What is psyllium ?
Psyllium (Plantago ovata), also known as ispaghul, is a plant with many properties. The name psyllium comes from the ancient Greek word ‘psyllia’, which means ‘flea’, referring to the small size of the seed.
More than 10 centuries before Jesus Christ, Egyptian doctors were already using it to improve digestion and transit, as well as to treat inflammation of the urinary tract.
the composition of psyllium
The benefits of psyllium come from its tegument, the husk that surrounds the seeds of the plant. This tegument contains mucilage, a plant substance that swells on contact with water and forms a gel.
This mucilage is composed of 70% soluble fibres and 30% insoluble fibres. Mucilage therefore has thickening, adhesive and softening properties. It is a material that lubricates the intestinal walls.
The nutritional value of the psyllium husk, the part used in the manufacture of psyllium products, consists mainly of glycosides, proteins, polysaccharides, vitamin B1 and choline.
There are two varieties of psyllium: blond and brown. The difference between them is their mucilage content. Blond psyllium contains about 30% mucilage, while brown psyllium contains about 10%. The benefits of psyllium are therefore more concentrated in the blond psyllium.
The benefits of psyllium are numerous and so psyllium can be used in various applications.
the benefits of psyllium for food supplements
Psyllium helps to restore intestinal balance.
It helps to treat constipation. The WHO has classified psyllium as a natural laxative. The mucilage in psyllium absorbs a large amount of water from the various foods eaten. This accelerates the intestinal transit and allows the stools to be evacuated. In addition, psyllium has a lubricating power that protects the intestine from inflammation and irritation.
It helps to treat diarrhoea. By absorbing water, the mucilage will form a sort of gel that will make the stools more consistent.
As psyllium is rich in fibre, it will contribute to the good balance of the intestinal microbiota and help to restore intestinal balance.
Psyllium helps to limit the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Psyllium helps to reduce the level of LDL-cholesterol, the so-called “bad cholesterol”.
Psyllium helps control blood sugar levels.
The ability of the mucilage to modify the structure of food in the intestine and its high fibre content helps to slow down the absorption of glucose and therefore of sugar in the blood.
Psyllium has a positive imapct on blood sugar levels.
Psyllium has an appetite suppressant effect.
Psyllium has an excellent ingredient for dietary nutrition. By swelling more than 40 times its weight when mixed with water, for example, it has a satiety and appetite-suppressant effect, which can facilitate weight loss.
the benefits of psyllium for food
Psyllium is an excellent ingredient for cooking.
psyllium can be used in a gluten-free diet. Being a very good texturizer and thickener, it is often used in the food industry as a stabilizer, binding agent, and to improve texture and fibre content. Thanks to its characteristics, it improves the texture and softness of breads, pastries and baked goods. It will help the bread dough to rise and thus make it more elastic.
psyllium can also be added to fresh fruit drinks or flavoured drinks to improve the mouthfeel, make them richer and give them a good consistency or can be consumed int his original form water, milk, etc.
the different food applications of psyllium
- bread making
- fresh or dry dough
- gluten-free products
- dietary products
- beverages
- ice cream and desserts
- meat
our psyllium range
Our psyllium is available in organic or conventional quality, in flake or powder form, with a fibre content of 85% or more.
We offer psyllium with 95% purity (minimal remaining stem parts, etc.) or 99% purity.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.