Psyllium (Plantago ovata) Husk: A Wonder Food for Good Health

The aim of the study was to explore the health promoting effects of psyllium husk and its successful applications in food industries. Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) has been popularly used as therapeutic agent. Dietary fibers from psyllium husk have been used extensively both as pharmacological supplements and food ingredients and in processed food. Several papers were reviewed to find out psyllium husk role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. People are unaware of its benefits in treatment of diabetes, weight loss, obesity, high blood pressure, constipation, diarrhea and hypercholesterolemia, heart disease. Though much researches have been conducted to investigate the health promoting effects of psyllium husk, a very few studies have been done on developing food products fortified with psyllium.