The Many Health Benefits of Fenugreek

The Many Health Benefits of Fenugreek!!

Fenugreek is a herb that has numerous benefits for your health. It is also known as Greek Clover, Greek Hay Seed, Methi, and Chandrika in different parts of the world.

This herb is native to Mediterranean region and southern Europe.

It is indeed cultivated as a semiarid crop worldwide. Farmers grow it as a food staple and feed it to their cattle as well.

Particularly, in the Indian region, it has a special place. They consume it for three distant purposes; they use it as a vegetable, herb, and spice. They wash and dry its leaves and use them as toppings too on their dishes.

In reality, their key purpose is to beauty their dishes.

However, most people don’t know that it can be consumed as a supplement too to treat numerous ailments. It has a healthy nutritional profile, and it has rich amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals too that play a key role in alternative medicines.

Just one tablespoon of Fenugreek seeds contain:

3.0 grams Fiber
3.0 grams protein
6.4 grams carbohydrates
gram fat
20% iron
7% manganese
6% copper
5% magnesium
3% vitamin B6

All these nutrients help with numerous health issues. In addition, Fenugreek also contains a number of powerful phytonutrients, such as trigonelline & neotigogens, which boost health.

Good for Breastfeeding Mothers

Fenugreek can be considered very well for breastfeeding mothers. It has the presence of diosgenin in it that increases the amount of milk.

This isn’t a new discovery. In fact, since biblical times, breastfeeding mothers have been using this herb to boost milk production in the breast. According to Ayurvedic physicians, this specific compound not only increases the milk production, but also improves the quality of it. This assists in keeping the infant healthy and protects him from child-related diseases.
Scientists don’t know for sure how this happens. But, several studies confirm that it boosts the milk supply within 24-72 hours.

Now, the question is, how much do you need to take fenugreek?

According to German Commission E, 6 grams of it on a daily basis is enough for nursing mothers. Once there is adequate level of milk production, they can discontinue its usage.

Improve Digestive Problems

It is an effective remedy for digestive problems. The mucilage in its seeds soothes gastrointestinal inflammation that facilitates in treating upset stomach and constipation.

Physicians also often recommend its use with ulcerative colitis diet treatment plan for curing digestive issues.

Apart from this, it is rich in fiber and antioxidants; they help in flushing out those harmful toxins from the body that flood a person with stomach ailments. Furthermore, its lubricating properties soothe the stomach and intestines that relive constipation naturally.

If you want to improve digestive problems through fenugreek, don’t forget to drink plenty of water too. Since, water consumption allows its fiber to absorb in the stomach well and protects it against irritants.

This process heals the stomach quickly and cures the pain.

However, don’t eat too much fenugreek, as it can cause gas and bloating. Just add a teaspoon of fenugreek powder in a warm cup of water and relish it as a tea.

Prevents Colon Cancer

In the United States, colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Doctors believe that it can be caused by numerous reasons. For example, if you are older than 60 or if you eat a lot of processed or red meat, you are at risk.

Luckily, fenugreek is an anti-cancer agent. It protects against free radicals and assists in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

The steroid diosgenin in it with other non-starch polysaccharides like saponins and mucilage stops the bile salt from being absorbed by the colon. This progression protects the colon’s mucous membrane and doesn’t allow the conditions to negatively affect the colon.

Moreover, it also inhibits migration and invasion of cancer cells in the body.

Many scientists have tested the effects of its extracts to confirm its inhibitory action against colon cancer. They promote its usage on a massive scale for treating cancer, and believe it doesn’t receive the attention it deserves in the medical field.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers also trust its anti-cancer activities. They state that its effects induce apoptosis. If a cell is useless or harmful for your body, fenugreek properties identify it and eliminate it.

Though, remember that most scientific studies are on animals (mice). Human studies are still needed to prove its efficacy against colon cancer.

Reduces External Inflammation

Fenugreek powder plays a direct role for inhibiting inflammation.

Its polyphenol has a direct, potent anti-inflammatory activity. All you need is to use it externally as a poultice. When you directly apply it to the skin, it treats all the inflammatory conditions like gout, wounds, leg ulcer, pain, and swelling in the muscles.

Lab tests show that it inhibits the inflammation of the tissues by activating specific pathways. They not only reduce inflammation, but also treat auto-immune disorders through internal application.

If you are already on an anti-inflammatory drug, its usage will increase its effects too.

Experts think there is also another reason that makes it a potent anti-inflammatory agent. For example, it prevents the production of interleukins and infiltration by white blood cells.

In case you are dealing with joint issues, like Arthritis, you can use fenugreek for both internal & external applications. It will act as an estrogen to inhibit inflammation of tissues.

Concluding Thoughts

On the whole, fenugreek is an immensely interesting and versatile herb. It can be used in number of ways. For example, you can use it in cooking, making medicines, and hiding the taste of other medicines.

You can even relish it in the form of tea. Though, it is safe, but one should avoid it in great amounts in pregnancy. It can cause early contractions or produce an unusual body odor. Furthermore, if you are allergic to plants in the Fabaceae family, you can be allergic to fenugreek too. Therefore, consult doctor before opting for it.

As for me this is the fenugreek I adore. Prophet Mohammad told us to take fenugreek as it has so many benefits also. Buying the powder may be the easiest way to consume as the seeds are very hard and difficult to crush.

Sources:
http://www.herbalmusings.com/fenugreek-for-inflammation
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/fenugreek.shtml#sthash.nKLtyi3O.dpbs
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000262.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/fenugreek
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fenugreek#section3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21629786
https://draxe.com/fenugreek/
https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/fenugreek-benefits/#8_Fenugreek_Has_Anti-inflammatory_Properties
https://www.livestrong.com/article/374864-the-benefits-of-fenugreek-for-arthritis/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/fenugreek.html
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-733-FENUGREEK.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fenugreek#section9