Fenugreek health benefits : 9 Untold Secrets of fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds known as methi in India are rich in several minerals including vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber. According to Ayurveda the fenugreek health benefits are not only limited to handful of ailments.

They can treat skin problems, promote hair growth, improve digestion, repair bruises fastly, reduce weight, control diabetes and Increase milk production in nursing mothers.

As a dietary supplement, you can also use them as pills. If you have hair problems you have to use them as oil. You can also buy raw fenugreek seeds from the nearby grocery store. In that case, you need to dry them up in the sun and make a powder of it for a later on consumption.

#1 Fenugreek and diabetes

Fenugreek seeds have proved to be the best natural anti-diabetic medicine according to natural medicine practitioners. They help to lower blood glucose in patients with diabetes fastly. Almost two decades of studies and observations have proved the importance of fenugreek in diabetes medication.

A study reveals that having 10 grams of crushed fenugreek seeds daily with a glass of hot water does help to keep type 2 diabetes in check. These seeds being soluble fiber slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates thereby controlling blood sugar level.

#2 Fenugreek treats high cholesterol

A  High cholesterol level means you have a deposit of extra fat in the blood medically known as “Hyperlipidemia”. The persistent high cholesterol in the blood can cause heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other related issues.

A type of chemical compound called ‘steroidal saponins‘ found in fenugreek seeds prevents absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. The chemical compound slows down the absorption of triglycerides from fatty foods. Even more, it also regulates liver producing excess of cholesterol thereby promoting cardiovascular health.

#3 Fenugreek for weight loss

Fenugreek, also being rich in fiber supplements, promotes weight loss among obese people because it curbs hunger. A dietary fiber galactomannan found in fenugreek seeds activates breaking up of fat and sugar in the body and thus helping in weight reduction.

The advantage of fenugreek is not limited to burning the body fat and absorption but also in dissolving fat within the liver.

#4 Naturopathic Cancer Cure

Fenugreek seeds with its anti-cancer properties have also been identified as a dietary component for treatment and prevention of cancer. The bitter taste magical herb has been found effective against breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer natural treatment. Fenugreek seeds can also reduce breast cancer risk. Without major toxicity to healthy cells, these seeds can suppress the growth of cancer cells.

#5 Anti-inflammatory property

Researchers and practitioners of traditional medicines confirm the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in seeds of fenugreek. The presence of flavonoids in fenugreek makes it an anti-oxidant. It also has the natural property to reduce swelling i.e. inflammation. And so, many people also use fenugreek for sinus congestion relief by putting crushed fenugreek seeds in a glass boiling water and inhaling the vapor.

You can even wrap fenugreek seeds as a poultice (wrapped in soft cloth)  i.e. as a warm compress and apply to areas of soreness for getting relief in swelling (inflammation) and muscle pain.

#6 Increases Breast milk supply

Being a natural galactogogue, fenugreek seeds promotes lactation in both humans and animals. The herb thus helps to increase or improve a breast milk supply to the baby. These medicinal seeds are also claimed to help in breast growth, although, no clinical evidence has been found yet.

As far as the amount of fenugreek seeds powder is concerned, lactating mothers can take 1 teaspoon (400mg) of powdered fenugreek seeds after a meal daily to improve the secretion of milk. It takes about 3 days to see a change in milk production. The same fenugreek dosage for milk production in some cases may take up to 2 weeks for improved results.

#7 Antifungal/Antibacterial

The presence of a number of phytochemicals in fenugreek seeds restricts the growth of microbes. These properties of fenugreek seeds make it a natural treating agent for wound and pus formation.

#8 Fenugreek seeds as hair oil

Fenugreek seeds are found quite effective in hair fall issues. This is because the seeds contain wide array of hair growth and strengthening nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and iron.

The fenugreek oil treats common hair issues like thinning, dandruff, and baldness well due to the richness of protein and nicotinic components. Another important naturally occurring compound lecithin found in fenugreek seeds oil promotes healthy growth and hydration of hair.

#9 Fenugreek Tea

You can make a perfect herbal tea of fenugreek seeds by mixing it with mint, holy basil, cinnamon, lemon juice, and honey.  The tea can get you the same benefits along with detoxification and rejuvenation of the body. Its positive benefits can be visible in digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, gastritis apart from women issues like polycystic ovary syndrome, and menstruation.

Fenugreek Seeds side effects

Everything has a darker side too! During pregnancy, it is better to avoid them in other than in food as it can be harmful to the baby. It is also not advisable to administer fenugreek seeds to children. An unusual consumption of fenugreek can leave unusual body odor.

If you are allergic to legumes like peanuts and soybeans it is better to stay away from taking fenugreek seeds as the supplement. When you are trying to lower your glucose level with fenugreek seeds do not forget to closely monitor with equipment for too low blood sugar as it can be harmful.

Fenugreek with prescription drugs

If you are taking allopathic medicine for diabetes along with fenugreek seeds, then closely monitor for low blood sugar level conditions. It should be used carefully with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin,  ibuprofen etc. ) because it can delay clotting in bruising and bleeding conditions.