Psyllium: a terrible exotic or a familiar superfood?

Today, a popular cult of healthy living, including healthy eating. Unusual names, such as psyllium, can often be found in grocery storefronts and recipes.

What is psyllium and why eat it?

An exotic ingredient like psyllium or isfagula is really nothing more than plantain psyllium flour. Not to be confused with the weed, which today is often the hero of many jokes, and our ancestors used it as a healing plant.

The main value of psyllium is the content of about 85% fiber, and 71% - soluble, necessary for the beneficial intestinal microflora. The product does not contain digestible carbohydrates, so it is often used in gluten-free or low-carbohydrate baking (LCHF-baking).

Psyllium is a top ingredient in diets. Doctors recommend it to those who want to improve digestive processes in the body. A nice bonus is that the product lowers cholesterol.

The use of plantain husks in cooking.

Most often, bran flour is used in the preparation of various dishes. The product is able to absorb liquid in a flash, turning into a gel, which makes the dough more firm, and the cake itself becomes airy. Psyllium replaces standard gluten (gluten).

Fans of experimenting in the culinary field can add crushed plantain husks to the dough for traditional baking. The mass is mixed with ordinary flour, which improves the structure of the dough and increases the fiber content. The peculiarity of this Superfood is that it has no taste.

Lovers of psyllium dishes should remember the following:

1. The product may cause an allergic reaction.
2. When eating food that contains plantain flour or husks, you need to drink plenty of water.
3. Before switching to a diet where this product is often present, you should consult with your doctor, because this superfood does not get along with all medications.
4. Psyllium can be used only in the prepared dish, not in the form of dry powder.

The recipe for any pastry, whether it is ordinary bread, a bun or an author's product can be made more useful with the help of psyllium. You can play with spices to make the result tasty and interesting.

Useful properties of psyllium.

The benefits of plantain seed husk is not only a positive effect on digestion, intestinal function. Thanks to this product, you can control blood sugar levels, as well as remove "bad" cholesterol.

Some scientists claim that psyllium improves the reproductive function of the male and female body. However, traditionally, the product becomes a regular part of the diet of those who want to lose weight. Caloric content - 42 kcal per 100 g.

Since plantain husk flour is characterized by the fact that it absorbs moisture quickly, you should pay attention to proper storage. In addition, it has a certain shelf life. When it runs out, it can lose some of its vitamins and beneficial properties.