Psyllium
Psylli what?
Psyllium is a plant also known as Isaphagula or Plantago the seeds of whose husk, when ground, produces mucilage. Mucilage refers to clear, colourless gelling agents specifically derived from plants that are among the best sources of soluble dietary fibre available. The mucilage produced from the Psyllium seed husk is hydrophilic, which means that its particles attract and bind to water and when mixed with water will eventually increase in size by upwards of ten times their normal volume.
Though Psyllium is a perennial weed it is cultivated commercially in India because of the current interest in Psyllium by the food industry. The mucilaginous properties of ground Psyllium seed husk are of great interest to the makers of icecream and other products that would benefit from having a high fibre content, while at the same time utilizing the gelling qualities of the plant. It has been found that Psyllium incorporated into food products reduces our blood glucose response to that food, effectively lowering that food’s GI (Glycemic Index) value.
What can Psyllium do for me?
As mentioned before, ground Psyllium seed husk is one of the best forms of dietary fibre going. We have all been told repeatedly by diet experts that a diet high in fibre is the best diet you can have, but eating endless bowls of bran can be a bit boring right? Psyllium is here to fill that gap, it can be added to your food or mixed into a glass of water or juice (if you do intend to drink Psyllium you need to drink it quicky, as it swells up fast and turns to gel!) Psyllium should always be taken with lots of water. If you drink it, it is good to have another glass of water straight after your Psyllium drink.
As dietary fibre Psyllium is great for constipation, diarrhoea and haemorrhoids as it icreases the volume, bulk and softness of the stool. Apart from just a great source of fibre, Psyllium is a general, all round bowel tonic and can help people with Crohn’s disease and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It also prevents hypertension, heart disease, colon and breast cancers, and helps with weight loss. If you usually have a diet low in fibre it is advisable to increase your fibre intake gradually otherwise you may experience uncomfortable bloating and gas.
Where can I buy it?
Psyllium is available in bulk from health stores, and this is the best way to buy it as you know it won’t have any undesirable additives. You can get it also from the health food section of your supermarket, and in other commercial products as a fibre drink formulation. These commercial formulas often contain artificial flavours and sweeteners which your body probably doesn’t really want. If you buy it in bulk and use your own natural juice you make a drink just as tasty!
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