Psyllium, also known as ispaghula, is the common name of several members of the plant genus Plantago. For supplement manufacturing, the seeds of these plants are turned into powdered form.
Seeds of psyllium have many health benefits, among which the most notable ones are aiding weight loss, improving heart health, and strengthening the digestive system.
Benefits
1. Strengthens the Digestive System
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative, which means that it soaks up water in your gut to make bowel movements much easier — which is why it promotes regularity without increasing flatulence.
Since it promotes healthy bowel movements, psyllium is commonly used as a supplement for improving overall digestive health.
Furthermore, psyllium is also a prebiotic — a substance required for healthy probiotics to grow in the gut. Without a good amount of healthy bacteria (probiotics), your immune system cannot function properly.
On top of being a prebiotic and a bulk-forming laxative, psyllium also:
- Reduces risk of certain infections
- Eases the effect of acute inflammation
- Helps our body prevent certain chronic illnesses
Perhaps the most impressive benefit of psyllium for our digestive health is that it softens our stool provided that we drink plenty of water with it.
For this reason, pysllium is commonly used as a supplement for easing mild diarrhea and preventing complications associated with constipation, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
2. Improves Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and high cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.
Multiple recent studies have shown that psyllium can help people manage their cholesterol level.
According to this study on overweight people, taking psyllium supplements for six weeks is highly effective at lowering cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, some studies also conclude that psyllium supplements improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, improving lipid levels, and strengthening heart muscles.
3. May Help You Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes
Maintaining a healthy weight is a big concern for many people worldwide, especially those suffering from a chronic illness like diabetes.
Besides improving heart health and strengthening the digestive system, psyllium can also aid weight loss.
Since psyllium absorbs liquid in your body, it can give you a feeling of being “full”, which can help you eat less and as a result, lose more weight.
What’s even more impressive is that psyllium supplements can help people maintain a healthy glycemic balance — which is vital for diabetic patients.
Health Issues Associated With Psyllium Deficiency
People who don’t consume psyllium daily face an increased risk of suffering from several health issues, among which the most notables ones are the following:
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes
- Constipation
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol levels
So if you want to save yourself the discomfort caused by the health problems mentioned above, then add a psyllium supplement to your diet.
Daily Recommended Intake
Based on scientific findings, the daily recommended intake of psyllium is between 5-20 grams for adults. You shouldn’t go over the DRI because that can lead to mild-to-severe digestive issues.
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Superior can help with all types and forms of psyllium manufacturing. Our goal is to give your business exactly what it needs to succeed: stellar supplements.
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