Psyllium husk

superblycrafted · Psyllium husk

Psyllium husk or isphagula is the covering of seeds grown on the plant, Plantago Psyllium, which flourishes in the Middle East. Psyllium husk has long been recognized as an excellent means of getting more dietary fiber into a person’s diet due to its high fiber count in comparison to other grains. Oat bran, also a good source of fiber, has about five grams of fiber per a third of a cup. Psyllium husk, on the other hand, offers approximately 71 grams of fiber for that same third of a cup.

This heavy dose of dietary fiber makes psyllium husk the choice of many who manufacture dietary fiber supplements and powders like Metamucil. For those suffering from constipation or diarrhea, appropriate daily dietary fiber intake can help improve these conditions. As psyllium husk travels through the human digestive tract, it absorbs water, but is not digested. This results in stool that is bulkier, but also softer, translating to fewer problems with passing stool.

Although most associate psyllium husk with improving digestion, clinical studies on isphagula have also shown that it is beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol. Of course, cholesterol is more likely to be lowered when combined with a low fat diet. Yet even with a higher fat diet, psyllium husk, when taken regularly, lowers low-density lipoproteins, known as “bad cholesterol” by about 7%.

Some studies have also suggested that regular use of psyllium husk supplements may help pass more fat in stools, translating to weight loss. Other studies suggest psyllium husk may also be helpful in lowering blood sugar counts. These studies are still in their infancy and have yet to truly prove that psyllium husk can be beneficial in these ways.

It is important to be careful with psyllium. Some complain of bloating or gas when first using the product. Most doctors suggest taking several weeks to work up to a full dose of this dietary fiber. Early reactions might include diarrhea and flatulence.

Some people are severely allergic to psyllium husk. This is especially true of those who handle large amounts of psyllium husk to prepare laxatives. Some have had anaphylactic shock reactions to taking psyllium husk. Intestinal obstruction may also be a risk for some, particularly those who have had surgery on the intestines or bowels.

The most important thing to remember when taking psyllium husk is to take it with lots of water. Drinking a full glass with the supplement, and six or seven more glasses a day is recommended. This may be easy to remember if you’re taking a supplement like Metamucil, but don’t forget that plenty of high fiber cereals like Bran Buds and Heartwise contain psyllium and should be consumed with a large glass of water on the side, and at least six more glasses of water during the day.

obmar

I observe among children, those that drink a lot of water, looks more cheerful and their face shines a lot more than those that shy away from drinking water a lot of water.

But making it a habit is not easy.

obmar

One direct benefit of Psyllium husk
is easy going to the toilet.

Cool

The Inquisitor

Thanks SC,

I've never heard of this. What dishes are usually associated with this plant?

superblycrafted

obmar

http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/vol04/issue3/psyllium.htm

I found this article

Why We Should Know More About Psyllium
by E. Farnworth - April 2000 No.99
Psyllium is a rather new additive that has found its way into several of our regular foods, particularly breakfast cereals. So what is psyllium and how is it good for health?

Plantago psyllium is a plant native to Iran and India. Psyllium stalks contain tiny seeds, also called psyllium. The seeds are covered by husks, which is the part of the plant used in foods. The seed husk contains glycosides and mucilages which are used in the food industry to form gels that give thickening and textural changes to foods. The psyllium husk is a source of water soluble fiber, similar to fiber found in grains such as oats and barley. But the amount of soluble fiber in psyllium is much higher than oat bran. Every 100 grams of psyllium provides 71 grams of soluble fiber; a similar amount of oat bran would contain only 5 grams of soluble fiber. Only recently have scientists learned that soluble fiber has unique effects on metabolism.Every 100 grams of psyllium provides 71 grams of soluble fiber
Psyllium fiber is not broken down as it passes down the gastrointestinal tract and so psyllium has no nutritive value other than as a source of fiber. Adding water to dry psyllium causes it to swell to up to ten times its original volume. For many years products containing psyllium have been used to increase fecal bulk and loosen stools, as ways of treating constipation. Other uses of psyllium related to digestive problems are less well documented.

Recently the United States Food and Drug Administration acknowledged psyllium´s role in lowering blood cholesterol levels by allowing health claims to be made for products containing psyllium fiber. However it was recognized that psyllium is only one factor that can influence cholesterol levels and so the claim for psyllium is combined with a low fat diet that is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The combination of low fat diet, low in saturated fats and cholesterol plus psyllium, can reduce total cholesterol levels by 4% and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 7%. The soluble fiber in psyllium reduces absorption of blood cholesterol and bile acids from the intestine and that in turn lowers blood cholesterol levels.

It is sound advice to include as many sources of fiber in your diet as possible. Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber, but it would appear that there are particular advantages to increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your diet - soluble fiber like the kind found in pysllium.

References
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;71-2, 472-4791
USFDA Talk Paper:2

The Inquisitor

I don't think I've ever seen this in the supermarket. Are there any brand names that might contain this?

obmar

I dont know why but they are availlable here in apinary outlets...places where they sell various types of honey from all over the world.

Though phyllium is no apinary.

Smile