Listing Description:
Psyllium, is the common name used for
several members of the plant genus Plantagowhose seeds are used commercially
for the production of mucilage.
Detailed Description:
Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber to
relieve symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea and occasionally as a
food thickener. Research has also shown benefits in reducing blood cholesterol
levels.
The plant from which the seeds are extracted
tolerates dry and cool climates and is mainly cultivated in northern India.
Psyllium products are marketed under several brand names, such as Metamucil,
Fybogel, Konsyl, and Lunelax.
Uses
Constipation
Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber, which is not
absorbed by the small intestine. The purely
mechanical action of psyllium mucilage is to absorb excess water while
stimulating normal bowel elimination. Although its main use has been as a laxative, it is more
appropriately termed a true dietary fiber and as such can help reduce the
symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea. The laxative
properties of psyllium are attributed to the fiber absorbing water and
subsequently softening the stool. It however does increase flatulence to some
degree.[1]
High blood cholesterol
Psyllium fiber has been shown in studies to lower
blood cholesterol and glucose levels while another common fiber,
methylcellulose, has not shown these benefits.[2][3][4] The use of
soluble-fiber cereals is an effective and well-tolerated part of a prudent diet
for the treatment of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.[5] Although the
cholesterol-reducing and glycemic-response properties of psyllium-containing
foods are fairly well documented, the effect of long-term inclusion of psyllium
in the diet has not been determined. Supplementation with fiber as ispaghula
husk may have adverse effects on colorectal adenoma recurrence,
especially in patients with high dietary calcium intake.[6]
Food
As a thickener, it has been used
in ice cream and frozen desserts. A 1.5% weight/volume ratio of psyllium
mucilage exhibits binding properties that are superior to a 10% weight/volume
ratio of starch mucilage. The viscosity of psyllium
mucilage dispersions are relatively unaffected between temperatures of 20 and
50 °C (68 and 122 °F), by pH from 2 to 10 and by salt (sodium chloride) concentrations
up to 0.15 M. These physical properties, along with its status as a natural
dietary fiber, may lead to increased use of psyllium by the food-processing
industry. Technical-grade psyllium has been used as a hydrocolloidal agent to improve water
retention for newly seeded grass areas, and to improve transplanting success
with woody plants.
Adverse effects
Since psyllium husk-containing products are sometimes used as a source of dietary
fiber, the intake of dietary fiber could hinder the absorption of vitamins,
minerals, and proteins.[7]
Gas or stomach cramping may also occur. It is
recommended that this product be taken with a full glass of water to avoid it
swelling in the throat and causing choking. Serious allergic reaction to this
drug is rare. However, seek medical attention if any signs of anaphylaxis arise, such as
a rash, itching/swelling, dizziness or difficulty breathing.[8]
Choking is a hazard if psyllium is taken without
adequate water as it thickens in the throat.[9] Cases of allergic reaction to
psyllium-containing cereal have also been documented.[10]
Mechanism of action
Psyllium is produced mainly for its mucilage content. The
term mucilage describes a group of clear, colorless, gelling
agents derived from plants. The mucilage obtained from psyllium comes from the
seed coat. Mucilage is obtained by mechanical milling (i.e. grinding) of the
outer layer of the seed. Mucilage yield amounts to about 25% (by weight) of the
total seed yield. Plantago-seed mucilage is often referred to as husk, or psyllium husk. The milled seed mucilage is a white fibrous
material that is hydrophilic, meaning that its
molecular structure causes it to attract and bind to water. Upon absorbing
water, the clear, colorless, mucilaginous gel that forms increases in volume by
tenfold or more.
PRICES
$40.04/KG
For more information:
mobile: +2348039721941
contact person: emeaba uche
website: www.franchiseminerals.com
e-mail: emeabau@yahoo.com
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