Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husks or Ispaghula or Isabgol is obtained from the seeds of Plantago ovata, which is grown in India. It is a dietary fiber which is used to relieve symptoms of constipation and mild diarrhoea. Besides it is also used as a food thickener while preparing various food and bakery products.

Psyllium husk is a naturally occurring source of soluble fibre and has multiple health benefits. Due to its high viscosity it forms a sticky gel that acts like a sponge to absorb some toxins, sugar and carbohydrates in the gut. Though psyllium is used as a dietary supplement and in pharmaceutical laxative products, it also has a lot of benefits when consumed with food. In the food industry psyllium is used as cereals, thickening agent and fiber booster in ice cream, baking etc.

Psyllium is also used for animal feed specially horses. The water soluble fibre present in psyllium has the ability to capture and move sand through horse digestive system. Sand accumulation in animals especially in sandy region is a common issue and this can be easily prevented by feeding psyllium.

The change in lifestyle along with unhealthy food habits especially among the youngsters and working population has led to an increase in the occurrence of various health-related issues and problems like constipation, IDBs, etc. Hence demand for nutraceutical as well as health benefiting products is rising across the globe. Dietary fibers are widely recognized to have useful resources in digestion and thus prevent various chronic diseases.

Psyllium powder is known for its therapeutic and medicinal value. It is known to prevent and cure a various range of medical conditions some of which include:

Diarrhea:

Psyllium is used to relieve mild-to-moderate diarrhoea. It soaks up a significant amount of water within digestive tract, making stool firmer and slower to pass

Heart Disease:

Psyllium powder reduces the chances of heart disease by reducing the cholesterol levels. There are soluble fibers present in the psyllium powder which helps to bind with acids produced by bile which plays an important role in the digestion of fats which are found in cholesterol. Excretion of these fats through this process helps in decreasing the level of cholesterol within the human body.

High Blood Pressure:

Psyllium may help lower blood pressure as it adds fiber to the diet. In obese people with hypertension psyllium powder helps in reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Diabetes:

The excessive fiber present in psyllium powder helps in reducing insulin and blood sugar level for diabetic people.