Many such plants are found around us, which are full of medicinal properties. Psyllium husk is one of them. Few people would know about psyllium husk, but according to Ayurveda it is a beneficial plant. It is used to get relief and avoid many health related problems. Scientists have also done many researches on this to know about the medicinal properties and nutrients of Psyllium husk. Based on this research, we are giving many important information related to the benefits of psyllium husk and side effects of psyllium husk in this article of Myhealthonly.
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Before the benefits of psyllium husk, let us know what is psyllium husk.
What Is Psyllium Husk?
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Psyllium husk is a bushy plant, which looks somewhat like a wheat plant. Its scientific name is Plantago ovata. There are earrings like wheat in its ends. There is a white husk on top of its seeds, which is called psyllium husk. From the husk to the leaves and flowers of this psyllium husk are used for many health-related problems.
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After knowing what is psyllium husk, read further how psyllium husk is made.
What Is Psyllium Husk Made Of?
When the husk comes in the Psyllium husk plant, the plant is cut. If there is moisture in the soil, the plant has to be uprooted. After this the psyllium husk plant is dried in the sun. When this plant dries up, the Psyllium husk seeds are separated from its earrings. It is then cleaned by separating the outer layer of husk and psyllium husk seeds. It is also ground 6 to 7 times to separate the husk.
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In the next part of the article, we are telling the benefits of eating psyllium husk.
8 Outstanding Health Benefits of Psyllium Husk –
Psyllium husk has been shown to be beneficial for a number of health problems. The nutrients and medicinal properties present in it make it beneficial for health. Keep in mind that Psyllium husk can be beneficial in relieving and preventing health-related problems, but it is not a cure for serious illness.
- For the problem of constipation
Constipation affects approximately 27% of the population. Psyllium husk can help in providing relief from this. In fact, psyllium husk has a laxative effect, which can ease and speed up the process of bowel movement. Along with this, the reason for constipation is also the intake of low fiber diet. According to a research published by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), psyllium husk contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. For this reason, psyllium husk is considered beneficial for stomach related problems like constipation.
- For digestion
Proper digestion is essential for a healthy body and psyllium husk can help in this. A research suggests that psyllium husk has a laxative effect. This effect can help the digestive system to function well. In addition, psyllium husk has also been used as a therapeutic agent for home remedies for constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
- For weight loss and cholesterol balance
Psyllium husks can also be beneficial for weight loss. Here also the benefits of fiber present in it can be seen. In fact, consuming a diet rich in fiber keeps the stomach full for a long time, which reduces the desire to eat extra food. Thus it can work to control weight.
The benefits of psyllium husk can also be seen to balance cholesterol levels. The mention of this thing is also available in a research. During research, 5.1 grams of cholesterol was given to people suffering from cholesterol for 8 weeks. As a result, people were found to have low levels of total and low-density lipoprotein i.e harmful cholesterol.
- Beneficial in diabetes
In the case of diabetes, it is very important to pay attention to food, so that the risk of diabetes can be reduced. According to a scientific research, psyllium husk contains fibre, which can help in controlling the condition of diabetes. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of glucose by about 12 percent. This can help in controlling the amount of blood sugar.
- For heart health
The benefits of psyllium husk can also be seen for heart health. It can reduce the risk of heart diseases. It has been observed in research that psyllium husk contains a good amount of fiber, due to which its consumption can keep serum cholesterol under control. Increasing serum cholesterol is reported to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- For piles
In the condition of piles, the victim also has pain along with the problem of bleeding at the time of bowel movement. Psyllium husk can be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of this problem. In fact, consuming psyllium husk can reduce the bleeding that occurs during piles due to the fiber present in it. For this reason, psyllium husk is considered helpful in reducing the symptoms of piles.
- To protect the intestines and excretory system
The benefits of eating psyllium husk can also be seen to keep the intestines healthy. According to a scientific research done by experts, consuming psyllium husk increases the amount of water in the intestine, which makes it easier to defecate. Along with this, the work of the intestine continues normally.
Apart from this, psyllium husk can also be beneficial for keeping the excretory system (a process of removing dirt out of the body) better. The fiber present in it can protect the digestive system by reducing gastric acid secretion. Research says that if it is consumed in the right quantity, it can reduce the risk of gastric problems and ulcers.
- For diarrhea and colon cleansing
There can be benefits of eating psyllium husk even in case of diarrhoea. Actually, eating psyllium husk will supply fiber in the body, due to which the risk of diarrhea can be reduced many times. Colon Cleansing is also counted among the benefits of psyllium husk. We have mentioned above that psyllium husk increases the amount of water in the intestine, which can cleanse the colon and promote its functioning.
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After the benefits of eating psyllium husk, now know about the nutrients of psyllium husk.
Psyllium Husk Nutritional Value –
The nutritional elements of psyllium husk are being shown through the table below.
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Come, now let us know what are the ways of eating psyllium husk.
How to Use Psyllium Husk –
The benefits of psyllium husk are available only when psyllium husk is used properly. For this reason, further in the article, we are telling how psyllium husk is used.
- Psyllium husk can be taken by soaking it in water.
- Psyllium husk is also consumed by mixing it with milk.
- Psyllium husk can also be eaten mixed with Triphala powder.
- Psyllium husk is also eaten with curd.
When to eat – Psyllium husk can be consumed after having food in the morning and at night. However, be sure to consult a doctor once before consuming it during pregnancy.
How much to eat – 5-10 grams of psyllium husk can be consumed in a day. According to research, giving 5.1 grams of psyllium husk daily to people suffering from cholesterol is beneficial. This quantity can be more or less according to the age and health of the person, so before consuming it, do consult a doctor once.
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Moving ahead in the article, read whether psyllium husk can have side effects or not.
Side Effects Of Psyllium Husk –
Not only are there benefits of eating psyllium husk, there can be some side effects as well. What are the side effects of psyllium husk, read further about it.
- Psyllium husk contains fiber. Consuming it excessively can also cause flatulence, bloating and stomach cramps.
- Doctors say that if someone has difficulty in swallowing or intestinal problems, then he should not consume psyllium husk.
- A diabetic patient must consult a doctor before consuming psyllium husk. This can lead to the risk of low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia).
Now you have read and understood what is psyllium husk and what are the benefits of including it in the diet. After understanding all these things, if you have decided to consume psyllium husk, then pay special attention to its quantity. Thinking that psyllium husk is beneficial, consuming it in excess can cause harm. Also, any children and pregnant women must take doctor’s advice before using psyllium husk.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Yes, psyllium husk is considered safe when consumed in moderation.
Excessive consumption of psyllium husk can be harmful. This can cause problems like flatulence. Apart from this, sensitive people are also prone to allergies.
It can be consumed on an empty stomach on the advice of a doctor.
It depends on what the problem is. If the problem is constipation and digestion related, it may take one to two days to work.
