Keywords:- Fenugreek, Health Benefits of fenugrek, its side effects.

Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. Its seeds and leaves are common ingredients in dishes from the Indian subcontinent, and have been used as a culinary ingredient since ancient times. 

Health benefits of fenugreek

1. Reduces inflammation inside the body:-

Fenugreek helps with inflammation within the body, such as: mouth ulcers, boils, bronchitis , infection of the tissues beneath the surface of the skin, tuberculosis , chronic coughs, cancer , kidney ailments. Fenugreek was discovered to have medicinal qualities, including management of metabolic and nutritive disorders such as diabetes.

Fenugreek seeds lead to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulate insulin. It is said to break up stuck energies and cool inflammation within the body. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property of fenugreek fights inflammation.

2. Improves digestive problems:- For those suffering from stomach ailments, fenugreek can be a boon. It is an effective treatment for gastritis and indigestion . Fenugreek seed helps in preventing constipation  as well as digestive problems created by stomach ulcers. This is because it is a natural digestive tonic, and its lubricating properties help soothe your stomach and intestines.

3. Promotes milk flow in breastfeeding:-Fenugreek seeds also helps breastfeeding women who may experience low milk supply. Fenugreek can increase a woman’s breast milk supply because it acts as a galactagogue, which is a substance to increase milk supply. This stimulates the milk ducts and can increase milk production in as little as 24 hours.

5. Fenugreek seeds are good for diabetes patient :-Diabetics are often recommended to include fenugreek seeds in their diet because of the positive effects they can have on their health. Studies conducted on the effect of fenugreek seeds on type 2 diabetes have produced favorable results. It was found that fenugreek seeds help control blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance.

4. Fenugreek seeds Helps with Eating disorders:-

Beyond enhancing flavor, fenugreek seeds have been shown to increase appetite, which results in restorative and nutritive properties. According to studies and investigations, it is showed that chronic oral administration of the fenugreek extract significantly increased food intake and the motivation to eat.

The report also indicated, however, that the treatment does not prevent anorexia nor the decreased motivation to eat. In cases of anorexia nervosa, intake of 250 to 500 milligrams of fenugreek seeds up to three times a day, but it may not be safe for children — so with any medication or natural treatments, check with your doctor first.

6. Improves excercise performance:-

The Journal of Sports Science and Medicine reports a study of the effects of combined creatine and fenugreek extract supplementation on strength and body composition in men. Fenugreek leads to significant increases in lean mass, bench press and leg press strength.

Fenugreek seeds extract supplementation had a significant impact on upper body strength and body composition as effectively as the combination of creatine with dextrose.

The use of fenugreek with creatine supplementation may be an effective means for enhancing creatine uptake while eliminating the need for excessive amounts of simple carbohydrate , and thus one should consider adding fenugreek to your list of best foods for athletes.

7. Helps cholestrol level:-Research has proven that fenugreek seeds help to lower the cholesterol level, especially the ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDL in our body. Fenugreek seeds have a flavonoid named naringenin that lowers the lipid levels in those with high cholesterol.

8. Fenugreek seeds maintain healthy testosterone level :-

Some fenugreek uses for men include treating hernias, erectile dysfunction and other male problems, such as baldness. That’s because fenugreek may increase sexual arousal and testosterone levels. Supplements produced from fenugreek have been shown to increase sexual desire and performance in men, as well as naturally remedy impotence.

According to studies it is found that that fenugreek seeds extract had a significant influence on sexual arousal, energy and stamina and helped participants maintain normal testosterone levels.

Side effects of fenugreek seeds

Potential side effects of fenugreek include diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive tract symptoms and rarely, dizziness and headaches. Large doses may cause a harmful drop in blood sugar. Fenugreek can cause allergic reactions in some people.