What is it Wednesday? – Psyllium

What it looks like?

(unfortunately my computer is broken so I’m not able to load a photo)

What is it?

Psyllium husk is the covering of a seed grown on the Plantago Psyllium plant.

Health benefits?

Psyllium is a great source of dietary fiber. According to Wikipedia, psyllium husk can be used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. It’s also an appetite suppressant.

How to use it?

Psyllium husk can be used in gluten-free baking. Ground psyllium seed husks bind moisture which helps make bread less crumbly. It can also be used as a thickener in cooking sauces, soups and smoothies.

It’s a good idea to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day whenever using psyllium.

VC&C thoughts:

I had no idea what psyllium husk was the first time I heard about it. My friend was on a “diet” and told me she was drinking water with psyllium husk first thing in the morning to help her feel full. I thought it was some kind of drug but I soon learned that it was a natural substance!

I’ve never actually had it but would like to try it in the future.

FYI…My friend did tell me she had trouble drinking it because it gets thick when added to water.

Disclaimer: I must say I’m not a registered dietitian. This post is based on my own personal knowledge, opinions and research.