| Psyllium is the name used for several members | | | | agent coming from plants. It works well as a |
| of the plant genus Plantago (which contains over | | | | dietary fiber and is not absorbed by the small |
| 200 species). The seeds are often used | | | | intestine. Psyllium absorbs excess water, |
| commercially in the production of mucilage. | | | | stimulates normal bowel elimination, and is used |
| Psyllium is commercially produced in many | | | | primarily as a laxative. |
| different European countries, including Pakistan, | | | | Guess who the largest importer of psyllium husk |
| India, and the former Soviet Union. India ranks | | | | is? The United States. Over 60% of the psyllium |
| first in the world for the production and export of | | | | imported into the United States goes to |
| psyllium. | | | | supplement manufacturers and is used in products |
| The interest in psyllium has increased lately due to | | | | such as Metamucil, Bonvit, and Fybogel. |
| its use in high-fiber breakfast cereal. It is believed | | | | The United States imports about 8,000 tons of |
| to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels | | | | psyllium each year and this trend appears to be |
| and many studies show it to be very helpful in | | | | on the rise due to the increasing popularity of |
| improving health when combined with a high-fiber | | | | dietary supplements. |
| diet. Psyllium as also been shown to reduce blood | | | | Another interesting fact that many do not know |
| glucose response. | | | | about psyllium is the fact that is also used in ice |
| Psyllium is mainly used because of the high | | | | cream and frozen desserts due to the thickening |
| mucilage content, which is a colorless, clear, gelling | | | | properties it possesses. |