Is Psyllium Husk Gluten-Free?

Is Psyllium Husk Gluten-Free?

The short answer is yes, but to better understand what that means, let’s take a deeper look.
 
Some definitions…   
What is Gluten?   Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye which in turn is often found in pasta, bread, cakes, and breakfast cereal.
Whole Grain:   Whole grain does not mean wheat or that it contains gluten…  In fact, true grains are edible seeds of certain grasses and for a food to be considered “whole grain,” it must contain 100% of the original seed.  Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat are considered whole grains.
In-soluble Fiber:  Wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains help to promote digestion by adding bulk to the stool and help it move quickly through the stomach/intestines. 
Soluble Fiber:  Oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits/vegetables when digested attract water and turn into a gel-like substance. 
 
Psyllium husk comes from the small seeds of the Plantago Ovata plant.  The small shrub-like plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds at a time.   The husk is milled from the seed and is a rich soluble fiber, that has many benefits and uses.  Since psyllium husk is classified as a seed, it contains no gluten in its natural state.
 
Gluten-Free and your health
According the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten-free living appeals to about 30 percent of American adults, though it seems to still be widely misunderstood, .4 percent of people have a doctor-diagnosed wheat allergy.   When people with celiac disease eat gluten it prompts an immune system attack on the small intestine causing diarrhea and/or bloating.    The misconception that gluten-free is healthier has led to avoidance of whole grains which is an important source of fiber, micronutrients, and prebiotics

Read labels
As previously stated plain psyllium husk is naturally gluten-free.  However some companies will add wheat flour as a binding agent. So the best way to be completely sure that you are getting 100% psyllium husk is to read the ingredients on the product’s Nutrition/Supplement Facts panel.  
 
 Fun Fact
  • This fab fiber is often used in gluten-free baking  (Check out this recipe for gluten-free cookies)

 

 Sources:
https://www.broadsheet.com.au/national/food-and-drink/article/gluten-free-it-me
http://www.livestrong.com/article/288048-psyllium-husk-gluten/
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/psyllium-husk-whole-grain-11329.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002136.htm
https://celiac.org/blog/2014/02/9-things-you-should-know-before-going-gluten-free/