Fenugreek is an annual herb which is very commonly used in households in different cooking recipes and plays an important role in the regular diet. This is a very important herb that is easily available, less expensive and is useful in treating a slew of physical ailments. Since ancient times the medicinal value of this herb has been evaluated by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese and it produced miraculous results in curing a number of diseases.
The leaves and seeds are bitter in taste but they carry an aroma that enables the use of fenugreek in a good number of recipes. This is such a unique herb that is used both in culinary and medicinal purposes with equal importance.
In India this Fenugreek or Methi, as it is popularly known holds an important position in the ancient Ayurvedic treatments and these are followed traditionally now- a-days forming an integral part in natural remedies.
In lowering the blood sugar levels and in treating various forms of indigestion the potentiality of Fenugreek has been established unambiguously; especially the patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes have found excellent results in lowering the blood sugar levels after taking fenugreek seeds on a regular basis.
The health benefits of Fenugreek are vast which can be summarized as follows -
1. In lowering the blood sugar levels in both Type1 and Type 2 diabetic patients Fenugreek is used unanimously. Due to the presence of galactomannan, a natural fiber fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption in blood. The amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine stimulates the production of insulin that helps in lowering the blood sugar levels.
2. Due to the presence of fiber and mucilage in fenugreek seeds it acts as a laxative and prevents constipation. The mucilage forms a layer in the inner lining of the stomach and intestine reducing the gastro intestinal inflammation.
3. The seeds contain phytoestrogen that mimics the female hormone estrogen and plays an important role in natural hormone replacement therapy. It also promotes the overall reproductive functions of the females.
4. Fenugreek seeds are good for lactating mothers due to the presence of diosgenin.
5. The herb eases out the menstrual discomforts.
6. Fenugreek lowers the blood cholesterol levels by reducing the level of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL).
1. High blood glucose levels
2. Acute constipation and gastrointestinal problems
3. High blood cholesterol level
4. Hair loss
1. Consuming 500mgs of fenugreek seeds daily treats diabetes.
2. Taking powdered fenugreek with butter milk before meals alleviates gastrointestinal inflammation.
3. Including two ounces of fenugreek seeds in diet reduces blood cholesterol and maintains a healthy heart.
4. Drinking the decoction of fenugreek seeds decongests the chest from excess phlegm and mucous.
5. Applying fenugreek seed paste on the scalp stops hair loss and conditions the hair.
Weakness
Tightening