Description
Psyllium is the husk of the seed of the Plantain and is a top herb used in weight control and for general intestinal health. It contains a spongy fiber that reduces appetite, improves digestion and cleanses the system, making it an excellent choice for healthy dieting. Psyllium can provide the fiber that is missing on low carbohydrate diets. 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..
Also known as fleawort, psyllium is the common name for several members of the plant genus Plantago. Although often used as a mild, natural laxative, strictly speaking it is not a laxative but a true soluble dietary fibre. It also adds some calories to the diet because once it is metabolized in the colon, some of it is absorbed. As a soluble fibre it becomes gelatinous and sticky in water. It is not absorbed in the small bowel. It is broken down in the large bowel and becomes a food source for the bacteria that live in the colon. These healthy bacteria bulk up the stool, creating a larger softer stool which is easier to pass.
Uses of Psyllium
- As a natural bulk laxative
- As a high source of dietary fiber
- To reduce total blood cholesterol
- As a colon cleanser
- To remove toxins from the intestines
- To absorb bile acids in the intestine
- To help prevent colon cancer
- To reduce the absorption of toxic metals
- As an appetite suppressant
Psyllium may also be supportive in the following conditions:
- Atherosclerosis
- Appendicitis
- Constipation
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Psoriasis
- High triglycerides
- Weight Loss
- Diverticulosis
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Gallstones
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Indigestion
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