Tips&TricksUnveiling Psyllium Husk: Could This Super Fiber Eclipse Flaxseed?
Unveiling Psyllium Husk: Could This Super Fiber Eclipse Flaxseed?
Many people are unaware of this product, and even fewer have added it to their daily diet. Yet, considering the significant benefits it offers—possibly surpassing those of flaxseed—it's worth exploring. We're talking about psyllium husk and its profound effects on our body.
May 5, 2024 | updated: 1:32 PM EDT, May 6, 2024
For years, the remarkable benefits of flaxseed have been recognized. However, our focus now shifts to a similarly functioning product that yields even more impressive results: psyllium husk. This natural wonder can remarkably enhance your intestinal health.
Its lesser-known status may be attributed to its non-native origins and limited local cultivation compared to flax. Nonetheless, the unique qualities of this product warrant our attention.
Psyllium husk comes from a small annual plant native to the Mediterranean, now mainly grown in Asia and Africa. It stands about 8-12 inches tall with white flowers and produces small, dark brown seeds. These seeds are covered in a mucilaginous coat and are rich in nutrients like flavonoids, aucubin, rhinanthin, proteins, polysaccharides, and notably, a higher fiber content than flaxseed.
How does psyllium husk benefit the intestines?
Psyllium husk boasts an impressive 68g of fiber per 100g, outperforming flaxseed and even the combination of wheat bran and chia seeds in fiber content. This makes psyllium husk a superior choice for intestinal health. Its benefits extend beyond the digestive tract, helping to stabilize blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and assist in weight loss. Psyllium husk can also be used externally as a soothing agent for skin irritations, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
Psyllium husk should be consumed in doses of no more than 8 teaspoons per day. The seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water, allowed to sit for a few minutes, and then consumed directly or added to oatmeal or salads. However, as with any fiber-rich product, it's crucial to consult a doctor before including psyllium husk in your diet due to potential contraindications such as anemia, esophageal diseases, or liver issues.
