Psyllium

NOTE: No claims or other information on this site or page has been evaluated by the FDA or HPB. If you want to use Psyllium or any other fiber source, we recommend working directly with a qualified practitioner.

What is it?

Psyllium is an agricultural crop grown mainly in India. The most important psyllium product is the psyllium husk. Psyllium husk or hull is processed from the outer coat of the Psyllium Seed. Psyllium is also known by it's botanical name of Plantago ovata.

Psyllium Husk

The psyllium seeds have a thin white membrane, covering mainly their concave sides, which is psyllium husk. The layers of the seeds contain about 30% mucilage.

The production of psyllium husk from raw seeds involves a sophisticated processing of seed cleaning and dehusking.

Raw seeds are cleaned, polished and passed through special grinding mills for removal of the husk. The dehusked material consisting of husk and kernel, is sieved to remove kernels. Pure husk is then obtained by processing and removing the impurities with the help of blowers.

Properties, Action, Applications

1. Easily produces gel by absorbing water.
2. When wet it swells to about 20 times it's original size.
3. Totally free from toxicity.
4. Chemically inert

Psyllium acts mechanically in the alimentary canal and is not digested or absorbed into the body. Psyllium Husk, when taken with water or other liquids (eg. juice), forms a gel-like gelatinous mass (due to its quality of being able to absorb an enormous volume of water), moves down the digestive tract soaking up toxins and harmful residues, flushing them out of the body through stools.

During its passage through the alimentary canal, the mucilaginous mass is neither acted upon by gastric or intestinal juice nor digested by bacteria. It coats the mucous membrane acting as a demulcent and lubricant.

When and where it Psyllium most useful?

Psyllium Husk has no calories of digestible value and is therefore often used in slimming products as it makes one feel full without really providing nutrition.

Due to its non-reactive nature, psyllium can be used by people with sensitive digestive systems. Because it is gentle, psyllium husk can be used for many months at a time. Psyllium also improves the environment for the growth of friendly colonic bacteria and removes cholesterol from the digestive system.

Reportedly, psyllium can help reduce blood cholesterol if used appropriately. Because of it's high fiber content, psyllium husk is extensively used in making breakfast cereals.

We intend to update this document shortly to reveal the differences between Psyllium Husk Whole, Psyllium Husk Powder, and Psyllium Seed Powder. Please visit us again soon!