Glucomannan in Review

A couple of weeks ago, I took on the challenge of incorporating 6 grams of glucomannan in my diet as suggested by a food plan put forth in Women’s Health (WH).  Please refer to old blog post for background information.  I failed you all!  First, I had a lot of trouble incorporating 2 grams of this super pill, let alone 6 grams.  WH touted no vicious side effects, I must admit that my stomach was not having it.  The times where I could not check my self-control at the door and gave in to sinful pleasures like Golden Oreos [the most delicious treats on earth], it didn’t seem to matter that I had consumed a substance that was supposed to expand 50 times its own water weight.  It in no way prevented me (or limited me) from scarfing down these little treats from heaven.  So I’m sorry to say that I gave this a thumbs down.  If anyone still is interested, I have a whole bottle left that I would be happy to donate.

 I think other folks have the potential of being successful with this.  In theory, it is no different than the idea of incorporating ground flaxseed in oatmeal and bowls of cereal.  For me, I think I couldn’t get over the idea that it probably wasn’t something sustainable in the long-term, kind of like SlimFast.  Are we really “designed” to drink fluids that are supposed to expand in our stomachs and therefore, prevent us from eating?  It just seems cruel, unless you are using the SlimFast as a thickening agent in a milkshake (seriously, this is highly-recommended and brilliant)!  So, my failure could have easily been contributed to my own biases rather than the lack of effectiveness of this “supplement”.  For now, I’m still of the firm belief that balanced meals and regular exercise is the key to the healthiest and fittest lifestyle.  Just one person’s opinion!

Glucomannan- Hot or Hype

In this month’s Women’s Health Magazine, its article “The WH Perfect Body Diet” provides a sample diet to lead you on your way to your dream body.  “Watch out ,_________, (insert name of celebrity or person you secretly admire and loathe for their bodacious body), here I come”!  The diet itself is run-of-the-mill, however the author touts a new super-drug called Glucomannan, and the sample diet recommends the consumption of 6 grams a day of this miracle pill.  Glucomannan, according to the article, is a soluble fiber that comes from an Asian plant known as the konjac, or elephant yam.  It is able to expand up to 50 times its own water weight, so it theoretically expands in your digestive tract, making you feel fuller and less likely to binge on those tasty delicious treats in the vending machines.  It is also NOT supposed to make you feel uber bloated and gassy like many other soluble fiber formulas and foods. 

So in an effort to test out its magic, I have recently purchased my $10 bottle  of 180 2 g capsules of NSI Glucomannan from vitacost.com.  The article recommends breaking the capsule and pouring its contents into sauces, salad dressings, oatmeal, hummus, etc. and stirring until it dissolves.  Bon Appetit! 

 Secretly I don’t really know what it means “to expand up to 50 times its own water weight” and how this phenomenon doesn’t cause blockage in the bowels or at the very least that oh-so-wonderful tummy rumble feeling.  In 2 weeks, I will update you on the effects, benefits, and drawbacks of Glucommanan and report as to whether it is the hot new thing or merely just hype.