10 Healthy Benefits of Fenugreek

Fenugreek (aka Methi) is a legume that is native to Eurasia and Africa. Its leaves are as valuable as its seeds, and the plant itself is used as a vegetable. In the present day, the majority of fenugreek is grown and used in India. Fenugreek has three primary purposes. Its leaves can be used as herbs once dried. The seeds can be ground into spices for seasoning foods while the plant itself can be a side dish at your dinner table as a vegetable. The first two are the primary sources for many of the uses outside of its native land.

Lowers Blood Cholesterol

The steroidal saponins in Fenugreek assist in preventing the absorption of the cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. The seeds are also known to reduce your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol. Fenugreek is a rich source of fiber that is widely known to scrap cholesterol off the arteries and blood vessels.

Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Fenugreek increases the antioxidants in the heart and improves the tissues of the heart. The saponins assist in lowering blood clots. The seeds of the Fenugreek contain on average 23% galactomannan. This is a soluble fiber that naturally reduces cardiovascular diseases. The high levels of potassium act to control the heart rate and blood pressure while also minimizing the bodies overall sodium levels.

Controls Blood Sugar Levels

The compound trigonelline helps to lower blood sugar levels. Fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water as in a tea often result in a lower blood sugar level over other methods of use. They work by slowing down digestion and absorption of the carbohydrate and sugar. The seeds help to improve how the body uses sugar as well as the amount of insulin that is released.

Aids in Digestion

Fenugreek seed oil has been shown to reduce the overall incidences of ulcers in the esophagus and the stomach. In tea form, it improves gastrointestinal functions with its natural laxative compounds. It encourages a pumping motion, and smooth muscle function and thereby flushes out the body while maintaining a properly working digestive tract and system.

Counter Acts Acid Reflux/Heartburn

The mucilage in Fenugreek lines the stomach and the intestine; this soothes the irritated gastrointestinal tissue. The anti-inflammatory compounds act to oxidize acid eves within the stomach. The high fiber content in Fenugreek has been shown to be beneficial in relieving minor indigestion while the extract is excellent for reducing acid reflux.

Aids in Weight Loss

Fenugreek contains galactomannan which is a natural soluble fiber. It swells in the stomach once eaten and suppresses the appetite. Fenugreek also contains trigonelline. Trigonelline works by assisting in lowering the fat content within the body. While everything else has been about what Fenugreek has, here is something that it takes. It takes away a hormone called triiodothyronine or T3. The removal of this hormone could result in weight loss for most individuals.

Breast Feeding Moms

Fenugreek is considered to be a galactagogue due to its ability to produce breast milk. It is able to increase a nursing woman’s milk supply by as much as 500% in 1-3 days. The magnesium and vitamin content improve the quality of the ilk and assist in keeping the baby healthy. It is also beneficial to the baby. Through the mother’s milk, it can help in the baby gaining weight and is often recommended for low birth weight or underweight babies.

Induces Child Birth

Taking high doses of fenugreek at or beyond the forty week mark will make the uterus begin contracting. Over a period typically a few days, these contractions will lead to the birthing process. Only takeFenugreek during pregnancy under a doctor’s supervision.

Menstrual Discomfort/Menopause

Fenugreek helps reduce menstrual discomfort by opening up the obstructed menses and allowing it to be released more comfortably, it is known as an emenagogue. Once menopause has begun, and estrogen levels start to drop, Fenugreek can mimic their value. It contains the chemicals diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones that aid in the menopause symptoms.

Reduction of Scars, Treatment of Skin Problems

The mucilage in Fenugreek soothes and moisturizes dry skin. And it does so without irritation to the surface. It can treat other skin conditions such as boils, eczema, and inflammation with its high levels of vitamin B, C, E, and other minerals. Fenugreek contains antioxidant molecules called carotenoids. These carotenoids change to vitamin A within the body and promote a decrease in inflammation and encourage an increased wound healing time, creating fewer scars.