The Benefits of Psyllium Husk

Feeling hungry all the time? Struggling with bloating and poor digestion? Or perhaps you’re trying to lose weight? If so, psyllium husk might be the answer to your needs. This natural fiber improves digestion, suppresses hunger, and promotes fat loss. In addition, it keeps you full for hours and adds volume to your favorite foods.

What Is Psyllium Husk?

It’s no secret that fiber plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health. This nutrient regulates blood sugar levels, appetite, and gut flora. However, not all types of fiber are created equal. Psyllium, for instance, is particularly beneficial. It consists of 30 percent insoluble fiber and 70 percent soluble fiber, which is 14 times the fiber in oat bran.

Psyllium husk comes from Plantago ovate, a shrub-like herb. Upon ingestion, it absorbs water in the gut and slows digestion, which helps increase satiety.

Moreover, it prevents constipation and improves insulin response due to its ability to stabilize blood glucose levels. For this reason, it’s often recommended to those struggling with diabetes, insulin resistance, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

What Are the Benefits?

This natural fiber can boost your health in several ways. Since it forms a gel-like substance in your stomach, it curbs hunger and keeps you full longer. This helps reduce your total food intake and aids in weight loss. Psyllium husk also feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which helps balance the microflora. A healthy gut is crucial for digestion, brain function, metabolism, and immunity.

Most times, just one serving of psyllium husk can relieve constipation and diarrhea. Studies have also found that it may lower bad cholesterol levels by a staggering 20.2 percent. At the same time, it raises good cholesterol and supports cardiovascular health.

Evidence shows that taking this fiber daily may help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels and reduce their need for medications. Psyllium is just as effective as most diabetes drugs but without the side effects.

To reap the benefits, mix a tablespoon or two with water, tea, fruit juices, or green smoothies. Drink it in the morning or between meals. You can also add psyllium husk to baked goods, homemade bread, cookies, pizza dough, puddings, rice, and other home-cooked meals. This will increase their volume and make them more filling.

Psyllium husk can be found at any health store or supermarket. Try it yourself – it’s a safe, natural way to keep your digestive system running smoothly and curb hunger.

Are you already taking psyllium husk? Is so, what are some of your favorite uses and/or recipes? Let us know in the comment box below!