What
is Psyllium?
Psyllium is derived from the seed of the Plantago ovata plant
(botanical name: Plantago ovata). Psyllium husk is an
excellent source of soluble dietary fibre. It is native to Europe,
North Africa and Asia and has been used for thousands of years
as a safe and effective bulk laxative, intestinal cleanser and
for maintaining bowel function, high in both fibre and mucilage.
Modern diets lack natural fibre as it is removed during the refining
process; a lack of fibre in the diet can lead to many digestive
disorders such as constipation and haemorrhoids and is often the
underlying cause to many diseases. Psyllium Fibre is beneficial
for both constipation and diarrhoea and can assist in maintaining
a normal and healthy bowel function.
Psyllium
husks are pure dietary fibres that are not digested in the small
intestine, but are partially broken down in the colon. They act
as a sponge, absorbing water and waste material in the bowels.
This helps to clear toxins, preventing them from staying too long
in the colon. Generally, the fibre in our diet comes from wheat
bran, which can be irritating to the sensitive walls of the bowel.
As it is non-abrasive, Psyllium is ideal for sensitive cell walls.
Psyllium husks are very safe and are used by millions of people
throughout the world as a natural alternative to some habit-forming
laxatives.
What is Psyllium used for?
Interest
in Psyllium has grown recently and is often used as an ingredient
in high-fibre breakfast cereals. It is also excellent for those
with an inadequate fibre intake resulting from modern western fast-food
diets or those with a sedentary lifestyle and the elderly.
