Fenugreek Herb Health Benefits

Fenugreek seeds contain active ingredients that serve as an effective nutritional supplement in addition to being an essential spice. The fenugreek seats are primarily used as a culinary spice across many cultures, while herbalists had used them for many centuries for the many health benefits it offers. The fenugreek seeds or fenugreek extract possess a powerful ability in aiding the digestive process, which is one of the many benefits of fenugreek. More importantly, it is a vital ingredient for diabetic patients as it helps in slowing down the rate of blood sugar absorption, thus helping to regulate the level of sugar in the body. Fenugreek (trigonella foenum-graecum), which is known as methi in India, where it us commonly used, has been used since ancient times to treat disorders of the digestive system as well as menopause problems.

Health Benefits Of Fenugreek

Among the many fenugreek benefits, chief among them is its ability to stimulate the production of insulin when the level of sugar in the blood is elevated. Various medical research reveals that animals and humans have greatly benefited from the consumption of fenugreek seeds in controlling diabetes and high cholesterol levels. With the daily consumption of fenugreek, health of diabetic & heart patients can be greatly brought under control. Organic fenugreek is one of the best forms of consuming the herb on a daily basis as they are devoid of harmful chemicals and pesticides. The fenugreek herb possesses a large amount of mucilaginous fiber, which makes it an ideal laxative. The mucilage present in fenugreek seeds cannot be digestive by the body and hence swells, when mixed along with the fluids in the large intestine. The fenugreek seed extract is an ideal external application to soothe inflamed skin and relieve swellings, sprains, and aches.

Fenugreek information can be found in ancient cultures from Egypt to Rome as the use of this herb ranged from bronchial disorders to low libido. In addition to fenugreek, ingredients such as coriander are used in conjunction as spice and as herbal remedies for healthy metabolism and improved digestion. The seeds of fenugreek are also used as a method of treatment for women with reproductive disorders. It is also known to provide cardiovascular benefits and a number of studies corroborate the fact that those who consumed two ounces of fenugreek seeds every day were shown to have significantly lower cholesterol levels and lowered risks of heart attack. More importantly patients with Type II diabetes revealed a much lower level of sugar in their blood after daily consumption of fenugreek for 24 weeks. Fenugreek seeds also possess anti-inflammatory properties and hence can be used to promote healing of external injuries or bruises. The seeds of fenugreek when sprouted also make for an excellent accompaniment with salads and can be used as a daily nutritional supplement.

How to Use Fenugreek for Weight Loss?

Recently, it has gained a reputation as information about fenugreek for weight loss has become widespread. You may wonder ‘does fenugreek help you lose weight?’ The truth is that it can, apart from helping to treat diabetes, increasing breast milk flow in new mothers, and reducing inflammation. Fenugreek to lose weight works because of the seeds, which are rich in a polysaccharide known as galactomannan. This component has also been extracted to create food supplements. Research by private companies has shown that this gives you a feeling of fullness, which helps in weight loss. The research also showed that the fenugreek used for the study had more than 75 percent soluble fiber. This also helps to increase the feeling of fullness. So, it is important to keep in mind that other foods that have large amounts of soluble fiber, like psyllium husk, gums, pectin, and glucomanan, also help lose weight. They are also found in vegetables, flaxseed, and cereal. If you are trying to lose weight, there is a lot you need to do. This includes exercise and diet, and there is no easy way out. Fortunately, there are some things that can help you with your quest. One of these is the simple herb fenugreek. This herb is part of the staple diet of many cultures, and new research shows that it can help lose weight. It does this by making you feel full faster; thus, you eat less than you normally do. There are some great fenugreek benefits for weight loss, if you know how to use it.

To use methi for weight loss, get some fenugreek seeds, which are popularly used in Indian cooking. Heat a skillet over a medium flame and dry roast the seeds until they change color. They should be hot when you touch them. Cool them, and grind in a food processor or spice grinder. You can use this fenugreek powder for weight loss in curries or while cooking. Combine it with nigella seed, fennel, mustard, and cumin to make the Indian five spice.
You can also soak a teaspoon of this powder or raw seeds in some yogurt, and eat it after dinner. This will help with digestion and help you lose weight. You can also use fenugreek capsules for weight loss. They have also been shown to increase milk production for lactating women. You can take between two and four 580 mg capsules thrice a day. Studies have shown that this significantly increases the volume of milk produced. You can also use powder instead of capsules, just mix a teaspoon of the powder (as above) and mix it in water or juice. Drink this concoction three times daily.
Fenugreek tea for weight loss also helps. This tea is available in health stores. If you are unable to find it, you can make it by mixing a teaspoon of fenugreek powder in a cup of black or green tea. Drink this on an empty stomach, and it will curb your appetite. Do not do this if you are pregnant or lactating, as you need all the nutrition you can get at this time.
While fenugreek seeds for weight loss can be quite effective, they have also been shown to control blood sugar. It can be taken as a supplement by people suffering from diabetes, as it slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Soak a teaspoon of seeds in a cup of water overnight. Strain it in the morning and discard the seeds. Drink this as soon as you wake up. This remedy has been shown to decrease blood sugar.

If you are trying to lose weight, though, then keep in mind that just consuming fenugreek seeds will not help. You will need to change your lifestyle, and there is no way out of that. You need to get plenty of exercise every day. Your routine must include both cardio training and strength and weight training. You also need to get a healthy diet. The fenugreek seeds will only help you to not eat too much every day, but you will still need to make sure that your diet contains healthy foods. You diet should not contain too much oil or fat. Instead, it should contain all the food groups, including protein, fats, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals and good fats. Other diet tips include cutting down on cholesterol in your foods. Try to eat natural, wholesome foods, as many of these have the same benefits that fenugreek has. Instead of eating out, cook at home and eat home cooked meals. Try to eat six to seven smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. If you are a regular consumer of alcohol or a smoker, you will have to cut down on these if you are to lose weight.

Submitted on January 16, 2014