Glucomannan
Glucomannan
Glucomannan (pronounced: gloo-ko-man-nan) is a water-soluble dietary fiber derived from the root of the Konjac plant.
Etymology
The term "Glucomannan" is derived from the Greek words "glukus" meaning sweet and "manna" meaning a substance miraculously supplied as food in the wilderness. It is named so due to its properties as a dietary supplement.
Definition
Glucomannan is a type of polysaccharide that is low in calories, high in fiber, and can be used as a dietary supplement. It is known for its ability to absorb water and become a gel-like substance, which can aid in digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
Usage
Glucomannan is often used in weight loss programs, as it can help to reduce appetite and calorie intake. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential health benefits, including improving cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar, and promoting gut health.
Related Terms
- Dietary Fiber: A type of carbohydrate that the body can't digest. It is found in the plants we eat — fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
- Konjac: A plant of the genus Amorphophallus, native to warm subtropical to tropical eastern Asia, from Japan and China south to Indonesia. It is known for its starchy corm, a tuber-like part of the stem that grows underground.
- Polysaccharide: Polysaccharides are polymeric carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bound together by glycosidic linkages, and on hydrolysis give the constituent monosaccharides or oligosaccharides.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glucomannan
- Wikipedia's article - Glucomannan
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