Isabgol Benefits for Female: Way to Natural Health

Demanding modern times requires extra effort in respect of health as well. Though women indeed tend to live longer than men, it is also equally true that they spend most of their time in a poor state of health. If the report of the World Economic Forum and McKinsey Health Institute is to be believed then women spend 25% more of their lives in debilitating health than men. It is time for women to wake up regarding their health needs. We are blessed to have many natural alternatives available in the form of herbs that can provide numerous benefits. Isabgol is one such herb that has been trusted for centuries for well-being. Though isabgol benefits everyone, it has some specific advantages for women. Let us see some isabgol benefits for females.

Also Read – Benefits of Amla Murabba for Female: Wonders of Wonder Fruit

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What is Isabgol?

Isabgol, or psyllium husk, is a natural substance used in households for constipation or other digestive issues.

It is made from the outer layer of the seeds of a plant called Plantago ovata.

This outer layer, which is thin and fibrous, is carefully separated from the seeds to create isabgol.

It is equally beneficial for many non-digestive problems.

Isabgol is rich in fiber and mucilage.

Mucilage is a colorless gelling agent that can expand to 40 times its weight when soaked in water.

India is the leading producer (98%) and supplier of Isabgol.

Due to its medicinal benefits, isabgol is widely used in allopathic, Unani, and Ayurvedic medicine systems.

Nutritional Value of Isabgol

Isabgol is rich in fiber. It has 30- 70% of insoluble and soluble fibers.

100 gm isabgol contain:

• Protein: 5 gm
• Fat: 6 gm
• Saturated fats: 2.5 gm
• Total Carbohydrates: 75 gm
• Sugar: 30 gm
• Iron: 50 mg
• Calcium: 2 mg

(source: Agri Articles)

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Isabgol Health Benefits

Isabgol is beneficial for everyone. Some of its common benefits include:

• Removal of toxins from the body;
• Cures acidity by adding a protective line to the stomach;
• Promotes the growth of healthy bacteria;
• Supports heart health;
• Regulates sugar levels in diabetics;
• Reduces bleeding associated with piles;
• Regulates cholesterol levels;
• Lowers blood pressure levels

Isabgol Benefits for Female

Fiber is crucial to maintaining our health.

A diet high in fiber is associated with a lower risk of developing various chronic diseases such as metabolic diseases.

Isabgol being high in fiber has specific benefits for female health.

Isabgol Benefits for Female in Pregnancy

Constipation is a common problem that females face during pregnancy.

The estimate is that around 11% to 38% of women face constipation problems.

The problem may persist even after increasing dietary fibers and fluids.

Bulk-forming agents like isabgol help relieve constipation by absorbing water and forming a soft, bulky stool that is easier to pass.

Isabgol is not absorbed in the body, that is, it stays in the digestive system and does not enter the bloodstream.

This makes isabgol safe to take during pregnancy as it does not cause birth defects or harm during the pregnancy.

It can be taken for a long period during pregnancy.

However, isabgol may not work for everyone and may cause side effects such as gas, bloating, or cramping.

Also, isabgol is a laxative and should not be consumed with a very high-fiber diet as it may lead to loose motions.

Always consult your gynecologist before including isabgol in your diet.

Also Read – Ajwain Water During Pregnancy: Expecting Moms’ Wellness

Isabgol Benefits for Female Fertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances are common causes of infertility in women.

No studies have established the direct benefit of isabgol in managing hormonal balances in females.

However, it may indirectly contribute to a balanced hormonal environment.

The gut helps control hormone levels in the body, especially by getting rid of excess estrogen.

Isabgol promotes healthy bacteria in the gut which helps the body remove extra estrogen more efficiently.

This is especially important for females dealing with PCOS, where hormone balance is crucial.

Females dealing with the problem of PCOS or infertility must include isabgol as a part of their high-fiber diet to get the benefits of alleviating the associated symptoms of PCOS or hormonal imbalances.

Isabgol Benefits for Female for Weight Loss

Data shows that women are more susceptible (40%) to obesity than men (35%).

Obesity deeply affects various aspects of a woman’s life including emotional and psychological stigma, PCOS, infertility, hormonal changes, and many chronic diseases.

Isabgol is rich in fiber and helps in weight loss.

As per research, isabgol causes satiety, and reduces hunger, and the urge to eat frequently.

Women aiming to lose weight should consider adding isabgol to their diets, as it helps promote a feeling of fullness for longer periods.

By reducing constant snacking habits, isabgol helps reduce the overall calorie intake and weight loss.

However, isabgol is just a supplemented form of medication and should not be considered as an alternative for proper medical treatment for such problems.

Isabgol Benefits for Female Periods

Menstruation is the period when females experience hormonal changes that can lead to bloating, weight gain, cramps, constipation, gassiness, etc.

Isabgol is a laxative.

It comforts females during periods by softening stool and promoting regular bowel movements.

Isabgol can help females during their monthly cycle by improving digestion and reducing the symptoms caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Isabgol Benefits for Female Skin

Your stomach and skin are closely connected.

The accumulation of toxins in the gut will reflect on the skin in the form of acne, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, etc.

Isabgol regulates proper digestion by eliminating toxins and developing good bacteria in the gut.

It possesses prebiotic properties that help grow gut-supporting healthy bacteria and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are good for digestive health.

Eliminating toxins, regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive system make your skin clear, healthy, and shiny.

Isabgol benefits for female skin include:

• Reduces acne and pimples;
• Opens up the pores of the skin;
• Reduces inflammation;
• Supports hydration;
• Prevents whiteheads and blackheads;

Also Read – त्रिफला चूर्ण का फायदा for Skin: लोग भी पूछेंगे दमकती त्वचा का राज़

Isabgol benefits for Female Hair

Hair problems are common with females as well.

Hair loss, hair thinning, dandruff, and other hair-related troubles are rising among them.

Stress and depleted energy levels are to blame the most.

A healthy gut is important for hair health.

If your digestion system is working well, it will help in better absorption of nutrients.

This ultimately reflects positively on hair health as well.

Isabgol Benefits for Female Immunity

A healthy immune system is important for everyone but for females, it becomes all the more crucial because of factors like pregnancy, sex hormones, and X chromosome.

Digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can impact the immune system.

The build-up of toxins and inflammation can compromise the immunity.

This can make the body more susceptible to various infections.

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The prebiotic properties of isabgol promote healthy bacteria in the stomach, keeping your gut happy.

Proper assimilation of nutrients in the body due to a better digestion system promotes a healthy immune system.

Isabgol Benefits for Diabetics

According to the available data, diabetes in women aged 20-79 years was slightly lower (10.2%) than men (10.8%).

Isabgol contains soluble fiber that can help control blood sugar levels.

This is especially beneficial for females dealing with insulin resistance, gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy), and other metabolic disorders.

It slows down carbohydrate absorption in the body, preventing a sharp spike in blood sugar levels after meals.

Isabgol can also improve the body’s response to insulin in the long run, reducing long-term health issues.

For women looking to manage blood sugar levels, adding isabgol to their diet will prove beneficial.

Isabgol Benefits for Heart Health

If we believe the data, women are more prone to cardiovascular diseases than men.

Since Isabgol is rich in fiber, people consider it beneficial for heart health.

It reduces the risk of developing heart conditions.

According to a study, eating 5-10 grams of soluble fiber daily reduces 5-10 points of cholesterol level.

Isabgol breaks down and absorbs bad cholesterol in the body.

This prevents harmful LDL cholesterol from staying in the bloodstream.

By lowering the overall bad cholesterol, isabgol balances the cholesterol level.

Less bad cholesterol levels help protect from heart conditions.

Precautions to Be Taken with Isabgol

Females must consider the following warning signs or precautionary measures while using isabgol:

• If you experience a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks, unexplained rectal bleeding, or are unable to have bowel movements after using isabgol, stop taking isabgol immediately.
• Avoid using isabgol if you have narrow areas in your digestive tract, diseases of the esophagus (food pipe), or intestinal blockage.
• Do not take isabgol if you have any condition that affects your intestines.
• If you have diabetes that is hard to control, avoid taking isabgol.
• If you are allergic to isabgol, avoid its consumption.
• If you have fecal impaction (hardened stool) or unexplained abdominal symptoms like pain, nausea, or vomiting, consult a doctor before taking isabgol. These could be the signs of intestinal blockage.
• Always take isabgol with at least 150 ml of water or another liquid. Not taking isabgol with enough fluid can swell in your throat causing a blockage.
• Drinking enough water with isabgol is highly advisable to prevent intestinal blockage.
• People with throat issues or trouble swallowing must avoid taking isabgol.
• If you experience chest pain, vomiting, trouble breathing, or swallowing after taking isabgol, immediately seek medical attention.
• Weak or older people must take isabgol under the proper supervision of a doctor.

Also Read: महिला के लिए अखरोट लाभ

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Takeaway Message

Ayurveda has long acclaimed Isabgol for its digestion-soothing properties.

According to Ayurveda, isabgol possesses Snigddha (helps in easy passage of stool), and Anuloman (mild laxative) properties.

However, isabgol benefits for female goes beyond just taking care of their digestion system.

It helps balance their hormones, care for their skin, hair, and heart, manage weight issues, etc.

Including isabgol in their wholesome diet will benefit females’ overall wellness.

However, females must consult a healthcare professional before incorporating isabgol into their diet.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer’s opinions and should not be considered a substitute for an expert’s advice.

Readings & References

• https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/10/women-health-gap-healthcare-gender/#:~:text=Women%20spend%2025%25%20more%20of,certain%20conditions%20compared%20to%20men.
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8387912/
• https://ijneronline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=International%20Journal%20of%20Nursing%20Education%20and%20Research;PID=2024-12-2-15
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38111508_Isabgol_Husk_A_Herbal_Remedy_for_Human_Health
• https://agriarticles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/E-02-03-35-130-131.pdf
• https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Isabgol
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092422441830791X
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3418980/
• https://laxmisatisabgol.com/blogs/articles/benefits-of-isabgol-for-female-health
• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/women
• https://traya.health/blogs/hair-care/female-hair-loss-statistics#:~:text=60.8%25%20of%20women%20complained%20of,also%20face%20the%20same%20issue.&text=The%20study%20also%20identified%20an,the%20ages%20of%2018%2D25.
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3193686/#:~:text=%5B17%5D%20According%20to%20Ayurveda%2C,as%20Rechan%20(moderate%20laxative).