Psyllium (also known as hay seeds) are seeds from the plant Plantago afra. The plant is an annual herb with narrow leaves. The flowers look similar to ribwort plantain. The name "psyllium" has nothing to do with fleas or flea seeds. The seeds of the plant are called psyllium because the shape of the smooth seeds is similar to fleas. Psyllium is a small, oval seed that is rich in fiber. Psyllium mainly contains soluble fiber, particularly mucilage, which forms a gel-like substance. This gel-like substance is formed when the psyllium comes into contact with water.
Use of psyllium
Psyllium seeds are consumed in different ways. They are often processed into powder or capsules. However, psyllium seeds are also used in baked goods, muesli and smoothies to increase the fiber content of food. Ideally, 1-3 heaped teaspoons of psyllium seeds are allowed to soak in half a cup of cold water for a few minutes. The psyllium seed mixture can be mixed with 1-2 cups of water and drunk in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening. When consuming psyllium, it is important to drink enough liquid, as psyllium binds water even in the stomach.
Ingredients: psyllium
Storage: Psyllium seeds should be stored dry and ideally airtight.
