Psyllium husk comes from plants in the genus Plantago and is grown predominantly in India. Psyllium husk is used as a food and nutritional supplement for its high quantities of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Scientific research has revealed a variety of health benefits of psyllium, some of which pertain to lipid control and cholesterol-lowering effects in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Genetic Influence
Psyllium lowered lipid levels in a study conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. In the study on laboratory animals, diets consisting of 10 percent psyllium husk for three weeks and 10 weeks resulted in decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In the three-week group genes that promote fat production were suppressed, while those involved in cholesterol and bile synthesis were activated. These genes were activated again by week 10, indicating a possible return to normal following the lowered levels induced by psyllium. The study was published in the January 2008 issue of the journal, "Nutrition."
Common Cause
Fiber deficiency may be a common contributor to both diabetes and coronary artery disease say researchers of a study published in the May 2007 issue of the journal, "Cardiovascular Reviews." Fiber awareness may also be responsible for the 30 percent decline in deaths from coronary artery disease. Psyllium, which contains high levels of both soluble and insoluble fiber offers considerable cholesterol-lowering benefits and is useful as a dietary adjunct for patients with elevated cholesterol, a common condition in Type 2 diabetics. Psyllium also has a low side effect profile and is inexpensive.
Soluble Fiber
Water-soluble fibers, such as those found in psyllium provide anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering effects, according to a study published in the August 2004 issue of the journal, "Wiener Klinische Wochenschrifft." Dietary fiber prevents colon cancer, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome -- a combination of conditions that increases risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Various fibers show particular benefits for certain conditions. Fibers in foods exert a preventive effect for diabetes, elevated cholesterol and cancer, while oat bran fiber has shown specific heart-related benefits. Fiber extracts, such as guar gum, cellulose, psyllium and beta-glucan provide anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering benefits when used as a dietary supplement. Doses of 10 g to 20 g of psyllium and other purified fibers per day are recommended.
Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents benefit from psyllium's blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering effects, say researchers at Departamento de Pediatría, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. Study participants with Type 2 diabetes showed an 8 percent drop in glucose levels after meals. Those with high cholesterol experienced up to a 22.8 percent decrease in low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the "bad" form of cholesterol and as much as 19 percent decrease in triglycerides. Researchers concluded that psyllium improves glucose control and lipid levels in obese and diabetic children and adolescents.
References
- "Nutrition"; Sequential Effects of a High-fiber Diet with Psyllium Husks on the Expression Levels of Hepatic Genes and Plasma Lipids; M. Chan, et al.; January 2008
- "Cardiovascular Review"; Nutriceuticals in Cardiovascular Disease: Psyllium; L.Petchetti, et al.; May 2007
- "Wiener Klinische Wochenschrifft"; Dietary Fibre: More Than a Matter of Dietetics. Ii. Preventative and Therapeutic Uses; F. Trepel; August 2004
- "Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry"; Psyllium Fibre and the Metabolic Control of Obese Children and Adolescents; L. Moreno, et al.; September 2003
