Fenugreek is a popular herb and seasoning in many dishes from Iran and India, among others, with a slightly bitter taste but which is appreciated by many. Surely you have already tasted curry in Indian cuisine? The seeds of the fenugreek plant are used in the spice mixture that makes up curry.
Trigonella foenumgraecum is the Latin name of this plant which also has positive health properties. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, the spice and the fenugreek plant have been used for a very long time. It also has a rich content of vitamins and minerals.
In today’s article, we explain what fenugreek really is, its positive effects on health.
Health Benefits of Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been used for thousands of years to alleviate a wide range of diseases and ailments. This medicinal plant has many amazing properties that offer a variety of health benefits for men and women. The herb is used to improve digestion, relieve skin irritations, increase libido and increase milk production during breastfeeding, among other things. In other words, it is a universal product with multiple uses.
Weight Loss
Fenugreek is popular for weight loss because it is considered to inhibit appetite. This plant is rich in dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, which has a positive effect on the intestines and digestion. Thanks to the dietary fiber, food takes longer to pass through the digestive system. The feeling of fullness lasts longer, which reduces the risk of snacking during the day. The nutritional physiologist Fredrik Paulún highlights fenugreek in his book “50 shortcuts to fat burning” where he praises it for its health properties and its ability to reduce appetite.
Weight Gain
It may seem contradictory, but fenugreek is also suitable for people who want to gain weight in a healthy way. This plant contains saponins that improve digestion, which allows calories to be stored in the body in a healthy and balanced way. Fenugreek helps to achieve a healthy weight and for underweight people, it is a good way to gain weight. Normal and overweight people do not gain weight with fenugreek. The herb is also good for countering appetite, gastritis and hard stomach.
Increase of Testosterone Level and Libido
Fenugreek is known for its positive effect on male sex hormone. The spice is said to increase libido and stabilize testosterone levels in the body. This is why it is sometimes called “man’s medicine.” In Australia, researchers conducted a clinical study that shows the herb has several positive effects, including increased libido and improved sexual function. The study tested the effect of fenugreek on 60 healthy men aged 25 to 52. In the study, half of the test group received a placebo and the other half received a daily dose of the herb. The study shows that the men in the test group experienced an increase in their libido as well as an improvement in their ability to have an erection and an increase in their endurance.
Breastfeeding
It has long been known that fenugreek stimulates milk production in women. This makes breastfeeding easier because breast milk production can increase after consuming this plant. The hormone that controls the secretion of breast milk, prolactin, is stimulated by fenugreek, which facilitates breastfeeding. However, there are still no major studies that prove the effect of the plant on milk production. Smaller studies, involving less than 100 subjects, have shown that fenugreek can increase milk production by up to 40%.
Diabetes
Fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels through reduced absorption of sugar in the stomach. This plant is also considered to stimulate insulin production. This means that fenugreek is good to use for type 2 diabetes. Research shows that this herb can also improve the condition of people with type 1 diabetes, but more research is needed in this area before any definite conclusions can be made. The Everydayhealth.com website refers to a number of studies that make a strong case that fenugreek helps lower blood sugar. However, more and more comprehensive studies are needed before its effects can be statically guaranteed. Fenugreek can be taken to balance blood sugar levels, but should not be taken in place of medication prescribed by a physician.
Other
Fenugreek is considered a universal product that can treat a large number of different ailments and problems. In addition to the above health effects, the herb can also be used to reduce inflammation, improve blood pressure, counteract kidney problems, reduce menstrual pain, reduce the risk of muscle inflammation, lower cholesterol levels and improve overall well-being.
There you go you now know why you should include more Fenugreek in your diet. Do you know any other plant with such properties? Share it with us in the comments below.
