Looking to get rid of constipation, lose weight or lower your cholesterol? Isabgol might be the perfect solution.
What is Isabgol?
With a gluey and oily texture and a sweet and astringent taste, Isabgol is a digestive remedy that has a cooling effect on your body and helps in weight loss.
Isabgol originated from Sanskrit words 'Asp' and 'Ghol' that together mean horse flower. Some of the synonyms of Isabgol are Psyllium Husk, Umto, and Ashwakarna.
Isabgol Plant
Derived from the Isabgol plant's seeds, Plantago Ovata, Isabgol is a dietary fiber that promotes laxation and helps increase stool.
Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Add Flax Seeds to Your Diet
Isabgol in English
Isabgol in English is known as Psyllium Husk, the main ingredient in Metamucil (A supplement of fiber that reduces Constipation).
Native to Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region, Psyllium Husk also helps clear out toxins from the digestive stretch.
Want to know more about this dietary fiber? Read on to learn about its uses, benefits, and side effects.
Isabgol Uses
1. Isabgol Cures Constipation
Due to its ability to soften stool, Isabgol can cure Constipation. However, to effectively treat it, you must drink enough water during the day as Isabgol absorbs and retains moisture.
Tip: Wondering how to take Isabgol for Constipation? It's best to have 1-2 tablespoons of Isabgol with milk.
2. Isabgol Relieves acidity
Isabgol helps protect the stomach lining from acidity by forming a layer in the stomach.
Tip: If you're wondering how to use Isabgol for relieving acidity, you can have 1-2 teaspoons of Isabgol with buttermilk.
Also Read: Shatavari Benefits for Men
Isabgol Benefits
1. Isabgol Regulates Blood Sugar
Isabgol contains gelatin that slows down the breakdown and absorption of glucose in the body. Absorbing glucose helps control the amount of blood sugar in the body. As a result, it is highly effective for diabetic people.
Tip: You can take 1-2 Isabgol capsules once or twice a day for this.
2. Isabgol Helps in Lowering Cholesterol
Another Isabgol benefits include that it has hypochloremic effects that help with cholesterol regulation. As per a study, a daily intake of Isabgol for six weeks can help lower cholesterol levels.
Tip: Consume 10-20gm of Isabgol daily with 230-235ml of water to reduce cholesterol.
3. Isabgol Relieves Diarrhea
Due to its antisecretory and antidiarrheal properties, Isabgol helps relieve diarrhea.
Tip: Consume Isabgol with curd. Add 1-2 teaspoon Isabgol husk in a small bowl of curd and have it during the day for diarrhea.
4. Isabgol For Weight Loss
As Isabgol can control appetite, it acts as a natural cure for weight loss. Isabgol increases satiety, curbs food cravings, and lowers the overall fat intake. Just the perfect Isabgol ka fayda you were looking for!
Tip: Want to know how to take Isabgol for weight loss? Consume it with warm water and ½ lemon. The recommended dosage for adults is 8-11g in one to three doses. It's beneficial to take this bulk laxative with 150ml of water.
Also Read: Ashwagandha - The Super Herb
How to Take Isabgol?
Isabgol Ki Bhusi
The pulverized form of Isabgol husk is Isabgol Bhusi. It consists of the collapsed layers removed from the dried ripe Isabgol seeds. You can consume 5-10g Isabgol Bhusi with a glass of milk, water, or fruit juice. Ideally, it should be consumed twice a day.
Isabgol Powder
Isabgol powder is a convenient way of consuming this fiber. The ideal dosage of Isabgol powder is 1-2 tablespoons. It's best to have it in warm water once or twice a day. You can also have it with curd right after a meal.
Sat Isabgol
Sat Isabgol can be consumed for weight loss. You can have 1-2 tablespoons of Isabgol seeds in 240ml of warm water with ½ freshly squeezed lemon.
Isabgol with Milk at Night
An efficient way of treating Constipation is to have Isabgol with milk at night. You can add 1-2 teaspoons of Isabgol powder to warm milk and have it.
Also Read: Gokshura for Men | 7 Benefits & How to Consume
Isabgol Price
Brands like Dabur, Organic India, Patanjali, and more have their variants of Isabgol husk that you can easily find in the market. For a 100gm pack, the price ranges from INR 80 to INR 150.
Isabgol Side Effects
As Isabgol has laxative effects and creates intestinal bulk, it can pose some side effects. Here are some of the side effects of Isabgol.
- More frequent bowel movements
- Gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach pain
Precautions
When consuming Isabgol, one must be cautious. Here are a few precautions that one must take.
1. If you have problems swallowing or throat issues, it's best to avoid Isabgol.
2. Always consume it in the recommended dosage and duration.
3. As Isabgol may reduce your blood sugar level, it's advisable to track your blood sugar levels daily while consuming it.
Conclusion
Isabgol has been in use for centuries now. And it's safe to say that it's one of the best fibers for digestive health and weight-loss, amongst other things.
So try Isabgol today and experience all its benefits.
FAQs
1. How to take Isabgol with Lemon?
Take some lukewarm water with 1-2 teaspoons of Isabgol powder. Add half a lemon, mix it and consume.
2. How to Drink Isabgol?
To drink Isabgol, you can mix it in warm water or milk.
References
Elizabeth Rajan, December 2019; Digestion: How long does it take? - https://www.mayoclinic.org/digestive-system/expert-answers/faq-20058340
Cambridge University Press, August 2010; The effect of a fibre supplement compared to a healthy diet on body composition, lipids, glucose, insulin and other metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight and obese individuals - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effect-of-a-fibre-supplement-compared-to-a-healthy-diet-on-body-composition-lipids-glucose-insulin-and-other-metabolic-syndrome-risk-factors-in-overweight-and-obese-individuals/DDE90317EE5D477C1E0594B6E2B1AA79
