Psyllium husks, commonly known as isabgol, ispaghula and psyllium, is derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata plant (Psyllium) which is cultivated in the Northwestern region of India. These consist of the epidermis & the collapsed adjacent layers removed from the dried ripe seeds of Plantago Ovata.
Psyllium husk contains extensive amount of soluble as well as insoluble natural fibers which is responsible for its laxative action. Light brown to white in color, depending upon the purity, the fibrous husks that are processed from psyllium seeds find usage in Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Food and varied allied industries.
In traditional herbal systems of India and China, Psyllium husk was used to treat bladder problems, coronary heart diseases, diverticular diseases, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure and urinary disorder. It was also used to treat skin irritations, poison ivy reactions as well as insects bits & stings.
These are hygroscopic, mucilaginous and widely used for colon cleansing, better blood circulation and treating diarrhea, constipation & irritable bowel syndrome. According to studies, Psyllium husk is also useful in lowering cholesterol and to control diabetes. In addition to this, these act as a cooling, demulcent, mild purgative and natural lubricant which is beneficial in treatment of inflammatory affection.
Psyllium husks can be consumed in their natural state or in dried, chopped & powdered form for easier consumption by mixing these with water or another fluid. Apart from treating various ailments, these can also be used for gluten-free baking. Psyllium seed husks bind moisture and help make the bread less crumbly.
Various uses of Psyllium husk are listed below:
Recent study reveals that, it consists 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fibers & can be effectively used to reduce cholesterol level, constipation, IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and diabetes. When consumed with water, juice and other liquids, these form a gel like gelatinous mass that moves down the digestive organ soaking up toxins, harmful residues and then flushing these out of the body through stools.
Uses in colon cancer: The insoluble fiber content in Psyllium husk either dilutes cancer-causing bile acids or moves feces out of the colon more quickly. This reduces contact-time of feces in digestive system, further reducing chances of producing cancer-causing agents called carcinogens.
Use in cholesterol control: These contain cellulose fiber which reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream, thus reducing the risk of high cholesterol.
Use in constipation: These increase the passage to the bowel content through formation of bond water. Hydrophilic in nature, these contain gel-forming fibers that are composed of micro-polysaccharides & cellulose. The gel like starch softens the feces and makes it easier to eliminate.
Uses in diarrhoea: These helps in slowing down the movement of intestines in order to reduce bowel movements. These absorb excess liquid in the intestines and help adding bulk to stool which stops watery outlet during diarrhoea and dysentery.
Use in diabetes: The high fiber content reduces the release of dietary sugar from the digestive tract into the blood stream, thus helping in the normalization of blood sugar level.
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