Psyllium husk is a healthy source of soluble fiber with a wide range of uses.

What is Psyllium Husk?

Psyllium husk is the outer covering of the seeds (known as the seed husk) from the Plantago ovata plant

Is Psyllium Husk Powder Keto?

Calories:	30
Fat:	0
Carbohydrates:	8 grams
Dietary Fiber:	7 grams (includes 6 g of soluble fiber and 1 g of insoluble fiber)
Net Carbs:	1 gram
Protein	0

 

Whole Psyllium Husk, Psyllium Husk Powder, and Psyllium Seed Powder

Psyllium is typically processed into one of three forms: whole psyllium husk, psyllium husk powder, and psyllium seed powder.

 

The Benefits of Psyllium Husk

1.   It Can Help Optimize Gut Health for Various Digestive Issues.

When combined with liquid in the intestinal tract, psyllium husk swells and produces more bulk. This stimulates the intestines to contract and helps speed the passage of well-formed stool.

2. Psyllium Husk Improves Crucial Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.

Increasing soluble fiber consumption, in general, has been found to be a heart-healthy choice. The soluble fibers found in psyllium fiber have been shown to be particularly beneficial.

• Reduced blood total- and LDL-cholesterol levels in those with high cholesterol levels.
• Increased HDL levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Decreased LDL levels for healthy subjects.
• Substantially decreased blood triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Significantly improved blood pressure levels in hypertensive, overweight, and obese patients.

3. It Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels and Aide in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment.

Fiber supplementation has been shown to reduce insulin and blood sugar levels after meals. Psyllium husk fiber is particularly effective at this because it gells and swells in the digestive tract, slowing the digestion of food.

4. Psyllium Husk Can Make Weight Loss Easier to Achieve and Sustain.

Not only can its gelling properties help manage type 2 diabetes, but psyllium can help control appetite and boost weight loss results as well.

 

Uses of Psyllium Husk Powder

• Mimics many of gluten’s properties in baked goods — psyllium husk powder enables keto-friendly bread to hold more moisture and achieve a light, airy consistency. It also helps make dough easier to handle, shape, and roll out. Altogether, these properties are what make psyllium husk powder one of the best alternatives for gluten.
• Acts as a thickener — You can also add some of the powder to smoothies, shakes, and sauces to give it a thicker consistency or incorporate a small amount into your dough if it is too runny.
• Replicates the texture and flavor of wheat-based baked goods — When used in gluten-free bread, tortillas, pizza, donuts, pie crust, and other baked goods, psyllium husk powder replicates the texture and flavor of the conventional carb-ridden varieties without adding any net carbs.