Metamucil and similar high-fiber supplements may help with weight loss.
Dietary fiber forms an important component of a healthy diet. The University of California-Los Angeles recommends that men and women eat 14 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories of food consumed. Individuals who don't get enough fiber can take a dietary fiber supplement such as Metamucil. Due to its high fiber content, Metamucil has various health benefits for those with medical conditions or those just trying to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Ease Constipation
Everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms include excessively hard stools, feeling bloated or experiencing a bowel movement less than three times per week. A diet lacking in fiber is one of the most common causes of constipation, according to the medical center. The center recommends taking Metamucil or a similar fiber supplement to ease constipation. Along with drinking plenty of water, the fiber in Metamucil helps push the waste products through your digestive tract and can help maintain regular bowel movements.
Lose Weight
Fiber plays a crucial role in the diet of anyone wanting to lose weight, according to the American Dietetic Association. Fiber-rich foods or supplements like Metamucil can make the stomach feel full without the calories or fat associated with some foods. In the long run, it can help dieters eat less without feeling hungry.
Lower Cholesterol
When in your digestive tract, Metamucil's fiber content binds with stomach acids and may help the body get rid of cholesterol, according to the Colorado State University. This also has potential effects on coronary heart disease. The university states that low cholesterol levels in the blood are connected with low risks for such disease. For the best results in combating cholesterol, Metamucil recommends combining its products with a proper diet and exercise.
Lower Blood Pressure
Metamucil cites its active ingredient as psyllium husk. Psyllium is the specific fiber source recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center for lowering blood pressure when consumed at a rate of 12 grams per day.
Minimize Cancer Risks
There may a correlation between lowered cancer risks and fiber consumption from food and products like Metamucil, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may be due to fiber's role in helping the body eliminate waste more effectively, thus dropping the body's exposure to cancer-causing substances in food, according to the Colorado State University.
