weight of the roots, or corm, of the konjac plant. Another culinary source is salep, ground from the roots of certain orchids and used in Turkish cuisine. Glucomannan is also a hemicellulose that is present in large amounts in the wood of conifers and in smaller amounts in the wood of dicotyledons.[citation needed] Glucomannan is also a constituent of bacterial, plant and yeast cell wall with differences in the branches or glycosidic linkages in the linear structure.
 
Potential health benefits
1.Treatment of constipation
Glucomannan is a soluble fiber, and as such, has been investigated for the treatment of constipation. Glucomannan may relieve constipation by decreasing fecal transit time. In the treatment of chronic constipation, glucomannan significantly improved symptoms of constipation while being well-tolerated and free of relevant side effects.
2.Cholesterol and other lipids
Glucomannan has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the total cholesterol of obese patients. In healthy men, four weeks of taking 3.9 grams per day of glucomannan decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure; notably, triglycerides dropped by 23%. Glucomannan has also been tested in children with high cholesterol in conjunction with a diet. A gender difference has been shown, greater 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.
3.Type 2 diabetes
Glucomannan may be useful as a therapeutic adjunct for type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to improve the lipid profile and alleviate the fasting blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetics. Glucomannan also helps to increase insulin sensitivity and improves glycemia and risk factor for coronary heart disease 
4.Weight loss
Clinical trials examining the use of glucomannan for weight loss have produced mixed results. A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials failed to show that glucomannan supplementation generated statistically significant weight loss.
 
Potential health risks
A health advisory was released by Health Canada stating the following: "Natural health products containing the ingredient glucomannan in tablet, capsule or powder form, which are currently on the Canadian market, have a potential for harm if taken without at least 250 ml or 8 ounces of water or other fluid. The risk to Canadians includes choking and/or blockage of the throat, esophagus or intestine, according to international adverse reaction case reports. It is also important to note that these products should not be taken immediately before going to bed." The health advisory was issued after authorization of some products containing glucomannan for the purposes of appetite reduction, weight management, treatment of constipation and management ofhigh cholesterol levels.
 
Function
Glucomannan is an all-natural, dietary source of 100% fiber obtained from the root of the Konjac plant in Asia.The plant is part of the genus Amorphophallus. Typically, it thrives in the warmer regions of Asia.Glucomannan contains zero calories, so it's an excellent addition to a sensible weight loss program.Glucomannan has been used in traditional Asian foods .Several small controlled studies have found Glucomannan to be effective for reducing total cholesterol levels in otherwise healthy adults.Glucomannan reduced bad cholesterol (LDL) ,Glucomannan may improve other risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglyceride levels and high blood pressure,may also help the body to regulate blood sugar levels and, therefore, could be helpful in treating diabetes.

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