Have you heard of the fenugreek before? Have you seen one? If not, it’s just fine –you are not alone! However, that doesn’t mean that you will need to be in the shadows forever by not knowing what really this fenugreek is. In the actual fact, is suggest using fenugreek on a regular basis. Why? Simple. This is because of the amazing health benefits of fenugreek, which may transform your health and change your life for the better. You may ask how this herb can change your life. Well, it all starts with the inflammation. Recent studies show that the fenugreek is beneficial in reducing both the external and internal type of inflammation. If you want to know more about this, give this article a read! You will surely learn a lot!
Fenugreek: What is this?
The Fenugreek is actually an annual herb that has light green leaves and small white flowers. Furthermore, it is part of the pea family or the Fabaceae and is also called the Greek hay. Moreover, the fenugreek plant grows to approximately 2-3 feet in height, and its seed pods have about 10 to 20 small, yellow-brown, flat, aromatic, and pungent seeds. This herb has a long history as a valuable ingredient in the traditional medicine, especially in India, Egypt, the Middle East, and in North Africa.
The taste of the fenugreek seeds is bitter and is quite similar to that of the celery, burnt sugar, or the maple syrup. Not just that, it is also frequently used in making medicines. Nevertheless, the fenugreek has a way more pleasant taste when you cook it. Actually, the graecum seeds of the fenugreek seeds are commonly ground and dried and are the widely used part of the herb. In addition, the leaves are also used in cooking.
You may take the seeds through the mouth or used in forming a paste, which you may apply unto the skin. This is essential in healing the inflammation. Furthermore, in the manufacturing field, the fenugreek extracts may be found in cosmetics and in soaps.
According to a book, the fenugreek oil and extract are known to have anti-tumorigenic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, a certain part of the fenugreek seed is also beneficial as a stabilizer and thickening agent for foods. It is used as a flavoring and spice in the preparation of foods too.
Nutritional Value of Fenugreek
100 gram serving of the fenugreek seed may contain the following essential nutrients:
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 323 Kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 58.35 grams | 45% |
| Protein | 23 grams | 41% |
| Total Fat | 6.41 grams | 21% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.6 grams | 65% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 57 micrograms | 14% |
| Niacin | 1.640 milligrams | 7% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.600 milligrams | 46% |
| Riboflavin | 0.366 milligrams | 28% |
| Thiamin | 0.322 milligrams | 27% |
| Vitamin A | 60 IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 3 milligrams | 5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 67 milligrams | 4.5% |
| Potassium | 770 milligrams | 16% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 176 milligrams | 18% |
| Copper | 1.110 milligrams | 123% |
| Iron | 33.53 milligrams | 419% |
| Magnesium | 191 milligrams | 48% |
| Manganese | 1.228 milligrams | 53% |
| Phosphorus | 296 milligrams | 42% |
| Selenium | 6.3 micrograms | 11% |
| Zinc | 2.50 milligrams | 23% |
Health Benefits of Fenugreek
Here are some of the most astounding health benefits of fenugreek:
- Helps in improving the blood sugar levels. One clinical trial shows that the ingestion of the fenugreek seeds has a good effect in treating type 2 diabetes. This is one of the best health benefits of fenugreek.
- Helps in improving the exercise performance. The use of the fenugreek along with the creatine supplementation may have an effect in the enhancement of the uptake of creatine. This is while getting rid of the need for excessive levels of simple carbs. Some even say that this is one good addition for the best foods for athletes.
- Helps with eating disorders. Apart from it is essential in enhancing flavor, the fenugreek has an effect in increasing the appetite. This may result in its nutritive and restorative properties. Furthermore, one study also suggests that the fenugreek has an effect on the feeding behavior of a person. Various experiments were being performed in order to determine the food consumption as well as the motivation in eating and the changes in the metabolic endocrine.
- Helps in adding flavor and spice to certain foods. In foods, the fenugreek is often an addition to the ingredients in various spice blends. Moreover, it is also used as a flavoring agent in imitation tobacco, beverages, foods, and maple syrups.
- Helps in lowering the inflammation outside the body. The fenugreek is essential in reducing the inflammation outside the body, including sciatica, leg ulcers, wounds, gout, pain and swelling in the lymph nodes, and many other external inflammations.
- Helps in reducing the inflammation inside the body. The fenugreek is also essential in reducing the inflammation inside the body, including kidney conditions, cancer, chronic coughs, tuberculosis, bronchitis, boils, mouth ulcers, and much other internal inflammation.
Possible Side Effects of Fenugreek
There are some possible side effects of the fenugreek seeds. When you take it by mouth, it may actually cause gas, diarrhea, and bloating. Furthermore, the fenugreek may also cause irritation when you apply it to the skin directly. Therefore, you must test in a small area first.
Furthermore, it is also important to note that the fenugreek may cause some harmful effects, which may thin the blood as well as cause excessive bleeding. You must consult your doctor first, before consuming this herb.
