Benefits of Psyllium Seed Husks
Psyllium seed husks are the coats or outer coverings of psyllium seeds. Psyllium or also known as ispaghula or isabgol is a species of the plantago plant. The most common psyllium husks that are marketed are from the plantago ovata species or also known as blond psyllium which is primarily cultivated in West Pakistan and parts of India.
Psyllium contains a high level of dietary fiber and because of this it acts as a bulk forming laxative. Psyllium seeds contain less fiber compared to psyllium hulls but they contain many plant nutrients.
When psyllium seed husks are ingested, they swell or expand. They form a mass that makes stool soft and hydrated. The mass helps lubricate the lining of the intestine as the bulk moves through the bowel. As it becomes mucilaginous, it forms a thin film over inflamed tissues and this helps reduce inflammations, irritations and pains. As mucilage, it produces demulcent, emollient and antitussive or relieving and suppressing effects.
Psyllium is an effective remedy for constipation and reducing or treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. When the stool is softer, people who suffer from hemorrhoid or piles will experience pain relief.
Because it helps bulk the stool, it is also beneficial for people who experience fecal incontinence or the inability to control the bowel movements causing stool to leak. It also helps as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery or severe diarrhea. It helps remove excessive water and bulk loose stool and slows down the bowel movement.
In 1999 the ncbi website published a report based on a randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of psyllium seeds in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis when compared with mesalamine. The researchers concluded that psyllium might be as effective as the anti inflammatory medication that is used to treat inflammation on the digestive tract. What this can also mean is that you can now take natural herb and in this case psyllium, for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
There is strong scientific evidence that psyllium seed husks help in treating hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol. Based on a study, 75 patients given psyllium 3 times daily for 8 weeks showed reductions in total cholesterol level and LDL level. Another study to determine the long term effect of psyllium showed that patients who were given psyllium twice daily for 24 to 26 weeks had significant net reductions in serum total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations.
Psyllium may be effective in the treatment of candida and as a detoxification agent. It has shown to be effective in cleansing the colon because of its ability to absorb toxins and other harmful substances in the digestive system and remove them.
Psyllium seed husks are also used as alternative remedy for weight management or weight loss. When psyllium expands, it gives the feeling of fullness. Because it makes a person feels full, it will help eat less and also decrease hunger.
Studies indicate that including psyllium in the diet helps lower insulin and blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol levels in diabetics. Taking psyllium supplement may also help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Other potential benefits of psyllium include reducing the risk for colon cancer, increase the excretion of fat in the stool, increase intestinal gas production and yet promote gas retention and dilate the cervix when labor is induced.
Psyllium husks are available as whole husks, psyllium husk powder and psyllium husk capsules. There are many ways to include psyllium husks or seeds in your diet to support your colon health and heart health and also to manage your cholesterol level. You can add psyllium powder to fruit juices, smoothies, or other beverages and to your foods such as soup and stew and even salad.
Psyllium side effects include choking if it is not taken with a full glass of water. You must also drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day to avoid constipation. Besides that, there has not been any reported psyllium husk side effects. But if you are on medication or pregnant, check first with your doctor.
What Do You Think?
Do you have something to say or add to this article? Share it!
Return from Psyllium Seed Husks Benefits to the iBenefits home
Subscribe
