PSYLLIUM HUSK

Our modern diets usually lack fibre, as most of it is removed from the cereals including flour by hulling, refining and peeling of fruit and vegetables before consuming them. Psyllium Husk is a natural agent in providing sufficient dietary fibre to the fibre deficient foods.

 

Psyllium is a complete natural fibre, composed mostly of hemi-cellulose. It acts as a sponge in the intestinal tract, swelling as it absorbs water and waste material in the bowels. Hence, forming a soft bulky mass that passes through the colon faster (preventing potential toxic waste from accumulating in the colon), smoothly and easily reducing chances of producing carcinogens. The Fibre content helps control diabetes by  reducing the release of dietary sugar from digestive tract in the blood therefore stabilizing blood sugar level. Psyllium has a high content of mucilage polysaccharide that gels over a wide range of concentrations. It has long been used as a laxative because of this gelling property.

 

In 1998, the United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) authorized the use of health claim labeling in food and dietary supplements containing Psyllium. As per the report, Psyllium contains 70% soluble fibre and 30% insoluble fibre. The health claim states that diets low in fat and cholesterol together with intake of Psyllium Husk may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering of cholesterol due to Psyllium content of high soluble fibre which is responsible for decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the blood. It reduces cholesterol and also maintains the blood pressure at normal level. It is harmless as well as the cheapest remedy of the modern world which is available freely in India.

 

The mucilage contents forms bond with water and hence creates a surface of mucous membrane, forming a sticky masses, which are not easily distributed. Hence this avoids watery outlet during diarrhea and dysentery.

In addition to Psyllium Husk being in itself a directly consumable natural fibre to treat constipation, acidity, and a score of bowel related problems, it also finds various other uses and applications commercially:

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• Psyllium also is added to warm milk, plain water, fresh fruit drinks, and flavored drinks to improve the smoothness and impart richness and good consistency.

• It is used to improve the fibre content as well as the bulk in breads, biscuits, rice cakes, jams, instant noodles, breakfast cereals etc.

• It is also used for diarrhea, in this case it is taken with curd.