A Nutritional Analysis Of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant, similar to hay, that is commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Fenugreek is an ingredient in many curry recipes, and mothers often consume fenugreek because of the belief that it stimulates milk production for breast-feeding. A study published in the Fall 2004 edition of the journal "Plant Foods For Human Nutrition" demonstrated that fenugreek flour bends were nutritionally superior to other common flour blends. Fenugreek contains all three macronutrients and several vitamins and minerals.

Caloric Value

A 1-tbsp. serving of fenugreek seed contains 36 calories. The majority of fenugreek's caloric value comes from its carbohydrate content. According to the USDA, adults between the ages 19 and 30 require in excess of 2,000 calories a day to support their energy needs, and a 1-tbsp. serving of fenugreek provides about 2 percent of an adult's minimal daily energy needs.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Each 1-tbsp serving of fenugreek seed contains 6.48 g of carbohydrates. According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, 45 to 65 percent of your total calories should come from carbohydrates. An adult with a 2,000-calorie diet would require about 225 to 325 g of carbohydrates each day, so a 1-tbsp. serving of fenugreek seed would provide about 2 to 3 percent of the typical adult's carbohydrate needs. Fenugreek contains 2.7 g of fiber, a non-digestible form of carbohydrate that promotes digestive and cardiovascular health.

Protein

A 1-tbsp. serving of fenugreek seed contains 2.55 g of protein. Protein molecules are formed by amino acids, which give protein its ability to repair and synthesize cellular tissue. The body can manufacture many amino acids on its own, but ten of them it cannot, deeming it essential to obtain them from external sources. Many plant proteins lack certain amino acids, although fenugreek contains all ten, making the seed a biologically complete protein. Most adults require about 50 to 175 g of protein each day.

Fat

A 1-tbsp. serving of fenugreek seed contains 0.71 g of fat. While not nearly sufficient to meet the nearly 50 g of fat needed by most adults each day, fenugreek contains 16 mg of phytosterols -- natural plant compounds that help with the absorption of cholesterol. Phytosterols can help reduce unhealthy serum cholesterol levels and, as of April 2011, researchers are still investigating their ability to reduce the risk of certain cancers and urinary tract infections.

Vitamins

Fenugreek is naturally rich in several vitamins. Vitamins are organic compounds that assist with immune system function and growth. The body generally cannot produce its own vitamins, so you must consume them through diet. Fenugreek contains vitamin C, B-vitamins and vitamin A. Vitamin C plays a vital role in keeping the immune system healthy. The B-vitamins help convert carbohydrates into usable energy and vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision.

Minerals

Minerals are inorganic compounds that, like vitamins, the body cannot produce on its own. The body needs minerals for cellular processes such as energy metabolism, hydration and central nervous system function. Fenugreek seed contains the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.