Glucomannan ( Amorphophallus konjak ) is a plant of the Araceae family. It is a complex sugar of plant origin, rich in fiber with slimming properties and useful against the absorption of fats.
Its chemical nature prevents it from being digested by the enzymes of the human intestine , which is why it is considered a dietary fiber, like cellulose. It is soluble in water, a characteristic that is useful for regulating intestinal transit and assisting other metabolic functions.
It is also called elephant yam or devil's tongue due to the characteristic shape of its inflorescence, which resembles a tongue.
It is a plant that prefers very rich and well fertilized soils, mild climates, shaded areas and well sheltered from the wind and bad weather.
PROPERTY'
Glucomannan is a grainy powder, which is extracted from the konjak root. It is a tuber containing a fiber, soluble in water, composed of a high molecular weight polysaccharide, consisting mainly of glucose and mannose, two monosaccharide sugars. This fiber has the ability to attract a lot of water giving rise to a gelatinous mass that gives the plant satiating and slimming properties.
ACTIVITY'
In the presence of liquids, glucomannan increases its volume by 60 times. In an acidic environment it reaches its maximum expansion producing a sense of fullness and anti-hunger . An excellent adjuvant in case of low-calorie diets, to modulate the absorption of nutrients and in case of mild constipation because it facilitates intestinal motility.