What is Psyllium?

Psyllium

What is psyllium? It is the fibrous husk of the platago ovata plant. Psyllium seeds contain a fiber called mucilage. When in the intestines, mucilage absorbs water and swells. This makes stools bulkier. It triggers contraction of the colon walls; leading to bowel movements. Well, there's your answer to: What is psyllium?

Psyllium fiber in our diet can help prevent coronary artery disease. This disease is characterized by fatty acids blocking our blood vessels. It is not inevitable as we age.

Lowering cholesterol levels and exercise can help keep our circulatory system healthy. Studies have shown that eating cereals, daily, (remember the organic food rule) with psyllium husk fiber content of 3-12 grams can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 10%. And this can take effect in less than 4-6 weeks. This 10% reduction in cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease by an average of 20%. Now that's what I call new math.

It's the Fat, Folks

Dietary cholesterol is found in food. It is found in animal food such as meat, poultry, fish, egg yolks and milk products. Plant food such as cereals, grains, vegetables and fruit don't contain cholesterol.

Dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol, for most persons.

It is the fat we eat that has a much greater effect on our cholesterol levels. A diet high in total fat, especially certain types of saturated and trans fats, is the main cause of high cholesterol levels.

It is normal to have cholesterol in our blood and all our cells. The fact is the body needs cholesterol, but only at safe levels.

Other Health Benefits

Psyllium husk fibre can assist in weight management by increasing satiety(feeling of fullness when we eat) and in the dietary management of blood glucose levels (especially as related to diabetes).

Does psyllium have adverse effects?

Psyllium must be taken with adequate water. Otherwise it may cause obstruction of the colon and result in constipation.

Psyllium powder may trigger an asthma attack in people with asthma.

Some allergic reactions to psyllium have been reported.

People with diverticular disease, a bleeding of the intestine wall, should only use psyllium under a doctor's supervision.

Psyllium may decrease the absorption of medication. It should only be taken two or more hours after taking any medication.

Some Facts

The University of Ottawa, Canada website recently revealed that heart disease patients occupy 21% of hospital beds in Canada. In addition, statistics show that 22% of men and 19% of women die of heart disease. The developed world tends to suffer at a similar rate.

The risk factors are:

- high blood cholesterol

- smoking

- high blood pressure

- lack of physical activity

- overweight

and that's the final say to What is psyllium?

What is Psyllium to Senior Wellness Center
Heart Disease