Fenugreek comes from the dried seeds of the fenugreek plant. Its scientific name is Trigonella foenum graecum, and it is also commonly called bird's foot or Greek hayseed. In traditional ayurvedic medicine, fenugreek is respected for its effect as a laxative, a lactation stimulant and as a demulcent (a soothing agent that relieves irritation). This herb is a supplement, a food product and may be used as a flavoring in foods. Fenugreek provides many benefits.
Lowers Blood Glucose
Fenugreek's hypoglycemic properties lower blood glucose making it beneficial for treating diabetics. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, fenugreek lowers blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride in healthy and diabetic animals and humans, and the defatted seed material from fenugreek, may reduce gastrointestinal glucose and cholesterol absorption. This is good news for diabetics since high blood glucose and high cholesterol levels pose potential risks of heart disease and stroke in patients with diabetes. Consultation with a health care provider is important before taking fenugreek, especially for diabetics, because blood sugar levels will need close monitoring and diabetic medications dosages may need to be modified.
Effects on Lactation
Fenugreek is used in traditional medicine to promote lactation, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. However, more evidence is needed to evaluate its use in this regard. According to Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), lactation consultants often times recommend fenugreek for nursing mothers with low milk production, but the Children's Nutrition Research Center at BCM cannot recommend this practice because of the lack of scientific evidence. A number of studies are in progress investigating fenugreek's effect on milk production for future clarification. Because nursing problems may be due to many reasons, BCM recommends consulting with a lactation consultant to be sure that low milk production is the cause of the baby's reaction before reaching for fenugreek.
Lowers Cholesterol
Fenugreek contains steroidal saponins; these ingredients block cholesterol absorption and prevent the synthesis or binding of cholesterol in the system. According to True Star Health, double-blind trials show that fenugreek lowers elevated "bad" LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. The "good" HDL (high level lipoprotein) cholesterol level is usually not affected.
Considerations
Fenugreek should not take taken by individuals who have an allergy to it. Pregnant women should not take fenugreek because of its ability to stimulate uterine contractions.
Member Comments