Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

I have been using fenugreek seeds for years in my cooking and for health benefits with my protein shakes and more recently with a few of my hair and scalp treatments.

So I thought I would share with you what I have learned along the way. This is a very powerful herb and in my opinion and experience deserve a lot of respect.

I say this because it is very powerful and a little goes a long way.

What is Fenugreek Seeds?

Fenugreek is a plant and is scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum. A mouthful right, so let’s stick to the popular known name of Fenugreek for the benefit of this article.

Oh it is also known as Methi.

It is a herb which can be found in the Mediterranean region, Western Asia and Southern Europe.

The seeds are golden brown. It is an inexpensive herb.

Uses of Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are used for cooking and the seeds and powder is commonly used in Indian and Asia recipes for its nutritional value, and it is also used to make medicine. In India, it is also eaten as a vegetable.

Some say it tastes like maple syrup and some say it as a nutty taste. I mainly use it in cooking so could not really say what it tastes like. But I think it smells a lot like curry.

It is often used today as a common household spice and as a thickening agent.

Fenugreek seeds have been used for thousands of years for alternative medicine and Chinese medicine to treat skin conditions and many other diseases. Today it can be found in products such as Shampoos and soaps. It also as many health benefits, which I will cover in this article.

Why I use Fenugreek Seeds and Powder

I started using fenugreek seeds as an alternative medicine because I wanted to improve my overall health and fenugreek was one of the first herbs that I added to my list mainly because I already had it in my kitchen. This was long before I knew as much as I know now.

I added it to my protein mix to increase my energy levels and it worked a treat. I was not as tired and was able to be more productive and focused.

Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

Diabetes

Research shows that when you eat fenugreek seeds mixed with you food, such as cooking with it, will lower blood sugar. If taken twice a day can reduce the amount of sugar in your urine. The amount that is suggested is 5g to 50g twice a day.

Better results are found in taking the whole seed and or powder because of the high fibre content. The results may also be due to the fact that fenugreek seeds role in improving insulin function.

I would like to state at this point, which I have found out myself is that Fenugreek seeds is a very powerful herb and must be respected when using. I have found that adding the seeds to my protein shake makes it a lot easier to maintain consistency but please be aware that your body odour may change and you may smell like you have just eaten curry as it works its way through your pores.

Like always check with your medical adviser before taking.

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Fenugreek and Painful Menstrual Periods

Taking Fenugreek powder for the first few days of your period, three times a day will reduce the amount of painkillers used. You can add it to smoothies, shakes or you can just take half a teaspoon of seeds. You can also make Fenugreek tea.

Fenugreek and Exercise Performance

Taking Fenugreek as part of your supplement can help to improve exercise performance and can decrease body fat and increase testosterone levels in men.

Fenugreek and Testosterone Levels in Men

Not only does fenugreek seeds improve exercise performance and lower body fat it will also increase testosterone levels in men and increase sexual function and libido. This can be noticed within a six-week period of time.

Both men and women have taken fenugreek to improve sexual activity.

Fenugreek and Weight loss

It helps with appetite control and reduce fat intake. You will get better results with the whole seed rather than taking the tea, this is due to the high fibre content.

Fenugreek and Heartburn

When taken before a big meal, it can reduce symptoms of heartburn. Studies have shown that you will get the same results as taking antacid product. The difference being that Fenugreek is a natural product.

Fenugreek and High Cholesterol

Research shows that Fenugreek seeds reduces bad cholesterol.

Breast Milk and Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds can increase breast milk productions. Not only is it a safer natural alternative to prescribed drugs that unfortunately are commonly used to treat lack of breast milk production.

Research states that taking Fenugreek seeds will increase breast milk production and help babies weight gain. Fenugreek seeds were taken as herbal tea.

The encouraging part of the research was that taking fenugreek herbal tea actually helped in babies weight gain. This was the result of researching two groups of breast feeding mothers. One group with Fenugreek seeds and the other group with a placebo with the same taste.

The results not only showed an increase in milk productions but healthy weight gains in the newborns.

But like with anything new that you are adding to your body, you should consult a medical adviser.

Fenugreek and Inflammation

Fenugreek has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Other Benefits include:

Baldness.
Hair growth
Mouth ulcers
Chronic Cough.
Bronchitis.
Constipation.
Digestion.
Stomach upset
Eczema.
Fever.
Kidney Disease.
Sexual problems (erectile dysfunction, ED).

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Please Take Caution with These Combinations

Diabetes medication – remember that diabetes medication is also for lowering your blood sugar so when taking fenugreek alongside your medication be sure to keep a close eye and monitor your blood sugar regularly.

Blood clotting medication such as Warfarin – Fenugreek may slow down blood clotting and may increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Please consult your medical advisers with regard to introducing fenugreek into your diet.

If you are taking any form of medication please consult your medical team.

Conclusion

In my opinion fenugreek seeds and or power is a much have to keep in my kitchen because like many things in my kitchen now, has multi uses.

If you are looking to become healthier naturally then this is a staple.

I have highlighted some of the benefits and I also have an article which focuses on the benefit to your hair and they are amazing.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask away by leaving me a comment below. I would also appreciate your like and share.

Thank you

Jennifer