Flea seeds are the seeds of the Plantago ovata. It is mainly grown in India and Pakistan. Fleas are used as food and as a remedy. They function as an intestinal regulator and promote the formation of gut-friendly bacteria. They are also used as swelling agents against obesity.
Occurrence & cultivation of flea seeds
The seeds are about 2 mm in size. Their special effect is due to the highly soluble swelling substances in them. The seeds of those to be classified under the genus of the plantain Plantago ovata are often harvested under the name Indian Flea seeds as a remedy to distribute. The Plantago ovata is a well-known medicinal plant. Its small, dark brown, dull, shiny seeds are involuntarily reminiscent of small fleas. Hence the naming.Fleas have a regulating effect on constipation or other ailments where defecation with a softer stool would be beneficial. The seeds are about 2 mm in size. Their special effect is due to the highly soluble swelling substances in them. The seeds absorb a much larger amount of fluid in the intestine than their own weight and bind it. If you drink enough, the intestinal contents can increase and become softer.
The chair's sliding ability is also significantly better. Flea seeds have also proven effective for diarrhea. They reduce too much fluid in the intestine and thus thicken the stool. Psyllium can also be used during pregnancy and will not induce habituation. They are commercially available as herbal laxatives. They also support therapy for irritable bowel syndrome.
Effect & application
The uses of psyllium are related to constipation. Furthermore, they help to form soft stools if the anus mucous membrane is torn, in the case of hemorrhoids, rectal-anal surgery or during pregnancy. They also have a therapeutic effect in the case of diarrhea or irritated bowel. Psyllium seeds are widely used very commonly used food supplements.
A medical study from 2012 showed even more far-reaching effects of the flea seeds. According to these Australian studies, positive effects of flea seeds on the metabolic syndrome were documented. Accordingly, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and a high cholesterol level or high blood lipid levels are positively influenced by the consumption of flea seeds. Flea seeds absorb sugar from the intestines more slowly.
Sugar does not get into the blood as quickly. The blood sugar level drops to a positive level. This improves the insulin response and the pancreas is relieved. In the case of insulin-dependent diabetes, the doctor must regulate the intake of psyllium, as the medication must be tailored to the individual. If there is too much cholesterol and blood fat in the blood, it can lead to deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels. These deposits pose a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fleas can lower the levels of cholesterol and blood fat because they bind them to mucilage. They are then excreted in the stool. The ingestion of psyllium has also been shown to lower blood pressure. If obesity is to be reduced, then flea seeds are the ideal support. Since they swell in the stomach, a feeling of fullness arises more quickly.
Psyllium provides low-calorie fiber that is digested very slowly and thus helps to avoid feeling hungry. The metabolism is stimulated by psyllium. Food cravings can be avoided. Psyllium is swallowed pre-swelled with water. To do this, a teaspoon full of psyllium is stirred into about 100 ml of water and pre-soaked. Then the water is drunk with the psyllium and it is also recommended to drink one or two glasses of water afterwards in order to maintain sufficient liquid.
Psyllium should not be taken with other medications. There should be a gap of at least half an hour to an hour. If there is an overdose of psyllium, gas can develop. Psyllium seeds should not be taken if there is a hypersensitivity to Plantago or if there are pathological narrowings in the gastrointestinal tract or esophagus. Furthermore, it is not advisable to take it if there is a threat or an intestinal obstruction or if there are forms of diabetes that are difficult to control (diabetes mellitus).
Importance for health, treatment & prevention
Ingesting flea seeds promotes health and fitness. They are a healthy alternative to chemically produced laxatives and are also suitable for long-term use without having a harmful effect on bowel function. The vegetable fiber in flea seeds can bind up to 50 times in water. The increase in volume of the stool stimulates bowel movement. Based on this, the bowel evacuation reflex is triggered.
The active movement of the intestine is regulated and the retention time of the absorbed water is extended. As a result, fleas also help with diarrhea. Furthermore, fleas promote the growth of bacteria that promote a healthy intestinal flora. These bacteria convert the soluble fiber into short-chain fatty acids. This inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. This lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. The soluble fiber also binds the fecal bile acid.
This promotes an increased cholesterol release. If there are inflammatory processes in the intestine, fleas may be able to heal these processes. Obesity is very dangerous for keeping the body healthy. Because of their swelling effect, psyllium can help reduce obesity. Flea seeds are easy to use. They can be easily incorporated into a daily nutrition plan. The psyllium husks are particularly effective because the proportion of mucilage is particularly high. The recommended daily dose for psyllium or psyllium husks is a maximum of 30 grams.