Psyllium is not exactly a "food" that fills us with joy when we think about it. We usually only think about it when we are constipated. But this soluble fiber has many health benefits: lowering bad cholesterol, aiding in controlling appetite and weight and helping to control diabetes in Type 2 diabetics.

In diabetes it reduces the post meal rise in blood sugar due to decreasing the glycemic response of foods.There have been studies that showed that lipids and glucose values improved with the use of psyllium. It is believed that fiber-depleted foods lead to higher glucose levels and stimulate excessive insulin secretion. Psyllium may act to break this cycle. It is easy to add psyllium to your diet, since it is a concentrated source of soluble fiber. Just 1/3 cup of cereal with psyllium provides 12 grams of fiber (almost half of our daily fiber needs). Be careful when adding fiber to your diet, though - add it slowly and drink plenty of water to prevent discomfort.

Other studies showed great results in a laboratory setting, but when people were monitored in the real world, there was no difference in the blood glucose levels of those who added psyllium to their diet.

I do not think that any food can be a miracle on its own. However, I think that if we add these foods that we know are good for us (and we know fiber is good for us), we can be healthier. Maybe it is as simple as that.