Psyllium, also called isobgol or ispaghula, is a plant native to India and Pakistan. The seed husks of Psyllium are rich in soluble fibre - which simply means the fibre soaks up water - and with this water the little husks turn into a gel-like substance that is great for digestive health. Here are our top uses for Psyllium Husks:
- Help relieve constipation - Psyllium husks absorb water and make your stool softer and bulkier so it passes more easily through your colon. Psyllium Husks are an excellent form of fibre that contain 4 grams of fibre in every teaspoon of husks. The fibre in Psyllium is mostly soluble which can help to ease constipation. Try adding a few teaspoons of Psyllium Husks to your morning cereal or smoothie.
- Help balance your digestive function - If you have a rebellious digestive system which alternates between constipation and diarrhoea, you will love Psyllium Husks. Soluble fibre helps normalise bowel motions by absorbing the extra water and adding bulk to the stool, helping bring balance to an irritated digestive system. Adding a few teaspoons of Psyllium Husks to your yoghurt is a quick way to get more fibre balance (and some probiotics) into your system.
- Adds fibre to your diet - Psyllium Husks are naturally gluten free so are a great addition when baking gluten free recipes. As many gluten free products can be low in fibre, adding Psyllium to your recipes is a great way to add more fibre into your diet. It is ideal to add to gluten free bread as it can improve the texture and assist with raising. You may need to experiment and adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe when you add Psyllium Husks.
You can also try adding Psyllium Husks to many different foods such as porridge, yoghurt, or even soups, stews, curries and casseroles. You can also just add Psyllium Husks to water or juice, but you will have to drink them straight away before they turn to gel! It is imperative that you drink plenty of fluid with Psyllium, as it poses a choking risk if taken dry on its own.
We recommend you add fibre to your diet gradually. If you add in a large dose too suddenly, some people may experience digestive issues.
