14 Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds
In many traditional cuisines, fenugreek seeds are a common ingredient. The benefits of fenugreek have been extensively researched. If incorporated in the diet on a daily basis, this herb has a number of beneficial impacts on overall health.
Fenugreek is a medicinal plant native to Central and Southeast Asia, particularly India. It is also grown in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the United States.
Continue reading to see how fenugreek can help you in a variety of ways.
What Is Fenugreek and What Does It Do? What Is the Process?
Fenugreek is an annual herb of the Fabaceae family, which also includes soy. This plant’s seeds, both fresh and dried, have long been used as a spice and flavoring component. India produces the majority of the world’s tea, with Rajasthan accounting for 80% of total production.
Fenugreek helps to regulate blood sugar levels and promotes insulin production. As a result, it is extremely beneficial to diabetics.
This is only one of the many ways that fenugreek might help you. More advantages will be discussed in the following section.
What Are Fenugreek’s Health Benefits?
1. Is Safe to Use While Breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, fenugreek is useful.
The systematic galactagogue effect of fenugreek was investigated in a study with 122 participants. The results of fenugreek were compared to those of another galactagogue and a placebo in the study. Ingesting fenugreek has been shown to improve breast milk production in nursing women.
2. Can Help You Lose Weight
Early study suggests that taking a 500 mg fenugreek supplement will help you lose weight. Another experiment on four groups of mice revealed a substantial reduction in body weight after 22 days of fenugreek use.
Fenugreek also includes fiber, which helps individuals feel full and prevents them from overeating. Participants who drank fenugreek tea felt less hungry than those who didn’t, according to a study.
3. Can be used to treat dandruff
Because of its high mucilage content, fenugreek can also be used as a conditioner. The herb has been used to heal flaky scalp since ancient times. The seeds’ powder can also be mixed with a hair mask or conditioner to boost its benefits and soften hair organically.
Fenugreek can also be used as a dandruff treatment at a low cost. The seeds and leaves, which contain antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, can be utilized both topically and internally for this purpose.
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4. Enhances the health of the skin
Fenugreek is a superb and chemical-free alternative to all of today’s lotions, which typically contain petroleum and other chemicals.
Natural oils in fenugreek aid in hydrating, moisturizing, and softening the skin. The seeds contain potassium, carotene, and vitamin C, all of which help to improve skin suppleness and overall health.
5. Can Help You Get Rid of Constipation
Fenugreek aids digestion and helps to prevent stomach problems. The seeds are high in mucilage, which softens and improves the composition of mucus membranes, preventing constipation. At the same time, the seeds help to prevent excessive mucus production.
Because of its high fiber and mucilage content, fenugreek is a bulk-forming laxative. When the seeds come into contact with water, they expand. As the volume grows, a reflex muscle contraction occurs, prompting bowel movement.
6. Helps to Lower Cholesterol
Fenugreek seeds reduce total and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). They are high in steroidal saponins, which prevent cholesterol and triglyceride absorption. As a result, the seeds reduce cholesterol formation in the liver.
Fenugreek, in addition to decreasing total cholesterol levels, also increased the creation of good cholesterol, according to a human double-blind study.
7. Lower Aluminum Toxicology
Whole fenugreek seed powder was found to protect the brain, bones, and kidneys from aluminum toxicity in a research.
Fenugreek has also been shown to help with memory loss in another study. Fenugreek powder is a detoxifying supplement that lowers the negative effects of aluminum toxicity in animals.
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8. Fenugreek Increases Testosterone Production
Fenugreek has the ability to increase testosterone levels. In males, the hormone is important for a variety of physical activities.
A study of 100 men aged 35 to 65 years old found an increase in serum testosterone levels and sperm count. To combat testosterone insufficiency, the participants were required to take a fenugreek supplement for 12 weeks.
9. It encourages hair growth.
Fenugreek seeds are high in nutrients that help to encourage hair development. Its leaves are also beneficial in this regard. According to studies, putting a paste prepared from the leaves to the scalp improves hair development while also preserving the natural color of the hair.
A study of men and women aged 30 to 67 years old found that it had a positive influence on their hair health. Following treatment with fenugreek, almost 83 percent of the volunteers reported an increase in hair volume and thickness.
10. Aids in the treatment of diabetes
In the colon, the fiber in fenugreek produces a thick, sticky gel, making it more difficult to digest extra sweets and harmful fats.
A study of two groups of persons with type 2 diabetes was done. The diabetic symptoms of the group that took fenugreek powder twice a day improved significantly.
11. Acne Treatment
Fenugreek has anti-acne properties.
Fenugreek acts to eliminate toxins from the body through the digestive system. Fenugreek leaves have anti-acne properties. According to studies, applying the leaves’ paste on acne can help prevent new outbreaks. You can apply the paste at night and wash it off with warm water the next morning.
Fenugreek also contains salicylic acid, which helps to clear clogged pores.
12. Assists in the relief of PCOS symptoms
Fenugreek capsules were administered to women with hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, and infertility in a research. Within two months, the subjects’ symptoms had significantly improved.
The fenugreek tablets had also caused no negative effects in the individuals. Their period cycles were restored, and their ovaries returned to normal health.
13. Helps with heartburn
Fenugreek products were found to lessen the severity of heartburn in a research. Fenugreek has similar effects to over-the-counter antacids.
Fenugreek also reduces gastrointestinal inflammation by producing a protective layer across the lining of the intestine.
14. Defend Against Inflammation
Fenugreek seeds contain linolenic and linoleic acids, which protect against inflammation. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activities of fenugreek seeds are aided by the ethanol, mucilage, and flavonoids derived from the seeds.
Fenugreek seeds can benefit your health in a variety of ways. However, how do you eat them? Is there a process that must be followed?
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Fenugreek Seeds: How to Eat Them
To get the most out of fenugreek seeds, soak them in water overnight. After that, you may either grind them or utilize them as is.
You may also purchase the vacuum-packed paste at department stores.
On an empty stomach, the seeds can be consumed. You can also use the powder as a seasoning, a supplement, or even a topical treatment for the affected area.
How Much Fenugreek Should You Take Every Day?
Clinical trials and treatments employ various dosages. These are determined by the patient’s requirements.
- High-cholesterol patients should take 10 to 30 grams of seeds/powder three times a day with meals.
- Lactating moms should consume 500 to 1000 milligrams of fenugreek each day to boost milk supply.
- Type 2 diabetic patients should consume 2.5 to 15 grams of the seeds daily.
- If you want to boost your testosterone levels, take 500 to 600 milligrams of fenugreek per day.
Please consult to your doctor’s dosages for any other diseases, disorders, or symptoms. Always seek advice from a professional to avoid taking too many vitamins.
For millennia, fenugreek has been used as a flavoring ingredient and spice. Fenugreek seeds are beneficial to your health in a variety of ways. They aid weight loss, reduce diabetes symptoms, encourage hair development, and improve skin health by increasing testosterone levels and increasing breast milk production in breastfeeding moms. They’re simple to incorporate into your diet, and the dosage is determined by the individual’s demands. However, do not take them in large quantities and always ask your doctor before taking them.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Is it safe to take fenugreek every day?
Taking fenugreek seeds on a daily basis can help you stay healthy and maintain a non-toxic bodily eco-system. As a result, you can take it on a daily basis.
Can Fenugreek Seeds be taken on an empty stomach?
On an empty stomach, a moderate dose of fenugreek can be consumed. Warm water is the best way to consume the seeds/powder.
How long does it take for fenugreek to start working?
The time taken can range from 24 to 72 hours to 3 to 9 months or even a year, depending on the severity of the problem.
What happens if you consume an excessive amount of fenugreek?
Because fenugreek is a spicy spice, it might dry up your skin if you eat too much of it. Diarrhea, headaches, bloating, gas, and a maple syrup odor in the urine have all been observed by some people.
Nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, face puffiness, and severe allergic responses may occur if fenugreek is not taken at the recommended amount (especially in hypertensive people).
Does fenugreek have any drug interactions?
Before taking fenugreek, talk to your doctor if you’re on any drugs. Fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels, so persons with diabetes should keep an eye on their numbers to make sure they aren’t dropping too low.
Fenugreek is also known to interact with thyroid medications, making hypothyroidism symptoms worse.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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