10 Benefits of Fenugreek
Fenugreek also is known as Greek hay comes from the pea family. Fenugreek is grown annually containing green leaves and small white flowers. Fenugreek has been used all around the world to make medicine both using the seeds and the leaves. Both the leaves and the seeds can be dried and ground and used for cooking or other purposes.
There are a variety of reasons and ways fenugreek can be used. Today, fenugreek can be taken by mouth or used in different soaps, lotions and other cosmetics for different conditions.
Fenugreek Benefit #1: Appetite Stimulant
For some weight gain can be difficult. Today, there are a variety of pills which claim to help you lose weight, but what if there was a natural way to increase appetite and therefore aid with weight gain?
Studies show that Fenugreek can increase appetite and the motivation to eat. For those dealing with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, fenugreek might aid as a natural appetite stimulant. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommended patients dealing with anorexia nervosa to take 250-500milligrams of fenugreek 1-3 times per day 1https://draxe.com/fenugreek/.
Fenugreek Benefit #2: Blood Sugar Management
Maintaining healthy blood sugars can be quite tricky especially for people dealing with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or the inability for our bodies to produce insulin. Nonetheless, everyone can benefit from maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek consumption has been shown to improve blood sugar for individuals with type 2 diabetes. A study conducted showed that participants who consumed fenugreek seeds soaked in water had a more controlled blood sugar compared to those patients who did not 2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19839001.
Fenugreek Benefit #3: Increased Libido in Men
For anyone looking for ways to improve their libido or virility, fenugreek may be your answer. For years, fenugreek has been used for its function to increase sex drive and improve sexual dysfunction in men.
Lack of libido is one of the main side effects of anti-depressant medications. Recent research shows fenugreek may increase sexual arousal, testosterone, and performance in men 3https://draxe.com/fenugreek/. Although more research needs to be conducted, fenugreek could be an alternative to other medications.
Fenugreek Benefit #4: Aids Inflammation
Inflammation is known as the basis for many diseases. With the lack of Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet and large consumptions of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids in the diet it is sometimes difficult to alleviate.
Fenugreek has been used for years to aid inflammation inside the body. For example, fenugreek may be helpful with conditions such as mouth ulcers, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and chronic coughs.
Fenugreek Benefit #5: Lowers Cholesterol
Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death, lowering your cholesterol is essential to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol can build up in our arteries causing atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Fenugreek has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels in participants with high lipids levels 4https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2090006. Fenugreek can be used aside from other lower cholesterol medications to help to manage overall cholesterol.
Fenugreek Benefit #6: Relieves Constipation
Dealing with indigestion and constipation can be extremely uncomfortable. Although today there are a variety of products to help with digestion and constipation, natural products can be a healthier option. Fenugreek for years has been used to help aid discomforts of indigestion and constipation.
Fenugreek contains water-soluble fiber which can relieve constipation 5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291444/. Soluble fiber has the ability to attract water and turns to gel during digestion which is important for health, digestion and preventing disease.
Fenugreek Benefit #7: Reduces Menstrual Discomfort
Menstrual discomfort can take a toll on you and your daily activities. Most of us are used to taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, Advil, and ibuprofen to help aid with the pain. Nonetheless, all these drugs have only been around for the past 100 years.
For thousands of years, fenugreek has been used as a herbal medicine to help aid with menstrual discomfort. Research shows that those supplementing with fenugreek had a reduction menstrual pain compared to those who did not consume it 6https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24695380.
Fenugreek Benefit #8: Relieves PMS Symptoms
As mentioned earlier, fenugreek has the ability to help with menstrual discomfort. However, researchers suggest that fenugreek can also help aid with symptoms of PMS. Due to its diuretic, antihistaminic and antioxidant properties fenugreek has the abilities help with symptoms of PMS.
Although more research needs to be conducted on the use of fenugreek and its functions. Using fenugreek as an alternative medicine can have great benefits.
Fenugreek Benefit #9: Helps Lactating Mothers
Breastfeeding has enormous benefits for both the mother and the baby. Breast milk contains essential nutrients essential for newborns. Moreover, Studies suggest that children who were breastfed had a lower risk of having allergies or asthma. Moreover, mothers can benefit from breastfeeding as well. Mothers who breastfeed tend to recover from childbirth more quickly and easily than mothers who did not.
Breastfeeding can be difficult for mothers who can not produce enough milk. Nonetheless, fenugreek has the ability to help breastfeeding mothers with low milk supply.
Fenugreek Benefit #10: Useful For Skin Infections And Wounds
Fenugreek can be used externally as a positive which can reduce inflammation.
Fenugreek has the ability to help aid pain and swelling associated with wounds, leg ulcers, sciatica, dandruff, and eczema. Nonetheless, more research needs to be conducted on the benefits of fenugreek on skin infections and wounds.
