Flea seed shells are said to be particularly suitable for natural intestinal cleansing and can even help with weight loss. Read here what an expert advises about the application, intake and dosage.
What are psyllium husks?
Don’t worry, contrary to its name, psyllium husks have nothing to do with the little hopping parasites. These are the seeds of a plant called Plantago ovata, which belongs to the plantain family. Known in this country from this genus are, for example, the buckhorn or the broadleaf plantain. Plantago ovata, also known as psyllium or ispaghula, grows mainly in Pakistan and India. «Indian psyllium husks» are therefore often offered for sale in the trade. The seeds themselves are small, oval and black, while the shells are more white to yellowish and are reminiscent of delicate/fine oatmeal. They have no special taste of their own, but taste relatively neutral.
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How do psyllium husks affect health?
diarrhea and constipation
Flea seed husks are said to help primarily against digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea. This is due to the seeds’ strong water-binding capacity, explains nutrition expert Sabine Hülsmann, specialist advisor for food and nutrition at the Bavarian Consumer Advice Centre. “The shell of psyllium contains about 85 percent soluble mucus-forming dietary fiber. Soaked in water, the seeds absorb many times their own weight in liquid. A gel-like mass forms when it swells. It makes the stool more slippery, stimulates the intestines and promotes the intestinal flora,» says expert Hülsmann, describing the effect on the body. That is also scientifically proven. Studies have observed a significant increase in the amount of stool and favorable effects on stool frequency and stool consistency.
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Lose weight with flea seed shells
But even in the course of a diet, many swear by the intake of psyllium husks. According to the nutrition expert, they can actually have an effect on the feeling of hunger or satiety. “Because of the high fiber content, they fill you up longer and carbohydrates are absorbed into the blood more slowly. This means that so-called blood sugar spikes do not occur so quickly. In addition, the short-chain fatty acids produced during bacterial breakdown in the intestine promote glucose utilization in the liver, reduce the release of fatty acids and improve insulin metabolism,» she explains. According to Sabine Hülsmann, positive effects on fat and cholesterol metabolism have also been demonstrated in human trials.
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However, this effect is the case with all foods with a high fiber content, such as whole grain products. According to the expert, in the end it always comes down to eating habits as a whole: «Psyllium husks can help you lose weight, but usually only in connection with a restriction of the total calorie intake».
Flea seeds and psyllium husks – that’s the difference
In addition to psyllium husks, you can also buy whole psyllium, but what’s the difference? “As the name suggests, psyllium is the whole seed. The seed shells can be separated from these. The shells are offered and used most frequently because the soluble dietary fibers are mainly found there,” explains nutrition expert Sabine Hülsmann. The whole seeds, on the other hand, would often pass through the digestive tract unchanged, so that they could not develop their swelling effect properly.
Proper use, intake and dosage
The uses for psyllium husks are versatile. According to nutritional expert Sabine Hülsmann, people who want to take flea seeds because of constipation should definitely soak them in water first (1-2 teaspoons for a few minutes in about 100ml of water). «You can then eat them, for example, pure or mixed with water, juice or yoghurt,» she continues. What you should definitely pay attention to is drinking enough liquid. It is best to drink one or two glasses of water immediately after taking it, otherwise unsightly side effects could occur. «Due to the high swelling capacity, sufficient liquid must always be consumed, otherwise serious blockages in the esophagus or intestines can occur,» warns the expert.
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According to Sabine Hülsmann, however, it is important to dose it carefully at the beginning and to increase the amount slowly, otherwise you could get flatulence. In principle, she advises that a doctor should be consulted in the event of longer-lasting symptoms.
The dosage recommendation of the nutrition expert: «You should not eat more than two to six teaspoons (10 to 30 grams) of psyllium per day».
When is it better not to take psyllium husks?
In some situations, however, according to the expert, it is not advisable to take psyllium husks at all. It is better not to consume them if you have an intestinal obstruction, narrowing of the esophagus or the gastrointestinal tract, difficulty swallowing or acute inflammation of the esophagus, stomach or intestines, or at least consult your doctor beforehand. “Even if you are not allowed to drink excessive amounts due to certain heart or kidney diseases, you should speak to your doctor beforehand,” advises Sabine Hülsmann.
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Some people would also have an allergic reaction to psyllium, which manifests itself with the typical symptoms of a food allergy, such as gastrointestinal problems, but also itching or skin rashes.
When buying psyllium husks, pay attention to organic quality
Flea seed husks can be bought in health food stores, organic markets, selected drugstores and supermarkets, as well as on the Internet. They are available whole, ground or in capsule form. Depending on the size of the pack, you should expect the price to be between 5 and 15 euros. When buying, the nutrition expert advises: «Since flea seeds have usually traveled far, one of the main growing countries is India, you should always pay attention to organic quality».