Plantain Seeds Help Type 2 Patients Reduce Their Cholesterol Levels

Researchers in India have shown that psyllium husk, which is the outer layer of the plantain seed, can significantly reduce cholesterol when administered to patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients were given 3.5 grams of this part of the plantain plant twice daily for 90 days. Levels of total cholesterol were decreased by approximately 20 percent without adverse effects, and the lowering was sustained up to 90 days after the termination of the treatment.

The study, published in the November 1994 Indian Journal of Medical Research, indicates that plantain seed husk might be an effective dietary supplement for the treatment of mild to moderate hyperlipidemia. Psyllium is available in many drug stores.