Cure More With Isabgol Not Just Constipation

Most of us might have consumed husky texture ingredient, Isabgol to relieve constipation and diarrhea in our lifetime. Isabgol is well-known for its fiber content and its digestive friendly nature that provides relief from various digestive issues.

Isabgol which is also known as Psyllium husk is obtained from the seeds of the plant “Plantago ovata”. The word Isabgol has come from the Sanskrit words “Iasp” and “ghol,” which means horse ear because the shape of the seeds is similar to horse ear.

The plant of Isabgol is cultivated in cool and dry places due to its extreme water-absorbing property. In India, it is mainly cultivated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan in the “Rabi” season, which comes after the rainy season. This is an annual dwarf herb that can grow up to 40 cm in height. It has long and narrow leaves that contain around 70% soluble fibre and 30% insoluble fiber.

Benefits of Isabgol

Isabgol Helps To Relieve Constipation

When Isabgol is mixed with any liquid, it produces some multivalent ions that help to bind the partially digested food and ease its movement from the stomach to the small intestine.

Isabgol is considered a good remedy due to its laxative properties to relieve constipation. Due to its powerful water-absorbing property with its insoluble fiber content, it helps to increase the moisture and weight of the stool which ease the passing of stools to relieve constipation.

Isabgol helps to Reduce Cholesterol

Isabgol provides hypocholesterolemic effects that help to increase the breakdown and decreases the absorption of bad cholesterol. Isabgol binds to bile acids & fats to promote its easy excretion due to which the liver utilizes the excess cholesterol to produce the same amount of bile.

Due to its hygroscopic properties, it helps to form a thin layer in the intestines that helps to prevent the absorption of cholesterol from food and efficiently helps in lowering cholesterol.

Isabgol Helps To Promote Weight Loss

Isabgol helps to make you feel full for a long that helps to reduce unwanted food cravings. Fiber in Isabgol helps to form a viscous fluid that further helps to control weight loss and satiety.

On the other hand, Isabgol helps to slow down the timing of emptying the stomach and reducing appetite that reduces the amount of calorie intake by the body.

Isabgol Helps To Cure Diarrhea

Isabgol provides an effective remedy for relieving the symptoms of loose stools. Isabgol helps to block the calcium ion channels in the body and possesses antidiarrheal and anti-secretory properties.

The fiber content in Isabgol helps to absorb the water from the digestive tract and add bulk to the stools due to its Guru (heavy) property that helps to manage diarrhea.

Isabgol Helps To Boost Digestion

Isabgol seeds possess the properties like mucilaginous, laxative, astringent, anti-inflammatory, expectorant which makes them a perfect remedy for the stomach.

Due to both soluble and insoluble fibre content of Isabgol, it helps to regulate bowel movement and clear the passage for easy movement of food through the intestines to help improve digestive health.

Isabgol Helps To Control Diabetes

Isabgol provides a helpful remedy for diabetics because it contains gelatin that helps to slow down the breakdown and absorption of glucose into the body. It thus helps in controlling the amount of blood sugar in the body.

Also, fiber in Isabgol helps to control the glycemic response of the body towards the meal. Which helps to facilitate the reduction of insulin and blood sugar levels in the body.

Isabgol Helps To Treat Skin Issues

The anti-inflammatory property of Isabgol helps to manage acne and pimples. Isabgol provides a great exfoliator for the skin and helps to add glow by flushing out the toxins from the skin.

You can mix Isabgol with aloe vera gel and gently scrub your skin to feel light and refreshed.

Isabgol husk can be consumed with either warm milk or water preferably before going to bed at night to relieve constipation. While it should be consumed with curd to treat diarrhea or watery stools.

Side Effects Of Isabgol

Apart from the numerous benefits, Isabgol can lead to some side effects if consumed in excessive quantity.

• Excessive consumption of Isabgol can lead to abdominal pain, loose stools, diarrhoea etc.
• Avoid using Isabgol if you have any swallowing or throat issues
• Do not exceed the consumption of Isabgol beyond recommended dosage and duration.
• Always track your blood sugar levels while consuming Isabgol, as it can reduce the blood sugar level.