Psyllium husk
Psyllium husks with 95% purity are superior in bulk formation
Natural Fiber
Differentiating Quality
Psyllium husk, also known as Ispaghula and Isabgol, is the husk
of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (genus Plantago), native
to India and its neighboring countries.
Psyllium husk easily absorbs water and expands, as much as 40 times its weight. It is also indigestible. Consumed, it is an ideal fiber to “scrub” the body’s intestinal tracks and help maintain healthy colon and body.
Since ancient times, psyllium husk has been used as a bulk laxative to relieve constipation and maintain regular bowel movement. There are numerous studies supporting Psyllium as a natural bulk laxative; it is gentler than the various chemical agents used for the same purpose.
Some recent research has shown Psyllium husk may be effective in lowering cholesterol and controlling certain types of diabetes. [1] [2] The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 18, 1998, in Federal Register 63 FR1803, ruled that soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk “when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases (CHD) by lowering blood cholesterol levels.” [3]
PSYLLIUM HUSKS ARE GRADED ACCORDING TO PURITY AND PARTICLE SIZE
Quality of Psyllium husk depends on the crop: a healthy crop produces seeds that are robust in size (2.1 to 2.8 mm thick) and bright rose white in color; a poor crop yields brownish seeds (1.5 mm thick), which contain high percentage of impurities. High quality Psyllium husk has greater swelling properties and in liquid forms a smooth, jello-like bulk; the poor quality is coarse and brown in color and forms a clumpy mass with impurities. There are nearly 40 species of Psyllium, but the husk from Plantago ovate, also known as “blonde Psyllium”, is the best and has the highest fiber content.
Psyllium has become a synonymous term
to describe all Psyllium products. Some
contain both the husk and the seed. The
seed mainly contains proteins and other
nutrients.
The US FDA has ruled that the source
of soluble fiber is the husk alone—not
the seed—and has established a
minimum purity specification of no less
than 95%husk as a qualifying criterion
for eligible source of soluble fiber from
Psyllium.
Psyllium husks with 95% purity are superior in bulk formation (swell volume) and quality (less impurities) than the cheaper, lower grades.
DISCLAIMER: The information offered should not be construed as medical advice; please consult your doctor before taking Psyllium husk, and nothing you have read here should cause you to delay seeking medical advice.
Psyllium products are now well accepted all over the world as a safe source of natural fiber. The very properties of psyllium seed husk which make it a good natural fiber can also create difficulty in swallowing it if not taken properly with water or other fluid. It should never be taken before bedtime, or lying down.
DIRECTION: It must be mixed with at least 8 ounces of water (full glass) or other fluid. Taking Psyllium husk without enough liquid may cause choking.
Paradigm Pharmaceuticals Inc., a New York, U.S., company offers dietary supplements along with pharmaceuticals. It markets supplements whose benefits are sufficiently supported by scientific and clinical evidence to offer as natural and complementary medicines. It manufactures at GMP-certified plants, with each production batch tested and certified for the claimed composition and safety.