Isabgol, popularly known as psyllium husk is obtained from the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata. It is an oily and gluey herb with a sweet, astringent taste and has a cooling effect on the body. Being a powerful herb, it promotes digestive health and works as a natural laxative.
Top 7 Reasons to Include Psyllium Husk in your Diet
Aids Weight Loss
Isabgol helps to control obesity as it is rich in fiber and helps to clean the colon and remove toxins from the body responsible for obesity. This herb is an amazing natural remedy to control appetite and detoxify the system. The dietary fibre forms a viscous compound that curbs the food cravings, increases satiety, reduces body weight, lowers the Body Mass Index and overall fat intake.
Cures Constipation
Psyllium is a bulk forming laxative. Initially, it works by binding to partially digested food that is passing from the stomach into the small intestine. It then helps with the absorption of water, which increases the size and moisture of stools. One study found that psyllium, which is a soluble fiber, had a greater effect than wheat bran, which is insoluble fiber, on the moisture, total weight, and texture of stools.
To relieve the symptoms of constipation, mix a teaspoon of isabgol in warm water or milk and drink this just before you go to bed.
Treats Diarrhea
When consumed with curd, isabgol effectively relieves upset stomach by adding bulk to stool. Curd gives your stomach the right amount of probiotics to heal the infection and isabgol helps harden runny stools treating diarrhea in a jiffy.
No more Bloating & Acidity
Acidity is a problem that most people suffer from and isabgol is the best natural remedy for the condition. The husk coats the stomach lining with a protective layer and in turn protects it from the burn of acidity. Moreover, since it helps in proper digestion and secretion of stomach acids, isabgol also reduces the number of acidity episodes one might suffer from.
Tip: Have two spoons of isabgol mixed in half a glass of cold milk after your meals. It will help nullify excessive acid production and stop the occurrence of acidity.
For Healthy Heart
The fibre present in isabgol (psyllium husk) is great to reduce cholesterol levels. What makes it so special is that it is high in fibre and low in fat, exactly what doctors recommend when it comes to preventing heart disease. It works by forming a thin layer along your intestinal walls and prevents the absorption of cholesterol from the foods you eat effectively reducing the serum cholesterol levels in your blood. This also helps eliminate any excessive cholesterol that could later end up blocking the arteries of your heart protecting you from heart disease and coronary artery disease. The combination of low fat diet, low in saturated fats and cholesterol plus psyllium, can reduce total cholesterol levels by 4% and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 7%.
To keep your heart healthy, make it a point to eat isabgol every day either right after your meals or first thing in the morning.
Regulates Blood Sugar
A good source of dietary fibre in the diet helps to delay the gastric emptying time, slow down the absorption of glucose and regulates the blood glucose levels. The goodness of fibre and natural gelatin substance in isabgol is well-known to significantly reduce blood sugar spike and control diabetes. It seems that a daily dose of at least 10.2 g can promote lower blood sugar levels.
Ultimate cure for Anal Fissures and Piles:
Isabgol or psyllium husk contains both insoluble and soluble fibre and is great for those suffering from painful conditions like anal fissures and piles. Not only does it help clear their bowels effectively, it also softens the stools by absorbing water from the surrounding parts of the intestine making the passage of stool smooth and pain free. Moreover, due to its innate nature to help in easy defecation, isabgol also helps aid the healing of fissures, as it protects the anus from stretching too much while the person passes motion and prevents the rupture of healing wounds.
Tip: Drink isabgol mixed in warm water every night or right before you go to bed. This will help regularise and soften your stools.
Note: It is best to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or advice from a healthcare professional.