Gynae and Cancer Care Centre

THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL PSYLLIUM HUSKS

Posted on November 30, -0001 by Super Admin.

 NATURAL PSYLLIUM HUSKS


Psyllium (also known as Ispaghula, Indian Plantago, Spogel), comes from the seeds of a shrub like herb called plantago ovata. The tiny seeds are covered by husks which are the part of the plant being extracted to produce the white fibrous materials. These husks are a source of water soluble fiber, similar to the fiber found in grains such as oats and barley except that the amount of soluble fiber in psyllium is much higher than oat bran. For example every 100 grams of psyllium provides 71 grams of soluble fiber; whereas a similar amount of oat bran would only contain 5 grams of soluble fiber.

When dissolved in water, psyllium husk swells up to 14 times its original size into a thickened gel (gooey) like substance.
   
 

Gel like mixture when mixed with water

 Due to its bulk forming (water retention) characteristics, it lubricates and cleanses all the areas it passes through. The fiber absorbs excess water in the intestines, thus helps to relieve symptoms of diarrhea and improves digestion. By moving the food through the digestive tract faster, it helps to reduce the amount of time the body has to absorb the fatty substances in the food eaten.

Psyllium fiber also possesses natural colon-cleansing properties that can help remove toxins, impurities, and impacted fecal matter from the body, resulting in better nutrient absorption, a higher energy production and an overall feeling of vitality.

The spongy fiber reduces appetite, making it an excellent choice for healthy dieting. It is currently a favourite herb used in weight control.

Psyllium is heart-friendly. Based on the clinical studies reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the cellulose fibre content is effective in preventing the bad cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream and that a daily consumption of at least 5g of psyllium husks consecutively for eight weeks would lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – the bad cholesterol that triggers heart complications.

Psyllium also has the additional advantages over other sources of fiber of reducing flatulence and bloating.

The seeds have been used as a traditional herbal medicine in the treatment of constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure, haemorrhoids, diabetes and Obesity.
Dosage
 
Dissolve one to two teaspoons of the psyllium husk into ½ a glass of water or tea (add honey if desire). If you are not use to taking psyllium, it is best to begin with a low dose. Higher doses may be prescribed by the doctor.

Stir rapidly, and drink immediately before it thickens up and becomes harder to swallow. If this happens you can scoop it up with spoon and eat.

Important:

  •     Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  •     If you are taking any other medication, are suffering from a medical condition, consult your doctor before taking     the herbs
  •     Do not take psyllium if you have swallowing problems, intestinal obstructions, or have recently undergone bowel     surgery.
  •     Psyllium does not have any known side effects if consumed moderately with plenty of water.  However, some     people may be allergic to psyllium.  If you notice any rash, itchiness or swollen skin, stop the use and consult your doctor.
For an excellent write-up on the scientific benefits of psyllium please refer to http://www.leaflady.org/benefits_of_psyllium.htm

 

 

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