Psyllium husk - - what is it? Psyllium husk is an herbal
supplement taken by many to get the fiber they need for their
diet. Psyllium husks are the coating around the seed of the
psyllium plant. While the seeds are used for their own herbal
values, the husks are usually harvested and placed into capsules
to be taken in supplement form.
A dietary intake of certain fibers has been shown through
studies to alleviate the risks of colon cancer, and the fibers
are also known to help ease constipation. Psyllium plays a role
in promoting colon health since poor waste elimination by the
body can result in a buildup of waste byproducts in the body.
The waste byproducts can then lead to bacteria and viruses
attacking your colon, compromising your immune system and
creating sickness in the body. For this reason, regular normal
bowel movements can be crucial to maintaining proper health.
Other benefits of regular bowel movements can be their promotion
of weight loss, and a chance at lowering low density
lipoproteins, the "bad" type of cholesterol.
There are many ways for you to get the fiber your body needs,
however, psyllium husks are a particularly rich source. In
India, psyllium has been used for thousands of years for the
therapeutic qualities we've discussed. Western medicine has
finally begun catching on to the importance of fiber, and the
demand for psyllium husks has gone through the roof.
Psyllium husks are composed primarily of complex carbohydrates.
Other uses of these carbohydrates include their helping of
diarrhea, since it has binding properties that may help restore
normal movements. Also, these compounds may help alleviate
hemorrhoids and counter Cystitis. In addition, psyllium husks
harbor anti-inflammatory properties and does not cause the
irritation that can be found when taking insoluble fibers. Also,
blood sugar levels of those with diabetes may improve with use
of the husk.
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