Psyllium and hypertension:
Psyllium fiber supplementation in overweight individuals with high blood pressure significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in a 6-month study (n=141). Participants were administered either oral psyllium power or guar gum (3.5 grams 3 times daily). After administration, both supplements significantly improved body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, and LDL cholesterol. However, only psyllium significantly lowered systolic and diastolic BP. (39)
Psyllium fiber also lowers total cholesterol, lowers LDL cholesterol, may slightly increase or decrease HDL cholesterol, has also shown significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, and lowers HbA1c. See the sections on hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus.