Psyllium, a dietary fiber, formerly unrecognized for its health benefits, has received much attention as of late. It is widely accepted as playing a significant role in reducing total blood cholesterol, thereby decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease, and in helping to alleviate numerous bowel disorders.
Psyllium is a natural, water-soluble, gel-producing fiber, which is extracted from the husks of blond psyllium seeds. It has the ability to increase the excretion of cholesterol through the bowel, to inhibit its synthesis in the liver, and to bind to and absorb bile acids in the intestine.
Supplementing your diet with a water-soluble fiber such as psyllium can provide many benefits. Whether you suffer from occasional bouts of constipation or diarrhea, diabetes, food cravings, high cholesterol or simply want to "clean" your colon, psyllium may be just what you need.
