Psyllium Husk: Ispaghula Powder Health Benefits and Side Effects.

Psyllium is a natural dietary fiber derived from the husks of a plant called Plantago ovata. It is a popular ingredient in many health supplements, including fiber supplements. It is a great source of dietary fiber, providing both soluble and insoluble fiber that can help to support digestion, intestinal health, and even weight loss. Read on to learn more about the many benefits for overall health. Psyllium can also help to support weight loss. Studies have found that a daily dose of this powder can help to reduce body weight and waist circumference. This is because it increases stool bulk, which helps to reduce appetite, and it helps to reduce the absorption of fat from food.

Psyllium Husk Nutritional Value and Calories Chart

Psyllium is a great source of dietary fiber, providing both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps to slow digestion and reduce appetite, while insoluble fiber helps to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. It is also a great source of other vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron. It can help to support digestion and intestinal health by helping to increase stool bulk, reduce the absorption of cholesterol, and promote regular bowel movements. Psyllium can also help to prevent constipation, which can lead to a range of health problems, including abdominal discomfort and bloating. Nutritional value per 100 g Psyllium Husk: 

• Calories:  37 
• Total Fat: 0 g 
• Saturated Fat: 0 g 
• Cholesterol: 0 mg 
• Sodium: 0 mg 
• Total Carbohydrate: 8 g 
• Dietary Fiber: 7 g 
• Sugars: 0 g 
• Protein: 1 g 
• Vitamin A: 0% 
• Vitamin C: 0% 
• Calcium: 0% 
• Iron: 2%

Psyllium Husk in India

It is a good source of fiber. Add psyllium husks to your juices for fiber. Excellent colon cleanser, cleans out compacted pockets on the colon. Isabgol is probably a good home remedy for constipation. lt has natural bulk and helps keep the intestinal tract moving along with regularity. It creates bulk and relieves auto-intoxication.

• Scientific Binomial: Plantago ovata / Plantago Ovata Husk / Plantago Ispaghula
• Common English: Ispaghula / Spogel seeds / Blond Psyllium / Psyllium Husk
• Ayurvedic: Ashvagola / Ashwakarna
• Unani: Aspaghol
• Sanskrit: Sniigdhbijam
• Hindi / Urdu: Isabgol
• Bengali: Eshopgol
• Marathi: Isabgola
• Telugu: Isapgola vitulu
• Tamil: Isapppa / Iskolvirai
• Gujarati
• Kannada: Isafgolu / Visamagolu
• Malayalam: Karkatasringi
• Oriya
• Punjabi / Sindhi
• Assamese
• Kashmiri
• Konkani
• Manipuri
• Dogri
• Bhojpuri

Home Remedies

• Laxative: Psyllium is a good fiber supplement and has been shown to reduce the pain and the bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. It also reduces pressure on the rectal blood vessels in case of hemorrhoids and anal fissure. If you can’t seem to get enough soluble fiber in your diet, take a daily supplement of psyllium, the main ingredient in dietary fiber supplements. Unlike chemical laxatives, psyllium is safe to take long-term. Follow the label for dosage directions. Glucomannan is water soluble dietary fiber present in the psyllium seeds is considered as bulk forming laxative. 10 to 30 gm of psyllium seeds everyday is the excellent source of fiber that makes stool more solid and helps to resolve the problem of non-infectious diarrhea.
• Reduces LDL Cholesterol: Psyllium also help lower cholesterol by binding with bile acids in the digestive system, which are then eliminated through the bowel. Take 5 to 7 grams daily, along with 10 ounces of water. Psyllium has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and taking about 10 grams a day for eight weeks can reduce LDL by 7%. Try to include ispaghula husk in diet through smoothies and other beverage recipes as it is fiber-rich husks, when mixed with water, form a gel that binds cholesterol in the intestine, thereby reducing its absorption into the blood. It also increases the elimination of cholesterol from the body. Organice psyllium seed and other herbs such as guggul and fenugreek reduces cholesterol and other lipis levels in the blood known risk factors for hardened arteries.
• Diabetes: Taking 1 teaspoon, about 2 g psyllium seeds in a bit of water three times daily. Carbohydrates are slowed by the psyllium from being absorbed and thus your blood sugar is controlled to some degree.
• Diarrhea: In the treatment of diarrhea, increase daily fiber intake by taking 1 teaspoon of psyllium husk in 8 ounces of apple juice. Fiber has an absorbent effect when excess fluid is present. Another good treatment for diarrhea is also a remedy for the opposite problem – constipation. Ground-up psyllium seeds soak up excess fluid in the intestine, making the stool bulkier. They are the key ingredient in many natural-fiber products. Take one to three tablespoons mixed in water each day. OR at bedtime, take 1 teaspoon sat isabgol mixed into a cup of fresh yogurt. That will absorb pitta and bind the stool, helping to correct the diarrhea. Be sure the yogurt is freshly made, not old. Psyllium can dilute digestive enzymes and is best taken between meals, especially before bed or first thing upon rising, rather than with food.
• Constipation: Take 1 teaspoon or 5 grams of psyllium husks twice daily or as directed on the container. Take it with 10 ounces of water. Psyllium acts as a bulk-forming laxative. It is necessary to relieve constipation as frequent constipation may lead into hemorrhoids along with other serious health issues. OR Mix one to two teaspoons psyllium seeds into a cup of hot water. Let it sit for two hours, add lemon and honey to taste, then drink. Psyllium adds bulk to stool and is the main ingredient in many over the counter bulk-forming laxatives. You’ll find the seeds in most drugstores and health-food stores. Sat isabgol is the best remedy for constipation during pregnancy. Take 1 teaspoon with a glass of warm milk.

Overall, psyllium is a great source of dietary fiber that can help to support digestion, intestinal health, and even weight loss. It can also help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, making it an excellent choice for people looking to improve their overall health.

Side Effects and Precautions

Psyllium should be taken two to three hours away from any medications or supplements, as it may hinder absorption. Talk to your doctor before taking this fiber supplement, especially if you have difficulty swallowing or have serious intestinal disorders such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, bowel obstruction, or if you are taking insulin (for diabetes) or any other medications. Psyllium should always be taken with water. May cause bloating or constipation.