Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of trigonelline, lysine and l-tryptophan. The seeds also contain a large amount of saponins and fibers that may account for many of the health benefits of fenugreek. The following are some of the ways in which the fenugreek herb has been used traditionally for treating a variety of conditions.
- Reduces Cholesterol – Fenugreek contains saponins that help reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol from fatty foods. Some studies also indicate saponins to have a role to play in reducing the body’s production of cholesterol, especially the LDL or bad cholesterol. For example, Reddy and Srinivasan from the Central Food Technological Research Institute, CSIR, Mysore, India, found that fenugreek helped regress existing cholesterol gallstones in mice. Further, they claimed that fenugreek could significantly reduce cholesterol concentration.
- Regulates Blood Sugar and Controls Diabetes – An unusual amino acid (4HO-Ile), so far found only in fenugreek, has possible anti-diabetic properties such as enhancing insulin secretion under hyperglycemic conditions, and increasing insulin sensitivity. Iranian researchers from Qom University of Medical Science suggest the potential of 4HO-Ile as an adjunct to diabetes treatment for type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes.
- Aids Digestion – Fenugreek is said to be an effective heartburn or acid reflux remedy because the mucilage in fenugreek seeds assists in soothing gastrointestinal inflammation, and coating the stomach and intestinal lining. According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, a 2-week intake of a fenugreek fiber product taken 30 minutes before two meals/day, by subjects with frequent heartburn, diminished heartburn severity. The researchers found that the effects were similar to that of ranitidine at 75mg, twice a day.
- Helps with Weight Loss – Fenugreek complements diet and exercise for weight loss. This thermogenic herb aids weight loss by suppressing appetite, increasing energy in the short term, and potentially modulating carbohydrate metabolism.
References:
Therapeutic Applications of Fenugreek –
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194788)
Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes –
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12611558)
The Health Benefits of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum: A Review in International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) at –
(http://ijera.com/papers/vol%201%20issue%201/011032035E.pdf)
The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life –
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21261516/)
Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31583253/)
A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) versus glibenclamide in patients with diabetes –
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31148988)
https://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/fenugreek.htm#health-benefits-of-fenugreek