Over the generations, Isabgol or psyllium husk has been used in Indian homes as an effective remedy for constipation. But do you know the health benefits of Isabgol are not limited to curing digestive health? There are many other key health benefits of the psyllium husk too.
Yes, in today’s blog India’s leading Nutritionist and Dietician, Avni Kaul, shares some of the key benefits of Isabgol that are supported by the world’s top medical researchers.
Isabgol can Treat Acidity – Isabgol husk can coat the stomach lining with a protective layer and in turn, protects it from irritation due to 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.
Isabgol can Help in Piles and Fissures – Since the fibres present in Isabgol are both insoluble and soluble in nature, it not only helps to clear bowels effectively but it also softens stools by absorbing water from the surrounding parts of the intestine making the passage of stool smooth and pain-free. Thus giving relief to anal fissures and piles patients.
Isabgol May Cure Diarrhoea – Isabgol can help in diarrhoea conditions**. It does this by acting as a water-absorbing agent which increases the stool thickness and slows down its passage through the colon.
According to medical research done in affiliation with the Division of Gastroenterology and Department of Surgery, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom, researchers gave a small sample of people with lactulose-induced diarrhoea 3.5 g of psyllium three times daily. With this, the researchers could increase the patient’s stomach emptying time from 69 to 87 minutes, with an accompanied slowing in the colon, which meant fewer bowel movements.
Psyllium can, therefore, both prevent constipation and reduce diarrhoea, effectively helping to normalize bowel movements.
Isabgol can Lower Blood Sugar Levels in the Body – Isabgol can work as fibre supplement that can help control the body’s sugar level. In fact, Isabgol or psyllium husk being a water-soluble fibre, works even better for this mechanism than other fibres like bran. This is because the gel-forming fibres in psyllium can slow down the digestion of food, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
In one study**, researchers gave 51 people with type 2 diabetes and constipation 10 g of psyllium twice per day. This resulted in reduced constipation, body weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol.
Isabgol May Aid in Weight Loss – Isabgol fibres can help control appetite and aid weight loss. With its ability to slow down stomach emptying, Isabgol can help reducing appetite. Decreased appetite and calorie intake thus support weight loss. One scientific study found that taking up to 10.2 g of psyllium before breakfast and lunch led to significant reductions in hunger, desire to eat, and increased fullness between meals compared to a placebo.
Sources: https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20727237 , http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306437
**This article has been written by team Nutri Activania**
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Avni Kaul is a leading Dietitian & Nutritionist in Delhi NCR and the Founder of Nutri Activania. She holds a Master's Degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Delhi and is a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and the International Diabetes Federation.
Her extensive experience includes serving as a Leicester Mamma's Ambassador, trained in Lactation Counselling with the NHS, United Kingdom.
Ms. Kaul specializes in key areas such as Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices, Pre- and Post-natal Diets, Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, and Holistic Health and Nutrition.
Nutri Activania, founded by Avni Kaul, a leading Dietitian & Nutritionist in Delhi & NCR. Offers personalized, science-based nutrition guidance for holistic health, wellness, fat loss, and nutrition.