Glucomannan

What is glucomannan?

Glucomannan is a soluble dietary fibre obtained from the root (corm) of the konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac). Konjac flour is very rich in glucomannan. In contact with water it absorbs a lot of liquid and turns into a thick gel – that is what gives konjac foods their typical texture.

This page has two kinds of konjac products: food supplements and konjac foods eaten like pasta or rice.

Capsules and powder

• NOW Foods Glucomannan from Konjac Root 575 mg – vegetable capsules with konjac root powder.
• NOW Foods Glucomannan Pure Powder – loose powder that you stir into water.

Because glucomannan swells so strongly, the way you take it matters. Always take it with plenty of water, as stated on the label. Swallowed without enough liquid, it can swell in the throat and cause choking. It is not suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing. Follow the dose on the label.

Konjac noodles and rice

The OstroVit Diet range is food, not a supplement. The products are made from konjac flour and water and are naturally low in calories:

• OstroVit Diet Spaghetti Konjac Noodles and Diet Tagliatelle Konjac Noodles,
• OstroVit Diet Spaghetti Carrot Konjac Noodles – with carrot,
• OstroVit Diet Rice Konjac – konjac in the shape of rice.

Konjac noodles usually come packed in liquid: rinse them well, heat them briefly in a pan or in boiling water and serve them with a sauce, vegetables or in a stir-fry.

What to look for

• Supplement or food: capsules and powder are food supplements with a dose on the label; noodles and rice are eaten as part of a meal.
• Amount per serving: in capsules it is given in mg per capsule and per daily serving.
• Water: the label tells you how much liquid to drink with each serving.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. If you take medicines or are pregnant, ask your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between glucomannan and konjac?

Konjac is the plant; glucomannan is the fibre found in its root. Konjac flour, used for noodles and rice, consists largely of glucomannan.

Why do I need to drink so much water with it?

Glucomannan absorbs water and swells. Taken with too little liquid, it could block the throat, so the label asks for a full glass of water.

How do I prepare konjac noodles?

Drain and rinse them, then heat them for a few minutes. They take on the flavour of the sauce you cook them with.