What Is Fenugreek Good For?

Fenugreek belongs to the plant family “Fabaceae”‌. It is available and used both as an herb (the leaves of the plant) and as spice (the seed). It is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. It is frequently used in curry and is a very famous Indian leafy vegetable which resembles clover leaves. It has a very light bitter taste (which might require getting used to) and has a spicy taste to it.

Nutritional Benefits of Fenugreek

Fenugreek provides around 50 calories of energy for 100 gram of its intake. It provides carbohydrates, dietary fibre, fats and minerals like iron, calcium and phosphorous.

Health Benefits of Fenugreek

Prevents Diabetes

Fenugreek is one of the healthiest foods that a diabetic person can consume. It has been found to lower the blood sugar level in the body and increase the tolerance of glucose. It is high in dietary fibre like Galactomannan which slows down the absorption of sugar in the blood.  Consumption of overnight soaked fenugreek water in the morning reduces the sugar level in the blood. 4-hydroxy isoleucine is found in fenugreek which increases the insulin secretion in the pancreas and lowers the absorption of glucose.

Improves Digestion

Fenugreek lowers Cholesterol Level

Fenugreek seeds help in lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood and increases HDL in the body. They help in lowering triglycerides and cholesterol. It increases the production of bile acids. Liver utilises cholesterol for the production of bile acids and subsequently reduces cholesterol. Galactomannan and saponin also aids in the absorption of cholesterol.

Fenugreek for Weight Loss

Protects Skin

Fenugreek is anti-inflammatory. It is used to cure boils, burn and eczema. It can be used as a natural scrub and can exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and making the skin healthy and shiny.  Grounded fenugreek seeds along with water can be directly applied on to the pimple and acne marks to heal and remove them. Fenugreek along with milk is used to make the skin soft. It also helps in protecting against harmful sun radiations.

Fenugreek nourishes Hair

Fenugreek seeds are helpful in making hair growth healthy. Coconut oil along with fenugreek seeds helps in preventing hair loss and makes them lustrous. Fenugreek seeds are a good source of protein and nicotinic acid which helps in reducing baldness and hair thinning. Paste of fenugreek leaves when applied helps in reducing dandruff and acts as a conditioner.

Home Remedy for Fever

The Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness. Therefore, to treat a fever, simply consume one to two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea (such as green tea) with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice.

Remedy to Aid Milk Production in Lactating Women

Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating women. Research has even shown that milk production can increase by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this herb. Although it is not known why this happens, researchers speculate that the oil contained in fenugreek seeds plays a role. Therefore, a recommended remedy to increase milk flow is to consume one capsule of fenugreek seed (at least 500mg) three times a day.

Minimize symptoms of menopause

Fenugreek contains a substance called diosgenin which acts similar to estrogen. It helps in reducing menopause symptoms and reduces anxiety, dizziness and insomnia.

What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?

While Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side-effects. Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea). Also, when using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes.

Sources:

chefinyou.com

foodtofitness.com

homeremediesweb.com

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