Psyllium

Psyllium Husk (Isbagol)
Psyllium husk after processing
Plantago afra, a member of the plant genus from which psyllium can be derived

Psyllium (/ˈsɪliəm/), or ispaghula (/ˌɪspəˈɡlə/), is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago whose seeds are used commercially for the production of mucilage. Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber to relieve symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea, and occasionally as a food thickener.[1] Allergy to psyllium is common in workers frequently exposed to the substance.

Use of psyllium in the diet for three weeks or longer may lower blood cholesterol levels in people with elevated cholesterol,[2][3] and may lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.[4] Use of psyllium for a month or longer may produce a small reduction in systolic blood pressure.[5]

The plants from which the seeds are extracted tolerate damp and cool climates, and are mainly cultivated in northern India.

  1. ^ Slavin J (April 22, 2013). "Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits". Nutrients. 5 (4): 1417–1435. doi:10.3390/nu5041417. ISSN 2072-6643. PMC 3705355. PMID 23609775.
  2. ^ Williams PG (August 1, 2014). "The Benefits of Breakfast Cereal Consumption: A Systematic Review of the Evidence Base". Advances in Nutrition. 5 (5): 636S–673S. doi:10.3945/an.114.006247. ISSN 2156-5376. PMC 4188247. PMID 25225349.
  3. ^ Jovanovski E, Yashpal S, Komishon A, et al. (September 15, 2018). "Effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber on LDL cholesterol and alternative lipid targets, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 108 (5): 922–932. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy115. ISSN 0002-9165. PMID 30239559.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Gibb2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Khan K, Jovanovski E, Ho H, et al. (2018). "The effect of viscous soluble fiber on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials". Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 28 (1): 3–13. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2017.09.007. ISSN 0939-4753. PMID 29153856.

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