Isabgol is a soluble fiber known as a common remedy for effective weight loss and clearing out the toxins from the digestive tract. Due to its excellent water solubility, psyllium can absorb water and become a thick compound that resists digestion in the small intestine. As a result, it helps to regulate high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Isabgol
Relieves constipation: Isabgol acts as a laxative and helps relieve constipation. Initially, it binds to partially digested food that passes from the stomach into the small intestine. It then absorbs water and increases the size and moisture of stools, which easily passes out. According to a study, taking 5.1 grams of isabgol twice a day for two weeks increased the water content and weight of stools in 170 individuals with chronic constipation.
Treats diarrhea: Research shows that isabgol can relieve diarrhea. As it is a water-absorbing agent, it increases stool thickness and slows down its passage through the colon. A study found that psyllium husk decreased diarrhea in 30 people who were undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. They had fewer bowel movements. Therefore, it prevents constipation as well as reduces diarrhea and effectively thus normalizing the bowel movements.
Boosts digestion: Isabgol is known to be aiding in better digestion. When you take isabgol with curd, it significantly helps in better digestion. As isabgol is enriched with fiber, it cleans the stomach walls from excessive toxins and helps in the smooth movement of food through the intestines. Taking isabgol powder with buttermilk after your meal helps improve digestive system.
Low blood sugar levels: Isabgol is great for diabetic people as it contains gelatin that slows the breakdown and absorption of glucose into the body. It, therefore, helps in controlling the amount of blood sugar in the body. Taking fiber supplements like isabgol helps control the body’s glycemic response to a meal, which means it reduces insulin and blood sugar levels. The gel-forming fibre in Isabgol slow down the digestion of food, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Boosts weight loss: After you take isabgol, it makes you feel full for a long time, thereby controlling unwanted food cravings. This is because fibres that form viscous compounds help control appetite and aid weight loss. Also, if you have isabgol powder mixed with water and lemon juice on an empty stomach in the morning, it helps to reduce weight. A study showed that taking up to 10.2 g of isabgol before breakfast and lunch led to reduction in hunger, and increased fullness between meals.
Reduce cholesterol levels: The hygroscopic properties of psyllium helps to reduce cholesterol from blood as it forms a thin layer in the intestines that prevents absorption of cholesterol from food and eventually helps in lowering cholesterol. Isabgol gets binds to fat and bile acids, and helps the body to excrete them. As a result, instead of replacing lost bile acids, the liver uses cholesterol to produce more, decreasing blood cholesterol levels in the process.
Good for the heart: All types of fibre are good for the heart including isabgol. Water soluble fibre like isabgol helps to reduce blood triglycerides, blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. A 2020 review of 11 trials found that psyllium reduces systolic blood pressure by 2.04 millimeters of mercury. Hence, it is recommended to consume isabgol to treat hypertension.
Dosage
More of fibre is not always better. So usually 5-10 g of isabgol is taken once a day after a meal. It is recommended to take with water and then drink lots of water throughout the day. If you want to take it as a laxative supplement, take 5 g with a glass of water three times a day. However, it is better to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or as per the advice of your doctor
