Fenugreek

Fenugreek is also called "Greek hay" and is a plant that has many health benefits. Fenugreek leaves and seeds are a common ingredient in South and Central Asian cuisine. Fenugreek is a plant used in alternative medicine and is often administered as a dietary supplement precisely because it has many beneficial properties.


Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the oldest plants used for medicinal purposes, being used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Fenugreek extracts are ingredients used in many products such as: soaps, cosmetics, teas, spice mixes (garam masala), as well as those that imitate maple syrup.

 

---

 

Benefits of fenugreek

Fenugreek contains many essential nutrients, and for this reason it is a powerful antioxidant. Among these nutrients are: choline, biotin, vitamin A, the B group of vitamins, vitamin D, soluble and insoluble fiber, iron.

Even though there is currently not enough clear scientific evidence to support the use of fenugreek for medicinal purposes, some people use the plant in various forms to treat a wide variety of ailments:

Useful in digestive problems - Some experts say that fenugreek can relieve some health problems such as constipation, loss of appetite and gastritis.

Helps stimulate milk production - Some research suggests that fenugreek can be a natural and safe alternative to stimulate milk production in new mothers (it's a lactation ally). A 14-day study1 of 77 new mothers found that fenugreek tea, consumed regularly, could increase breast milk production, which helped babies gain weight.

It can be an ally for patients with diabetes - Fenugreek can be an ally in some metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. The herb has effects on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In one study3, people with type 1 diabetes took 50 grams of fenugreek seed powder for lunch and dinner. After 10 days, study participants had better blood sugar and saw decreases in total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

Helps Men With Low Testosterone Levels – One of the most common reasons men turn to fenugreek supplements is that it increases testosterone levels. Some studies have found this herb to have beneficial effects, including increasing libido.

Helps Control Appetite – There are numerous studies that show a reduction in fat intake and a decrease in appetite following the administration of fenugreek.

Cholesterol is lowered - Some scientific evidence indicates that fenugreek can lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

Heartburn Ally – A study of people with frequent heartburn found that fenugreek reduced participants' symptoms. In fact, it had similar effects to antacid drugs.