Psyllium Husk for High Cholesterol

A recent breakfast cereal TV commercial sparked an interest in the role of psyllium in cholesterol-lowering. Many readers never heard of psyllium before and hence wrote to us to ask for more information.

What is Psyllium Husk?

Psyllium husk comes from the crushed seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, an herb native to parts of Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. The psyllium seed husks have been used in herbal remedies. Similar to oats and wheat, psyllium is rich in soluble fiber. Traditionally, psyllium husk is used as a gentle bulk-forming laxative for constipation.

Written by Gloria Tsang R.D

What is Psyllium Husk?

Indeed, psyllium has long been recognized for its potential role in reducing blood cholesterol. As early as in 1998, the FDA already approved a health claim on psyllium:

"3g to 12g soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease"

Studies have shown that psyllium husk is effective in lowering total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein or LDL (the bad cholesterol) levels.

Soluble Fiber
Oat/Oat bran
Dried beans and peas
Barley
Flax seed
Fruits such as oranges and apples
Vegetables such as carrots
Breakfast cereals containing psyllium or oats
Baked goods containing psyllium or oats

Other Benefits of Psyllium
Since psyllium husk is a type of fiber, it can alleviate constipation. In addition, recent studies also showed positive benefits of psyllium in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Psyllium acts as prebiotics - aiding to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.

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