Psyllium Seed Husks - It is also known as Fiber, plantago seed, fleawort and fleaseed, because the seeds look like fleas. Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber (soluble and insoluble) and mucilage. Psyllium seeds contain 10% to 30% mucilage.

Psyllium seed husks are indigestible in human beings and are often used as a source of dietary fiber. They are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. They are also used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit. The inert bulk of the husks helps provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Some recent research is also showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes

Here is an article titled "Psyllium Husk for High Cholesterol" that you may want to check out:

http://www.healthcastle.com/psyllium-cholesterol.shtml

Tracey

Psyllium husk comes from the crushed seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, an herb native to parts of Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. The psyllium seed husks have been used in herbal remedies. Similar to oats and wheat, psyllium is rich in soluble fiber. Traditionally, psyllium husk is used as a gentle bulk-forming laxative for constipation.