One tablespoon of fenugreek seeds contains three grams of fiber, three grams of protein, and 20% of the required daily iron intake. Fenugreek is frequently accessible in powder or seed form and can easily be incorporated into your everyday dietary routine.
What Are the Health Benefits of Fenugreek?
In both human and animal research, fenugreek has been shown to enhance greater health. Fenugreek's health advantages include lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, increasing metabolism, and assisting digestion and labor induction, to name a few.
1. Fenugreek Has the Potential to Improve Digestive Health
Studies on fenugreek have shown that it may have antiulcer effects. Those who had stomach ulcers caused by ethanol were given a fenugreek supplement. The ulcer-protective benefits of a gel extract prepared from fenugreek seeds were noteworthy.
These protective effects were linked to fenugreek's anti-secretory action as well as an increase in the stomach lining's antioxidant potential, which reduced mucus membrane injury. The fenugreek seed gel was also found to be more effective than omeprazole, a pharmaceutical medicine, at avoiding the formation of stomach lesions in this investigation.
Fenugreek has also been shown to aid with heartburn. A pilot study found that taking fenugreek for two weeks reduced heartburn symptoms in people who experienced recurrent heartburn. Fenugreek was also found to be just as effective as over-the-counter antacid medicines in the study.
Another unexpected effect connected with fenugreek has been appetite suppression. Clinical research on fenugreek has shown that it reduces hunger and fat consumption.
Fenugreek can help relieve bloating and constipation due to its high fiber content of three grams of soluble fibre per tablespoon. Its demulcent characteristics also aid to reduce digestive system irritation by producing a protective layer over the gastrointestinal membranes.
2. Fenugreek Has the Potential to Lower Blood Sugar
Non-insulin-dependent diabetics (NIDDM) had their glucose levels much lower after ingesting 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed steeped in water, according to one study. After consuming fenugreek powder, the study participants' insulin levels dropped.
In diabetics, fenugreek has also been shown to support more balanced fasting blood sugar levels. In another study, type 1 diabetics who took 50 grams of fenugreek seed powder twice a day at lunch and supper for 10 days had decreased total and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as improved blood sugar levels.
3. Fenugreek Has Cholesterol-Lowering Potential
Fenugreek has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. Patients with NIDDM and coronary artery disease who took 2.5 grams twice a day for three months saw a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides (CAD). Both postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels were considerably reduced by the same dose.
Another study discovered that Type-1 diabetics who took 50 grams of fenugreek powder twice a day for ten days had decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.
4. Fenugreek May Help with Inflammation of the Skin.
Fenugreek has long been used as a topical poultice to soothe itchy and swollen skin in many cultures. Fenugreek has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema, ulcers, and furunculosis, as well as infections of the hair follicle that lead to abscesses.
The fenugreek seed extract was found to reduce discomfort and inflammation in rats with paw oedema or swelling in recent research. Fenugreek's mucilage polysaccharides and steroidal saponins are thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
5. Fenugreek may aid in the production of breast milk.
Fenugreek could be a natural alternative to prescription medicines for mothers who struggle to produce enough breast milk to nourish their babies.
Sixty-six moms were divided into three groups. One group was given fenugreek tea, another was given a placebo, and the third was given nothing (control group). The placebo and control groups both increased the volume of pumped breast milk by 34 milliliters (ml) (1.5 ounces (oz) in the research. The fenugreek tea group had a 73 ml increase in pumped milk volume (2.47 oz).
In a separate trial, 77 moms were given 14 days to drink fenugreek seed tea. The tea improved the moms' breast milk production, allowing their babies to acquire weight faster.
6. Fenugreek May Assist in the Relief of Painful Periods
Fenugreek was used by the ancient Egyptians to treat painful periods and dysmenorrhea. Women who took 900 milligrams (mg) of fenugreek seed powder three times a day for two months during the first three days of their menstrual cycle had less intense pain severity and duration. Nausea, headache, exhaustion, and vomiting were among the other symptoms that responded to the fenugreek treatment, with no reported adverse side effects.
7. Fenugreek Has the Potential to Increase Male and Female Libido
Fenugreek supplementation has been linked to an increase in sexual desire and arousal in both men and women.
In a six-week trial, 30 males were given 600 mg of fenugreek and were shown to have improved sexual function, stamina, sexual excitement, and strength. After eight weeks of supplementation, women who took the same dose of fenugreek extract had a significant increase in free testosterone and estradiol levels, which was the source of their restored sexual desire and arousal.
Fenugreek may also support testosterone levels in men, according to a study. In one eight-week research, 30 college-aged guys were given 500 mg of fenugreek per day. Weightlifting workouts were held four times a week for the males. While those who did not take fenugreek had a modest dip in testosterone levels, those who did receive a testosterone rise as well as a reduction in body fat percentage. Testosterone has a good influence on male libido as well.
