8 Amazing benefits of fenugreek
The plant fenugreek has a huge medicinal value for giving the nutrition for lactating mothers; the extracts are used for preparing and enhancing milk production in women. Fenugreek (trigonella foenum graecum) is an annual herb characterized by white flowers and hard, yellowish-brown in color. Traditionally, fenugreeks have been found used to cure digestive problems and to improve breast milk secretion in nursing mothers.
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Table of contents
- Importance of fenugreek
- Active constituents of fenugreek
- Proven benefits fenugreek
- Supplements and dosage of fenugreek
- Side effects of fenugreek
- Summary
Importance of fenugreek
Fenugreek can increase the erythrocyte insulin receptors and peripheral glucose utilization showing improved pancreatic functions. Also, fenugreek exhibits important pharmacological properties such as antitumor, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive and antioxidant properties. The powder or germinated form of fenugreek seeds exhibited anti-diabetic properties, hypo-cholesterolemic effect, anticancer effect, thyroxin-induced hyper-glycaemic effect and protective effect on ethanol toxicity. From ancient times, medicinal herbs have been traditionally used as “galactagogues” to improve breast milk production. What is “galactagogue”? a food substance or drug that is used to increase human milk supply is called galactogogues. Galactogogues are synthetic or plant molecules used to induce, maintain, and increase milk production which mediates complex processes involving interaction between physical and physiological factors. The plant fenugreek has phytoestrogens and diosgenin of fenugreek increase the milk flow.
Active constituents of fenugreek
Fenugreek contains many essential nutrients, and this helps make it a strong antioxidant. Fenugreek also includes diosgenin, coumarin, hydroxy-isoluceine and luceine, steroidal sapponins, tyrosine, protein, b-complex vitamins including folate, lecithin, choline, inositol, biotin, iron, soluble and insoluble fiber and small amounts of vitamin c and beta carotene.
Health benefits of fenugreek
- Help control diabetes
People with diabetes are often recommended to include fenugreek seeds in their diet because of the positive effects they can have on their health. Studies conducted on the effect of fenugreek seeds on type 2 diabetes have produced favorable results. It was found that fenugreek seeds help control blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance.
- Improve breast milk production
Fenugreek seeds have been used by women to increase their breast milk production across Asia. The herb contains phytoestrogen that boosts milk production in lactating mothers. Drinking fenugreek tea seems to increase the supply of breast milk in mothers, which promotes weight gain in infants.
- Alleviate menstrual cramps
Fenugreek seeds can also help in reducing the pain of menstrual cramps as well as other symptoms associated with menstruation. Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which is why studies sought to investigate the effect they might have on the pain caused by menstruation. It was found that fenugreek seed powder substantially reduced the pain and symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and nausea.
- Prevent heart attacks
Fenugreek seeds have a significant effect on cardiovascular health. It protects the heart from serious damage during a heart attack. Heart attacks are a major cause of death, and they occur when an artery leading to the heart gets clogged. Fenugreek seeds prevent further damage to the heart and counteract the oxidative stress that occurs during a heart attack.
- Reduce cholesterol
Studies have proven that fenugreek seeds help to lower the cholesterol level, especially the ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDL in our body. Fenugreek seeds have a flavonoid named naringenin that lowers the lipid levels in those with high cholesterol.
- Aid digestion
For those suffering from stomach ailments, fenugreek can be a boon. It is an effective treatment for gastritis and indigestion. It aids in preventing constipation as well as digestive problems created by stomach ulcers. This is because it is a natural digestive tonic, and its lubricating properties help soothe your stomach and intestines.
- Help in weight loss
If you want to lose weight, adding fenugreek seeds to your diet is a must. Fenugreek seeds help in preventing the accumulation of fat and improve the metabolism of lipids and glucose that help in weight loss.
- Protect liver
Your liver cleanses your body of toxins. An injury to the liver can have a serious impact on your health. One of the main causes of decreased liver function is excessive alcohol intake, and studies have shown that fenugreek seeds are very effective in controlling the impact of alcohol on your liver. Fenugreek seeds protect the liver from alcohol toxicity. Excessive alcohol intake can cause chronic liver damage. Fenugreek seeds contain polyphenolic compounds that help in reduce liver damage and help metabolize the alcohol.
Supplements and dosage of fenugreek
- Supplements
Fenugreek is an herb that has many benefits for your health and well-being. It has played a key role in alternative medicine for thousands of years. These days, it's often consumed as a supplement. Fenugreek may also be used for testosterone levels, blood sugar, breastfeeding and more. Fenugreek (trigonelline foenum-graecum l) appears to be the herb that is most often used to increase milk supply. It has been published as an excellent galactagogue for some mothers, and has been used as such for centuries. There are different formulation and dosage forms of fenugreek like tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, etc (nature’s velvet fenugreek capsules is one of the examples).
- Dosage
Fenugreek can be consumed as a capsule or brewed into a tea, or the seeds can be ground up and added to food or bread. A dose of 500 to 600 mg fenugreek capsules per day is recommended. As with any herbal supplement, you should check with your doctor to determine the right amount for you.
Side effects of fenugreek
Fenugreek is possibly safe for people when taken by mouth in amounts normally found in foods and also used for medicinal purposes (amounts larger than normally found in food) for up to 6 months. The normal side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, and a "maple syrup" odor in urine. Fenugreek may cause nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, facial swelling, and severe allergic reactions in hypersensitive people. It might also lower blood sugar.
Summary
Fenugreek is an extremely interesting and versatile herb. Fenugreek has many benefits which include lowering of blood sugar levels, boosting testosterone and increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Fenugreek may also aid in decreasing the cholesterol levels, lowering inflammation and appetite control, but more research is needed in these areas. Fenugreek is included as an ingredient in our foods as a spice blend. It is also used as a flavoring agent in imitation maple syrup, foods, and beverages. Overall, fenugreek supplements are a great and simple way to boost your intake of require amount of nutrients if you struggle to get enough from your diet.
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Reference
- healthline.com
- webmd.com
- stylecraze.com
- nutrition-and-you.com
- blog.prepscholar.com
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- Rakesh Gupta
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