Health Benefits of Fenugreek

History of Fenugreek:

Fenugreek is a deep-rooted annual herb resembling hay and alfalfa whose seeds have been used both as a curative and as a spice (called methia) for at least 6000 years. Charred fenugreek seeds have been recovered from ancient sites both in Iraq and Israel (radiocarbon dated to 4000 BCE), and dried fenugreek seeds were even discovered in the tomb of the famous Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen.

Grown in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, and China since before recorded history, fenugreek is perhaps best known today as a common ingredient in curry powder and chutney. A dull yellow powder produced from the roasted seeds, fenugreek is readily available fresh and dried, whole and pulverized.

Known as Hu Lu Ba in traditional Chinese medicine, fenugreek seeds have been used for centuries to warm and tone kidneys, disperse cold, and alleviate pain (especially due to hernia). Called methi in India, a long tradition encourages 2-3 grams of raw fenugreek seeds to be swallowed each morning with warm water, believing it to have a therapeutic and healing effect on joint pain.  In many other cultural settings, mothers have for centuries used fenugreek to stimulate the production of breast milk during pregnancy and following childbirth.

Chemical Properties of Fenugreek:

Fenugreek seeds contain many phytochemical compounds such as choline, trigonelline diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin and neotigogens, which account for their potent medicinal properties.  A rich source of soluble dietary fiber including saponins, hemicelluloses, mucilage, tannins and pectin, they have great curative value for the digestive track. Also rich in many vital vitamins including thiamin, pyridoxine (B-6), folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A and C, both the seeds and leaves are excellent sources of minerals including copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium.

Health Benefits of Fenugreek:

> By inhibiting bile salts re-absorption in the colon, fenugreek seeds help lower blood LDL-cholesterol. They also bind to toxins in food and help protect the colon mucus membrane from cancer-causing toxins.

> NSPs (non-starch polysaccharides) in fenugreek seeds increase the bulk of food and augment bowel movements, assisting in smooth digestion while relieving constipation.

> Good news for diabetics, it has been shown that the amino-acid 4-hydroxy isoleucine present in fenugreek seeds has facilitator action on insulin secretion.  Additionally, fiber in the seeds help lower the rate of glucose absorption in the intestines, further controlling blood sugar levels.

> Fenugreek’s potassium content helps control heart rate and blood pressure, and apart from improving general heart health and hormone levels, fenugreek reduces the risk associated with cardiovascular disease.

> Fenugreek’s iron content is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes, important to cellular health.

> Recent studies indicate that fenugreek may have potent antiviral properties, having relieved common cold symptoms in a group of test subjects.

> Drinking 1 cup of fenugreek tea per day, made from the leaves, is said to relieve the discomfort of arthritis. (Arthritis has a comparatively low incidence rate in India where a lot of fenugreek tea is consumed.)

> Fenugreek seeds are thought to be a galactagogue (substance that promotes breast milk production) and is widely used to increase milk supply in lactating women.

> Fenugreek is used throughout the world for relief from oral infections in and around the mouth.

> As a digestive aid, fenugreek helps relieve pain and/or cramps associated with difficult digestion, while reducing gas, helping prevent bloating, curing diarrhea, and restoring the digestive system to a state of normality after digestive issues are cured.

> People suffering from anorexia have shown significant improvement from the disorder after using fenugreek.

> Fenugreek has been shown to relieve persistent cough as well as cure sore throat pain.

> Fenugreek (used both orally and topically) relieves skin inflammation, and is therefore an effective topical treatment for boils, burns, abscesses, eczema, and gout.

> Fenugreek has long been known to increase libido–especially in women. The seeds are rich in diogenin, a substance that mimics estrogen activity.

> Due to Fenugreek’s naturally-occurring estrogens, it is effective in treating symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia.

> Some studies suggest that due to the presence of the natural steroid diogenin, fenugreek may have anti-carcinogenic properties, warding off cancer.

> Fenugreek is an exceptional antioxidant and free-radical scavenger.