Isabgol

Many people know isabgol only as a drink for people suffering from constipation. Very few realize that a large number of isabgol purchasers are also people who suffer from high cholesterol. Isabgol is a fibre drink which when consumed absorbs water and swells thereby forming a bulk and facilitating easy passage of stools. It is a known fact that fibre rich diet reduces cholesterol and isabgol being a fibre drink is used to lower cholesterol. However one has to watch out as Isabgol preparations may cause flatulence in some cases.

Ideally this drink should be consumed during bed time with two full glasses of water. Mix two spoon fulls approx 3-4gm of isabgol with glass of cold water,stir it briskly and drink immediately. Consume another glass of water over it. In the market there are two types of preparation available, the original form and the flavoured one. The flavoured isabgol preparation (orange,fennel etc) offer an option to the consumer who are tired of using the normal isabgol with a bland taste. The flavoured isabgol preparations do not contain sugar but only aspartame.

There are also preparations available in the market of isabgol along with senna and other strong laxatives which is not advisable. These strong laxatives like senna makes it a habit forming product and hence it is not recommended whereas plain isbgol preparations are safe and non- habit forming. If you want to start on isabgol preparations it is best advisable to go for the plain formulation either flavoured or the normal one.