Weight loss will be on many peoples minds as the New Year rolls in. The NHS offers medically-approved tips for losing weight, such as not skipping breakfast, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, moving more and using a smaller plate.<\/p>\n
But some experts have also suggested the addition of a glucomannan supplement can also aid weight loss.<\/p>\n
Glucomannan is a natural, water-soluble dietary fibre extracted from the roots of konjac, also known as elephant yam.<\/p>\n
Its available as a powder and tablets, and is the main ingredient in shirataki noodles.<\/p>\n
Like all soluble fibres, glucommanan is highly absorbent, and when it binds with water it forms a gel-like substance.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:High blood pressure: Taking this supplement could lower your reading<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This gel helps create a sensation of fullness, which can reduce appetite, delays stomach emptying, keeping a person feeling fuller for longer, and breaks down carbohydrates more slowly, stabilising post-meal blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n
The gel can also decrease absorption of fat.<\/p>\n
A 2005 study carried out by Norways University of Tromso reported dieters who took glucomannan lost more weight than those taking other high-fibre supplements.<\/p>\n
Another study involving 176 healthy but overweight people on a calorie-restricted diet randomly assigned either a glucomannan supplement or a placebo to participants.<\/p>\n
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Weight loss was significantly greater among those who supplemented with glucomannan.<\/p>\n
But a 2013 study published in the Journal of Obesity found it had no effect on weight.<\/p>\n
Glucomannan has also been shown to support gut health.<\/p>\n
A 2010 laboratory study carried out by the University of Reading found it helped encourage healthy levels of gut bacteria populations, for examine bifidobacterium.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Its also been shown to lower cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n
A 2008 review of evidence in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, glucomannan can reduce levels of total cholesterol and cause a decrease in bad LDL cholesterol too.<\/p>\n
Researchers have suggested glucomannan has this effect by altering the way cholesterol is produced in the liver and how fats in the body are stored or used for energy.<\/p>\n
When it comes to dosage for glucomannan, Holland and Barrett says a dose of around 2g to 4g per day has been used safely in studies, but you should always read the packaging or food label first.<\/p>\n
It adds: Take glucomannan 15 minutes to an hour before a meal, and make sure you swallow it with 1-2 glasses of fluid to avoid it expanding before it reaches your stomach, as this could be dangerous.<\/p>\n
Glucomannan has not been proved safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.<\/p>\n
If you are diabetic, speak to your doctor before taking glucomannan as it can reduce the absorption of some diabetes medications.<\/p>\n
Glucomannan may produce mild side-effects including bloating, flatulence, soft stools and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n
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Best supplements for weight loss: Taking this supplement could help you lose weight - Express<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Weight loss will be on many peoples minds as the New Year rolls in. The NHS offers medically-approved tips for losing weight, such as not skipping breakfast, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, moving more and using a smaller plate Continue reading