6 medicinal properties of fenugreek for the body and how to take it
Fenugreek has been used in Chinese folk medicine for several thousand years to improve hair condition, treat skin diseases and restore lactation.
Modern science also confirms the tangible benefits of fenugreek for our body. Among other things, it is able to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and increase libido in men.
Fenugreek is appreciated due to its rich composition. He contains proteins, dietary fiber, vitamin C and mineral components (iron, magnesium, manganese).
6 facts about the benefits
Let's focus on the 6 main beneficial properties of fenugreek for humans (based on scientific sources of information).
1. Increases breast milk production
Breast milk is the only one source
vital nutrients for the child's body. No artificial formula for breastfeeding can replace the secret of the mammary glands.
Despite the mass of medications to increase breast milk production, women are showing great interest in natural plant substances.
Drinking tea with herbs and fenugreek seeds leads to an increase in breast milk production, and also has a positive effect on body weight gain in a child.
Turkish specialists celebrate that daily intake of plant-based tea leads to an increase in milk production by more than 2 times.
Fenugreek is an effective remedy for women suffering from hypogalactia, as it allows you to quickly solve the problem without side effects.
2. Improvement of sexual function in men
Fenugreek causes an increase in testosterone production. This hormone has a positive effect on the body of men, and also increases libido.
American specialists discovered an increase in testosterone levels in the blood of men involved in weightlifting and taking 500 mg of fenugreek daily.
Scientists have noted the great effectiveness of training in terms of increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat.
Clinical trials conducted on the basis of medical institutions in Austria, confirmed The plant's ability to improve male sexual function. It increases blood flow to the genital organ and normalizes work of the central nervous system , creating a favorable psychological atmosphere.
3. Reduces blood sugar levels
Fenugreek is an effective remedy for the prevention and control of type I and II diabetes mellitus. It is recommended to use it for people suffering from this disease or having an increased predisposition to it.
Experts from India, having conducted a number of observational studies, installed that fenugreek does not cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels after eating any food.
Fixed reduction of sugar excretion in urine by 54% in people with decompensated diabetes mellitus.
According to the data Iraqi scientists, the hypoglycemic effect is long-term. Taking 50 grams of fenugreek powder even in people with type I diabetes mellitus for 10 days leads to a significant decrease in blood glucose levels.
The plant causes a decrease in sugar even in a healthy body (by 13% after 4 hours from the moment of intake), which requires careful rationing of consumption.
The benefits of the medicinal plant are realized due to two main effects – stimulating insulin receptors directly and reducing the severity of insulin resistance.
4. Helps to lose weight
Scientists from the USA found out
that after eating fenugreek, the feeling of appetite decreases in the next few hours.
According to experts, only 8 grams of the plant is enough to realize the biological effect.
Research conducted in France, show the ability of the product to partially block the absorption of certain fats, reducing the energy value of any fatty food.
Fenugreek is recommended for weight loss for people who are obese or overweight, as well as athletes to control their own weight.
5. Reduces cholesterol levels
An increase in the level of total cholesterol (including atherogenic fractions – LDL and TAG), as well as a decrease in HDL ("useful" cholesterol) is the basis for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques
on the walls of arterial vessels.
Rodent experiments conducted under the supervision of Israeli scientists, demonstrate Fenugreek's ability to reduce the level of total cholesterol in the blood (with regular use for 4 weeks). The studies also noted a decrease in the levels of TAG and LDL in rats.
When atherosclerotic plaques are torn, platelets accumulate and "stick together", which most often block the blood flow, causing the development of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Indian scientists installed that fenugreek is able to reduce the rate of platelet aggregation and prevent or delay the formation of fatal vascular catastrophes.
The product is also an effective means of preventing the development of pathologies such as coronary heart disease or chronic cerebral ischemia.
6. Eliminates heartburn
Researchers from the USA have identified
Fenugreek's ability to quickly and effectively eliminate heartburn.
This symptom is a companion of many gastroenterological diseases, in particular, hyperacid gastritis and GERD.
As scientists note, the plant is similar in effectiveness to the antacid drug ranitidine (at a dose of 75 mg per day).
Possible harm
Fenugreek is considered a safe product for all healthy people. However, it has contraindications and in some cases can cause harm to health.
Side effects include:
- Decreased appetite. Such a phenomenon can be harmful in diseases of the stomach or cachexia.
- Hypoglycemia. At the beginning of taking fenugreek against the background of diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to monitor blood sugar levels and, if necessary, reduce the dose of medications taken.
- Miscarriage. Fenugreek has an estrogen-like effect and can disrupt the course of pregnancy, causing miscarriage or bleeding.
- Allergic reactions. No pathological reactions from the immune system have been recorded in the scientific literature, but they should not be excluded. Fenugreek can provoke an attack of bronchial asthma. In the presence of allergic reactions in the past, the product is strictly contraindicated.
Also, the plant should not be taken for ethrogen-sensitive tumors (for example, mammary glands). It can worsen the course of cancer.
Application
The plant is used in culinary business. Fresh young leaves are used to make soups, salads, meat and fish dishes.
Fenugreek goes well with vegetables and mushrooms. In some Mediterranean countries, it is added to baked goods and cheeses.
Sprouted fenugreek seeds (microgreens) are especially appreciated. Sprouts contain increased amounts of nutrients and are often used in salads.
In folk medicine, there are useful and balanced recipes based on fenugreek. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Cholesterol drink. Dilute 10 grams of plant powder with 200 ml of warm water. Take 100 ml 2 times a day for 1 month.
- A mixture for diabetes. Mix turmeric and fenugreek in equal proportions. Take 5 grams per day for a long time. Preferably on an empty stomach and with a small amount of liquid.
- Tea for the stomach. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over fried seeds or fresh leaves (up to 5-7 grams) of the plant, add 20-30 ml of milk. Take 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
- Decoction for constipation. Select 10 grams of fenugreek seeds, pour 200 ml of water and cook for 30 minutes. Take the resulting composition 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months.
- Hair product. Mix 2 drops of fenugreek and sandalwood oil, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Rub the mixture into the scalp with massage movements. Leave on for 1-2 hours, rinse with plenty of warm water. After such treatment, the hair becomes elastic and shiny. To eliminate brittleness, the composition should be used for at least 2 weeks.
Conclusion
- Fenugreek is a common plant. It is used in medicine and culinary business.
- It increases the production of breast milk in women, corrects sexual function in men.
- The plant is also used to reduce body weight, normalize cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In dietetics fenugreek is used to reduce weight.
- In order to avoid the development of side effects, it is recommended to take a competent approach to consumption and follow the technology of recipes.
