Health Benefits of Fenugreek
The health benefits of
fenugreek include relief from anemia, loss of taste, fever, dandruff, stomach
disorders, biliousness, respiratory disorders, mouth ulcers, sore throat,
diabetes, inflammations, wounds and insomnia. It is beneficial post pregnancy in
lactation and helps in improving digestion, as well as in various hair care
applications. It is also shown to reduce cholesterol levels and protect heart
health, while simultaneously boosting the immune system and protecting you
against flu and various infections.
Fenugreek is an annual plant that is also known
as methi in many places of the world. It is native to the Middle and Near East,
and is widely used on the Indian subcontinent. It has small round leaves that
can be dried, as well as seeds. There is even evidence that the ancient
Egyptians understood the benefits of fenugreek, since fenugreek seeds have been
found in tombs, particularly of Tutankhamen.
This plant is grown in
countries across the globe, but the majority is cultivated and consumed in
India. Fenugreek is interesting, because it can be used for three distinct
purposes. The leaves can be dried and used as herbs, the seeds can be ground
into a spice, and the plant matter itself can be used as a vegetable, like
sprouts and microgreens. This makes fenugreek so important, because there are
healthy attributes in all of those plant parts that can boost your health!
Most of the health
benefits of fenugreek are due to the presence of saponins and fiber that it
contains. Fenugreek is also used for herbal healing. Its seeds contain a
gumming substance called mucilage and when mixed with water, mucilage expands
and becomes a gelatinous salve for irritated tissues.
It is a member of the
bean family and its scientific family name is Fabaceae. These health benefits are due
to the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in this powerful plant.
Nutritional
Value of Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains a
wide variety of beneficial nutrients, including iron, magnesium, manganese, and
copper, as well as vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber. Fenugreek also
contains a number of powerful phytonutrients, including choline, trigonelline, yamogenin,
gitogenin, diosgenin, tigogenin and neotigogens.
The health benefits of fenugreek are explained in greater
detail below.
Good for Breast Feeding Mothers: India’s traditional ayurvedic physicians
prescribe fenugreek to nursing mothers. This benefit is attributed to
the presence of diosgenin in fenugreek. This can help increase the amount of
milk that is produced by the breasts, and the magnesium and vitamin content of
fenugreek also help the milk’s quality to keep your infant healthy.
Reduces Menstrual Discomfort: Fenugreek is considered as a potent substance that eases the
process of menstruation and relieves the associated symptoms. It is an emmenagogue, which means that it can open up
obstructed menses to make the most feminine of processes work smoothly and
comfortably.
Minimizes Symptoms of Menopause: Fenugreek contains the chemicals diosgenin and estrogenic
isoflavones, which are similar to the female sex hormone, estrogen. Loss of
estrogen causes menopausal symptoms. So, eating fenugreek helps to reduce menopausal symptoms like mood swings, depression,
cramps, and abnormal hunger pangs. Fenugreek helps to monitor a number of other
hormones as well, keeping many other bodily processes in line as well.
Reduces Cholesterol: Research studies show
that fenugreek consumption helps to reduce cholesterol level. Fenugreek helps to reduce the level of low
density Lipoprotein (LDL) significantly, which can prevent various conditions
like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Fenugreek is a rich source of
fiber, which scrapes excess cholesterol off of the arteries and blood vessels of
the body. By reducing cholesterol content in the bloodstream, you reduce the
chances of clots forming or becoming stuck in the vessels.
Reduces Cardiovascular Risk: Fenugreek seeds contain 25% galactomannan.
This is a type of natural soluble fiber which specifically relates to a
reduction in cardiovascular disease.
Controls Diabetes: Fenugreek helps to alleviatetype II diabetes. According to one study, it may also help people
with Type I diabetes. Studies done by Indian researchers revealed that
fenugreek added to type I diabetic patients’ diets helped to drop urinary sugar
level by 54%. Because of the presence of the natural fiber galactomannan,
fenugreek slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into bloodstream. A
certain amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) in fenugreek induces the production of
insulin so therefore, 15-20 grams of fenugreek is recommended for controlling
blood sugar on a daily basis. By slowly releasing insulin to the body rather
than in massive chunks, overall bodily function is improved, and the plunges
and peaks of blood sugar won’t be an issue for diabetic patients.
Relieves constipation: Fenugreek adds bulk to
the stool due to its high fiber content. This also makes it helpful in treating constipation and diarrhea, while also relieving minor indigestion.
Good for Kidney Trouble: Traditional Chinese
medicine recommends fenugreek for patients suffering from various kidney conditions.
Prevents Colon Cancer: Fenugreek possesses anti-carcinogenic potential. The steroid
diosgenin in Fenugreek has been specifically linked to colon cancer prevention.
Furthermore, the various non-starch polysaccharides like saponins,
hemicellulose, mucilage, tannin, and pectin, lower cholesterol levels and
inhibit bile salts from being reabsorbed by the colon. This can bind to the
toxins and protect the colon’s mucus membrane, which can reduce colorectal cancer
and other conditions that can negatively affect the colon.
Appetite Suppressant: The natural soluble fiber galactomannan can swell in the stomach
and thus suppress appetite by making you feel full.
Fenugreek is also used
to treat wounds, inflammation and gastrointestinal ailments. Fenugreek helps in
battling free radicals due to its antioxidant capacity. According to ayurvedic
and Chinese medicine, fenugreek can be used for inducing labor and aiding
digestion. It is also good at improving the body’s overall metabolism and
health. Irritated skin conditions can even be soothed by the external
application of fenugreek. Furthermore, fenugreek is used for fevers and muscle
aches.
Fenugreek is considered
to be a safe, herbal food. It is used as a spice in many cultures and tastes
oddly of bitter celery and maple syrup.
A Word of Warning: The only side effect
seen in people taking high doses of fenugreek is mild gastrointestinal
distress. Fenugreek is not recommended during pregnancy because it may lead to
miscarriage due to its strong effect on the female reproductive system.
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