Really, Fenugreek?

What in the world is fenugreek? Maybe a fruit or an herb? This plant’s botanically name is, Trigonella foenumgraecum, and is an essential herb as well as a legume, and found throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, to South America and India. Used for thousands of years as a medicinal for many health benefits, it is today available as a supplement. The constituents and health benefits of fenugreek is amazing, because they are so varied and powerful. Long, green bean-looking pods produce oddly shaped seeds that are considered a staple in the culinary worlds of the Middle East and India. They are used for everything from pickle making to spice mixes. The compound responsible for the spice-bitter aroma of the seeds is solotone. These can be removed by dry-roasting them before using for food. People who eat it regularly say there is a maple essence from ones body fluids, such as urine and sweat.

There are several notable effects on the general health and well being of people using this supplement. Fenugreek contains a lot of fiber and protein in 1 tablespoon, as well as carbohydrates. Just one tablespoon makes you feel full faster, and provides 20% of the iron you need for a day. Studies indicate that in its various forms, it is effective in treating diabetes, high cholesterol, low lactation, respiratory ailments, wounds, inflammation, gastrointestinal ailments, pain, colds and even cancer. Somes tudies indicate there are even more advantages, such as protecting your eyes from cataracts, as it has dual ability to control elevated glucose levels. It will sooth menstruation and menopausal problems and help protect your stomach and liver from overuse of alcohol.

Multiple studies offer what this one plant can do in regard to health, as:

❖ Appetite control – Studies indicate fenugreek can reduce appetite and fat intake by 17%

❖ Inflammation – Shows decrease of inflammation in animal studies

❖ Cholesterol and triglyceride levels – Those with coronary artery disease and non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus, showed decreased blood lipids and blood sugar

❖ Heartburn – People with certain degrees of heartburn can benefit from fenugreek fiber that is similar to the results of an over-the-counter antacid medication

❖ Cancer – Can modulate the STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to the chemosensitization of carcinoma cells. Also inhibits gene expression in lung cancer cells.

Its believed that mothers can use fenugreek to stimulate lactation, giving the very best nutrition for the newborn through breast milk. Studies have been done with new mothers. Those receiving fenugreek herbal tea had increased volume of pumped breast milk by 2.47 ounces, and only 1.15 ounces in the placebo group. The babies where fenugreek herbal tea was given to their mothers, also gained more weight.

Fenugreek is added to the daily regimen of supplements for men and may positively affect their testosterone levels, as well as the libido. There was a six-week study involving 30 men, provided with 600 milligrams of fenugreek, who reported increased strength and better sexual function at the close of the study. Well, that’s good, isn’t it? Additionally, 15 college-age men were given 500 milligrams while participating in an 8-week weight lifting program 4 times a week. Then they had 15 athletes in the program, not taking the fenugreek. The ones without the supplement had a slightly lower level of testosterone, and the ones who had the supplement, experienced an increase.

Additionally, diabetes and blood sugar levels dramatically improved with fenugreek usage as shown in other studies. It has also been shown as an effective aluminum detoxifier. Google fenugreek and learn how to use this amazing and valued supplement.

-Dr Fredda Branyon