Best supplements for weight loss: An ingredient popular in Japan to aid in weight loss – Express

Weight loss is not always easy and requires dedication and hard work. There are countless supplements on the market claiming to be the answer to a difficult problem. However, many of these claims are just that – just claims. When wanting to find a supplement to help, relying on medical studies often provides better clues to its reliability. So according to studies, glaucoma could be the one that provides more than just claims.

How the supplement aids in weight loss?

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fibre and like other soluble fibres, its has an ability to promote weight loss in several ways:

It’s low in calories and works by taking up space in the stomach to help promote a feeling of fullness thereby reducing food intake.

The supplement also delays stomach emptying, contributing to increased satiety and reduces the absorption of both protein and fat.

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Glucomannan also feeds the friendly bacteria in the intestines, which turn it into short-chain fatty acids, helping to protect against fat gain in some animal studies.

By feeding the gut bacteria, many positive effects ensue.

Some studies show a correlation between altered gut bacteria and body weight.

Glucomannan differs from most other soluble fibres as its viscous making it an effective supplement for weight loss.

In a with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, prebiotic fibre and how it could decrease obesity and improve metabolic syndrome was investigated.

The study noted: “Prebiotic fibres are non-digestible carbohydrates that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

“We evaluated the dose response to a prebiotic diet on the gut microbiota, body composition and obesity associated risk factors in lean and genetically obese rats. 

“We propose that prebiotic fibres have promise as a safe and cost-effective means of modulating the gut microbiota to promote improved host: bacterial interactions in obesity and insulin resistance.

“Human clinical trials should be undertaken to confirm these effects.” 

In another published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, weight reduction using fibre supplements such as glucomannan were analysed.

The study noted: “One hundred and seventy-six men and women were included to receive either active fibre substance or placebo in randomized placebo-controlled studies.

“The fibre supplements consisted of the viscous fibres glucomannan, glucomannan and guar gum and glucomannan, guar gum and alginate.”

The study results found that all fibre supplements induced significant weight reduction more than placebo and diet alone, during a five-week observation period.   

It’s important to consult your GP before embarking on new supplements to help you lose weight.

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