Psyllium Husks

Psyllium: famed for its fibre

Psyllium is a form of fibre and is most commonly used for its gentle laxative effect. It absorbs water to become a viscous compound that doesn’t break down or get fully absorbed and can then pass easily through the digestive system. While other sources of fibre can be harder to tolerate long-term, psyllium is very well tolerated and gentle enough to be used regularly. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, both of which have benefits to health. The soluble dissolves in water and helps soothe the digestive tract, while the insoluble fibre is an excellent digestive cleanser and will eliminate impurities.

Psyllium’s health benefits

Used as a bulk-forming laxative, psyllium can relieve constipation and help to balance bowel movements. It’s also effective in treating diarrhoea, as it helps to slow the passage of bowel movements through the digestive system and increase stool size.

It also has a crucial role in lowering blood sugar levels. Fibre supplementation is known to help regulate blood sugar levels, but psyllium is particularly useful at this. Its gel-forming fibres help to slow the digestion of food, which in turn regulates blood sugar levels.

Similarly, by slowing down the digestion of food, it has a role to play in weight control. It can delay stomach emptying, enhancing a feeling of feeling fuller for longer and so reducing the appetite.

Psyllium also has other benefits. Its binding action is thought to transport fat and bile acids from the body, which help to decrease blood cholesterol levels. Regular use has been linked to reduced blood pressure and lower levels of heart disease, and it is known to have a prebiotic effect.

Cooking with Psyllium

While its powerful water absorption and gelling capacities make it an excellent tonic for the digestive system, these properties prove more challenging when using the extract in cooking. Thanks to its healthy fibre content it’s often found in cereals and sometimes baked goods. It has also been used for its thickening qualities in ice creams and frozen desserts.

Place your wholesale order for Psyllium

At Joseph Flach & Sons, we stock a variety of forms of psyllium and can advise you over the phone. We stock the husks as whole or ground down into a powder. These are most beneficial for use in supplements to relieve constipation as the seeds contain oils and tannins. Both the seeds and the husks demonstrate the ability to absorb water well.

We have forged strong trading partnerships with psyllium growers across the globe and are confident that we’re supplying you with the very finest quality of this ingredient. Our preference is to provide in original containers or bags where possible.

WE OFFER PSYLLIUM IN THE FOLLOWING FORMS:

• Psyllium Seed Black - Botanical name: Plantago psyllium

• Psyllium Husks - Botanical name: Plantago psyllium

• Psyllium Husks Powder - Botanical name: Plantago psyllium

• Psyllium Seed Pink - Botanical name: Plantago psyllium

• Psyllium Seed Pink Powder - Botanical name: Plantago psyllium

Please note that many botanicals come in different forms and grades which may determine or improve their suitability for certain applications. At Joseph Flach & Sons, we carry a large range of products in various forms and grades. Please do check with our experts if you require a specific grade or form and they will be delighted to help you.