Everything You Need to Know About Isabgol (Psyllium Husk) for Better Health

Isabgol, also known as Psyllium Husk, is regularly consumed by many people to keep their stomachs clean. Not only does it help keep the stomach clean, but it also provides many other benefits. Including Isabgol in your regular diet can offer numerous advantages.

Isabgol in white background

What is Isabgol (Psyllium husk)?

Isabgol (Psyllium husks) is a natural fiber made from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. Psyllium husks come from bushy plants with small flowers and delicate petals. 

These plants have seed pods and grow up to one and a half to two feet tall. The fruit is two-celled, 7-8 mm long, and contains seeds that are about 3 mm long. The seeds are boat-shaped and have a slippery shell.

Isabgul, Sat Isabgol is a common name used in South Asia, particularly in India, and Psyllium Husk is the more commonly used name in Western countries.


psyllium husk nutrition Value

Here’s the nutritional value of Isabgol (Psyllium Husk) based on a 100-gram serving:

Nutrient Amount per 100g
Energy 190 kcal
Carbohydrates 89 g
Dietary Fiber 80 g
Soluble Fiber 70 g
Insoluble Fiber 10 g
Protein 2-4 g
Fat 0.6 g
Sugar 0 g
Sodium 50-70 mg
Potassium 200 mg
Calcium 60-70 mg
Iron 1.5-2 mg
Magnesium 80-100 mg

Psyllium husk (Isabgol) studio shot on white background, top view

Isabgol Benefits

Isabgol (psyllium Husks) has been trusted for centuries; Whether it’s constipation, bloating, or keeping your gut happy, Isabgol works like magic most naturally! 

Here, we share some more benefits of Isabgol(psyllium Husk).

1. Isabgol (Psyllium husk) for gut health

Isabgol is very beneficial for our gut health. It is one of the home remedies for getting rid of gastric problems. It forms a protective layer on the inner wall of the stomach. 

Due to Psyllium husks, the stomach is protected from the burn of acidity. It helps in the secretion of various stomach acids for proper digestion. 

Mix two teaspoons of this herb in a glass of cold milk and eat it to get rid of gastric problems. Eating this regularly will make it easier to get rid of gastric.

Research suggests that psyllium helps maintain bowel regularity and can relieve symptoms of gastric problems like acidity and bloating.
Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

2. Prevention of Constipation:

It is difficult to find a person who has not suffered from the problem of constipation. Due to this problem, various issues can arise in the body. 

To solve this, you can eat Psyllium husk regularly. This husk swells up after entering the stomach. As a result, it helps to expel stomach waste.

Studies confirm its effects on treating chronic constipation.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

3. Prevention of diarrhea:

Psyllium husk plays a role in preventing diarrhea. Mixing it with curd gives relief from diarrhea. Yogurt contains probiotics which help in curing stomach infections. 

Meanwhile, these liquids help to harden stools. As a result, diarrhea is cured quickly. If you have diarrhea, mix three tablespoons of curd and two teaspoons of Psyllium husk twice daily. Eating Psyllium husk will also relieve you from dysentery.

Source: Frontiers in Microbiology

4. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

For people with diabetics, Isabgol slows down the absorption of sugar, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. It’s an effective way to keep levels in check.

Research has shown that regular intake helps improve glycemic control in people with diabetes.
Source: Diabetes Care Journal

5. Good for Heart Health

By reducing cholesterol and improving digestion, Isabgol indirectly supports a healthy heart. And, it’s naturally low in fat and sugar.

Source: American Heart Association (AHA)

6. Cleanses the Colon

Isabgol works as a gentle detox for your intestines. It sweeps away toxins, keeping your gut clean and healthy.

Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology

Plantago ovata seeds in glass of water isolated. Psyllium husk, isabgol dietary fiber, ispaghula top view, scattered psyllium husk and seeds on white background, clipping path

The proper way to eat psyllium husk:

Take one glass of water and put one spoon of psyllium husk in it, then drink it sometime later. 

Alternatively, if you don’t have lactose intolerance, you can take some hot milk and put one spoonful of psyllium husk in it. Drink this, and you will see the magic in the morning. Your stomach will be clear. It would be best if you use organic psyllium husk. 

Some ways to add Isabgol (psyllium husk) to your diet are:

  • Add psyllium husk to baked goods like bread and cookies.
  • Mix psyllium husk with yogurt.
  • Eat one spoonful of psyllium husk with your morning smoothies.

Cautions For Taking Isabgol (Psyllium Husk):

  • When you regularly take this drink, you must ensure that you are consuming more water than before. This is because psyllium husk absorbs a lot of water in our stomach, which can cause constipation. Be aware of this.
  • Do not take psyllium husk before going to bed because it absorbs too much water in our system to help digestion. If you take psyllium husk before going to sleep, it may cause a blockage in the intestinal tract due to not enough water. So, don’t take this before going to bed. 
  • Stop taking psyllium husk if you have constipation for more than seven days, rectal bleeding, or stomach pain. You should consult a doctor if you have these problems.

Frequently Asked Question

How much psyllium husk per day?

Whether you consume Psyllium husk as powder or husk, several journals say between five and 10 grams. That is, from one to two teaspoons throughout the day is the recommendation, but it must be on the doctor’s advice.

Isabgol in English?

In English, Isabgol is called Psyllium Husk. sat Isabgol, Psyllium Husk and Isabgol is same things.

Who cannot take psyllium?

Psyllium is generally safe for most people, but there are a few groups who should avoid it or consult their doctor before taking it.

Leave a Reply