What are the benefits of psyllium husks?
- Promote regularity and easy elimination
- Remove toxins for better health
- Improve digestion
- Help maintain cholesterol levels within the normal range for heart health
- Help maintain blood sugar levels within the normal range for overall health
- Reduce problems with diarrhea or loose stools
- Protect the health of the colon
Requirements for good health include proper digestion of nutrients and proper elimination of toxins. If the body is allowed to accumulate toxins, chemicals and excessive waste products, these toxins can back up into the body and can cause headaches, loss of energy, fatigue or aches and pains. Over the years, toxins can also contribute to more serious problems. Fiber as part of a good health regimen supports proper digestion and elimination to help prevent and alleviate these problems.
Leading health experts recommend that we eat 25 to 40 grams of fiber daily, but most people consume only 10 to 15 grams a day. Psyllium husks are a concentrated source of dietary fiber with many benefits. Psyllium husks help promote normal regularity and easy elimination through their bulking action. As a bowel normalizer, they also help reduce problems with loose bowels and diarrhea. Psyllium husks trap and remove toxins from the body, so toxins and waste are not reabsorbed from the colon into the bloodstream. Numerous medical studies show that psyllium husks help to maintain cholesterol levels within the normal range, and thus help support heart health. Recent research indicates that psyllium husks help to maintain blood sugar levels as well as lipid levels within the normal range, which supports proper metabolism and overall health.
What are Psyllium husks?
Psyllium is a member of the plant family Plantaginaceae. It is not related to wheat and does not contain gluten. Psyllium husks are from the outer coating of the psyllium seed, like the bran layer of grains. There are several species of psyllium, but the seed husks from Plantago ovata, also known as blonde psyllium, are the best quality and have the highest fiber content. This is the only kind that Yerba Prima uses.
Psyllium husks are a concentrated source of dietary fiber, composed mostly of hemicellulose. They are not digested in the small intestine, but are partially broken down in the colon, where they act as a food source for friendly flora. Mostly, they act as a sponge in the intestinal tract, swelling as they absorb water, toxins and waste material. This forms a soft, bulky mass that “sweeps out” the colon and helps bowel movements be smoother and easier.
For consistent results, it is best to take Psyllium Husks daily. To promote regular elimination and remove toxins, take them any time of the day that is most convenient for you, 1 – 3 servings a day. To help maintain cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels within the normal range, they are most effective taken with meals or near mealtime, 10 grams per day, divided into two or three servings. Make sure to drink at least 8 ounces of liquid with each serving. To support weight loss by giving a full feeling in the stomach, take them 10 – 20 minutes before meals with 8-16 ounces of liquid. For variety, psyllium husks can be incorporated into soups, sauces or smoothies. Remember that they will thicken whatever they are added to, so adjust the liquid accordingly.
Taking a normal serving size of psyllium husks does not have a significant effect on the absorption of any nutrients. Thus, psyllium husks can be taken either with meals or between meals, either with other supplements or separate from them. Psyllium husks generally do not interact with medicines. However, some doctors and pharmacists recommend not to take bulking fiber supplements within one or two hours of prescription medication, so we currently make that recommendation on our product labels.
As a concentrated source of dietary fiber, psyllium husks have only very small amounts of other nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrate, protein and fat content are all less than 1 gram per serving. Calorie content is only 8 – 15 calories per serving, using the FDA method that counts soluble fiber as a source of calories. Their nutritional value lies in the numerous benefits of dietary fiber. The dietary fiber content of quality psyllium husks products is greater than 80% dietary fiber.
Psyllium husks are very safe, and are used by millions of people each year throughout the world. Unlike stimulant laxatives, psyllium husks are not habit forming. They can be used every day as long as desired.
A very small number of people are allergic to psyllium and cannot use it. For nearly everyone, psyllium husks are safe to use anytime, including during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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