Psyllium or ‘Ispaghula’ is, let’s say, your “bowel” friend. It’s a fiber made from the husks of the plant group Plantago. Being a dietary fiber, Psyllium is mainly known as a laxative. The plant from which the seeds are obtained resist cool, dry weathers well and it’s primarily cultivated in Northern India. Curious? Then you’ll want to read on for our Top 5 Five Health Benefits of Psyllium Husk!
1. Constipation relief
Psyllium used as dietary fiber makes your bowel movement much easier by soaking up water in your gut. It helps improve regularity without (according to some) the undesirable side-effect of flatulence. To promote regularity and overall digestive organ tone and health, add some to your daily diet. To ease constipation it can usually be bought off the shelf and used as a one-off formula.
2. Prebiotic
Psyllium is a prebiotic that helps to keep the good bacteria in your gut happy and healthy which is essential for maintaining good immune function. This makes your body better prepared to fight infections, as well as maintain healthy cells and tissue.
3. Heart healthy
It has been shown by research that taking soluble fiber can help you manage your cholesterol levels. This is especially important for people over 50-years old. A bad diet and high level of bad cholesterol can affect your heart functions. Psyllium can, by lowering your blood pressure, help strengthen your heart muscle and improve lipid levels.
4. Helpful for diabetics
Psyllium, according to some researchers, helps to maintain a healthy glycaemic balance. It is stressed, however, that psyllium therapy should be tailored to an individual’s needs.
5. Weight loss
As noted above, psyllium absorbs liquid in your body giving you the feeling of fullness (satiety) which can help control the amount of food you eat.
Moreover, being gluten-free, psyllium can be used in baking and since it becomes a gel when water is added, it prevents gluten-free baked products from becoming crumbly and dry. Have you tried psyllium husk, what did it do for you? Let us know below, join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. (See these other Top 5’s to help Keep YOUR Fit ON!)
This info is so helpful, thank you! Consumption of psyllium appears to be very useful for physical health & fitness.