flax vs. psyllium

[Guest guest]

I have a question about psyllium. I believe it is

called isbagol in India. Does it have different uses

than flax seed in Ayurveda? In the West, both are

used mainly for laxatives. Both have mucuous

enhancing properties. Flax also has some other uses.

For instance, it's oils contain omega 3's. Are these

pretty much interchangeable or is one indicated in

some situations that the other one is not?

 

Thanks in advance,

GB Khalsa

[Guest guest]

hi GB

 

flax and psyllium are similar but not necessarily interchangeable

psyllium has much higher levels of soluble fiber, about 80%, whereas

flax is about 33% soluble fiber

as a result psyllium tends to gel very easily when mixed with water,

flax not as much

in the case of psyllium, if you take it and don't drink enough water it

can cause constipation - with flax there is less chance of this

 

flax is also noted for its alpha linolenic acid content, but most

products on the market that use flax as a fiber use the seed cake

(which is left over from pressing the oil), not the whole seed: as a

result these products contain very little oil because the product would

otherwise go rancid

 

also, flax contains lignans, which has a weak phytoestrogenic activity,

possible explaining its benefit in various gynecological disorders (in

women of menstruating age, inhibiting the more powerful estrogens, in

menopause or estrogen deficiency, providing a weak source of estrogen)

 

the reason psyllium is so popular here in the west is because it is one

of five products that you can make a claim for, according to the FDA's

DSHEA: psyllium reduces the risk of colorectal cancer

 

but flax and also hemp seed, freshly ground, are an all-round better

nutritional and fiber supplement, in my opinion

 

from an ayurvedic perspective, flax and hemp are sweet in taste (if

not, they are rancid), a sweet vipaka, mildly cooling in energy; bulk

laxative and nutritive

 

todd caldecott

 

> does psyllium have different uses

> than flax seed in Ayurveda?

[Guest guest]

Thanks,

Your reply was enlightening as usual. I use a lot

more flax seeds and rarely use psyllium. I use a

coffee grinder to pulverrize the flax. I use flax

meal when making salad dressings. The dressing is not

nearly as oily and it helps to emulsify the oil and

liquid and i believe it is healthier.

 

GB