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Sorry for the spatial posts; I have been on the road a whole lot lately. The funegreek seed has been said to work wonders for the hair. Fenugreek seeds are rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and magnesium. It also contains thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), niacin, and vitamins A and C. There are also polysaccharides: saponins, hemicellulose, mucilage, tannin, and pectin, which help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by discouraging bile salts from absorbing into the colon, while at the same time binding to toxins so they can be escorted from the body. The amino acid 4-hydroxy isoleucine in the seeds helps lower rate of glucose absorption in the intestines, which lowers blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.
It’s notable that 100 grams of fenugreek seeds contain about 323 calories, and that the fiber content is quite high, which may have something to do with one traditional use for this product in the Middle East – to gain weight. Areas of the Middle East and North Africa are noted for grinding the seeds into a paste to be taken with sugar and olive oil. The seeds also add to digestive bulk, which helps prevent constipation. The paste is also applied topically to fight infection and inflammation in wounds, and the herb portion is used to treat diarrhea and stomach ulcers.
Fenugreek is used for digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach,constipation, and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). It is also used for conditions that affect heart health such as “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) and for highbloodlevels of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides.
Fenugreek is used for kidney ailments, a vitamin deficiency disease called beriberi, mouth ulcers, boils,bronchitis, infection of the tissues beneath the surface of the skin (cellulitis),tuberculosis, chronic coughs, chapped lips, baldness,cancer, and lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Some men use fenugreek for hernia,erectile dysfunction(ED), and other male problems.
Fenugreek is sometimes used as a poultice. It is wrapped in cloth, warmed and applied directly to the skin to treat local pain and swelling (inflammation),muscle pain, pain and swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), pain in the toes (gout), wounds, leg ulcers, and eczema.
The taste and odor of fenugreek resembles that of maple syrup, and it has been used to mask the taste of medicines.
In foods, fenugreek is included as an ingredient in spice blends. It is also used as a flavoring agent in imitation maple syrup, foods, beverages, and tobacco.
Nonn-Starchy Polysaccharides:
Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) constitute major portion of this fiber content in the fenugreek seeds. Some important NSP’s include saponins, hemicellulose, mucilage, tannin,and pectin. These compounds help lower blood LDL-cholesterol levels by inhibiting bile salts re-absorption in the colon. They also bind to toxins in the food and help to protect the colon mucusa from cancers. NSPs (non-starch polysaccharides) increase the bulk of the food and speed up bowel movements. Altogether, NSPs assist in smooth digestion and help relieve constipation ailments.
Phytochemical Content:
The seeds contain many phytochemical compounds such ascholine, trigonelline diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogeninandneotigogens.Together, these compounds attribute for the medicinal properties of fenugreeks.
This prized spice is an excellent sources of minerals likecopper, potassium, calcium,iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure by countering action on sodium.Ironis essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome-oxidases enzymes. It is also rich in many vital vitamins that are essential nutrients for optimum health, includingthiamin,pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, and vitamin-C.

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Helps counter acid reflux or heartburn:

One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and soothe irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.

Aids Weight Loss:
Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soakedmethiseeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing appetite.
Increases breast milk production in lactating women:
There are also those who attribute to fenugreek the ability to promote breast growth in women, although no studies prove it decisively. But another key compound, diosgenin, has been shown to increase milk flow, which makes this herb very popular among breastfeeding mothers. However, fenugreek can cause uterine contractions, so it’s advised that pregnant women avoid fenugreek in any form.
Research also indicates that the diosgenin in fenugreek may play an important part in inhibiting several types of cancer.
Controls Diabetes:
Fenugreek helps toalleviate type II diabetes. According to one study, it may also help people with Type I diabetes. Studies done by Indian researchers revealed that fenugreek added to type I diabetic patients’ diets helped to drop urinary sugar level by 54%. Because of the presence of the natural fiber galactomannan, fenugreek slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into bloodstream. A certain amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) in fenugreek induces the production of insulin so therefore, 15-20 grams of fenugreek is recommended for controlling blood sugar on a daily basis. By slowly releasing insulin to the body rather than in massive chunks, overall bodily function is improved, and the plunges and peaks of blood sugar won’t be an issue for diabetic patients.
Induces and eases child birth:

Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth.

Helps reduce menstrual discomfort:

Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance the iron absorption.
Helps slightly increase breast size:

The oestrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women.
Interactions:
Moderate Interaction:
*Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking fenugreek along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
*Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
*Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
*Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
*Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with FENUGREEK
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Fenugreek might also slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Tags : Healt Benefits of Funegreek Seed.
Prince

The author Prince

Hi, I’m Prince.. a registered Dietitian, an avid reader and a passionate writer. I hope you enjoy my articles as much as I enjoy writing them

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