Fenugreek Seeds Health Benefits, Uses And Its Side Effects

Fenugreek, being an emmenagogue, has certain properties which help to ease some of the pain associated with menstruation. It helps to open up the obstructed menses and helps in the smooth and efficient execution of different processes within a female body.

Fenugreek helps to reduce the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and thus reduces the chances of various ailments like atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. The rich fiber content helps to remove excess cholesterol from the arteries and blood vessels of our bodies. This further reduces the risk of clot forming or getting stuck in the blood vessels.

Consumption of Fenugreek seeds have proved to be good for cardiovascular health. Heart attacks can prove to be lethal and they occur when an artery leading to the heart gets clogged. Fenugreek seeds help to prevent any serious damage to your heart by countering the oxidative stress that occurs in case of a heart attack. Moreover, the seeds contain 25% galactomannan, which is a natural soluble fiber, that lowers the risks of cardiovascular health.

Fenugreek helps to fight Type II diabetes. Research has also shown that blood sugar levels in the urine of people suffering from Type I diabetes decrease when they consume fenugreek on a regular basis. This is because the natural dietary fiber galactomannan helps to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Again, fenugreek contains an amino acid that facilitates the production of insulin. Thus consumption of this food facilitates the release of insulin slowly to the body rather than in large quantities. This helps diabetic patients to deal with the highs and lows of blood sugar.

Fenugreek has high content of fiber and, thus, adds bulk to your stool and facilitates its smooth movement through your digestive system. Fenugreek is also believed to cure constipation and diarrhea and is effective in treating minor indigestion.

Fenugreek is also used to treat hernia, erectile dysfunction and even baldness in men. This is because fenugreek helps to increase testosterone levels and stimulates sexual arousal.

Diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones, found in fenugreek, are similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. Menopause and its accompanying symptoms such as mood swings, depression, cramps, abnormal hunger pangs and other, occur when there is loss of estrogen. Consumption of fenugreek helps to overcome these problems as it helps to monitor a number of hormones within the female body and also regulate various bodily processes.

Fenugreek contains the steroid diosgenin that has the ability to fight colon cancer. Again, the non-starch polysaccharides help to lower levels of cholesterol and prevent bile salts from being reabsorbed in the colon. These polysaccharides can reduce the onset of colorectal cancer by binding to the toxins and thus protecting colon’s mucous membrane.

Fenugreek seeds have been used to enhance production of breast milk. This is because fenugreek contains phytoestrogen that increases the milk production in lactating mothers and this, in turn, helps infants to gain weight.

Fenugreek has mucilage which has a soothing effect and helps you to get relief from cough and pain from sore throat. When taken with honey and lemon, fenugreek helps to reduce your fever by nourishing your body. Moreover, fenugreek has been recommended by traditional Chinese medicine for treating various kidney problems.