Fenugreek Seeds for health
Part of the Indian spice box, methre or fenugreek seeds are not new to the traditional Indian culinary practice. While all spices and condiments have their unique properties, this one seems to be having some very special therapeutic benefits as well. The medicinal properties of fenugreek seeds are known since ancient times and have been described in Greek, Latin and Ayurvedic literature. Fenugreek leaves and seeds have been used extensively to prepare extracts and powders for medicinal uses.
They are good for diabetics, weight watchers, have cholesterol lowering and cancer prevention properties. In addition, they have been reported to have anti-ulcer, anti-fertility, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic properties and protective effects in liver damage. Among these beneficial physiological effects, the anti-diabetic and hypo-cholesterolemic (cholesterol reducing) property of fenugreek have been extensively studied.
Decoction of fenugreek seeds is known to reduce glucose levels in blood and urine, and help relieve symptoms of diabetes. For better effects, the powdered seeds can be taken as a drink in water or in buttermilk fifteen minutes before a meal. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of fiber (50%). The dietary fiber fraction of fenugreek seeds also exerts anti-diabetic effects. In addition they contain a component (trigonelline) known to reduce blood sugar levels.
Phytochemical (saponins) and a branched-chain amino acid in fenugreek have also been claimed to aid in glucose, lipid metabolism and cancer protection. The branched chain amino acid is also known to reduce insulin resistance, triglycerides and total cholesterol. All these properties may help in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, central obesity and dyslipidemia- the key components of metabolic syndrome.
Other health promoting properties of fenugreek seeds (soaked in water) include hepato-protective (liver protective), demulcent (soothen throat), carminative (protect from abdominal discomfort), laxative (aid in digestion), a diuretic and astringent properties. They are also known to help in menstrual cramps and regulate menopausal symptoms, bronchitis, arthritis and promote breast milk production in nursing mothers. A recent study reports that lactating women receiving fenugreek supplementation showed a 20% increase in milk volume after 2 weeks of supplementation.
Health benefits of germinated fenugreek seeds are considered to be more beneficial than dried seeds due to the increased presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. Fenugreek seeds should not be consumed raw, they are better taken soaked or powdered.
The question is how much methi seeds should be taken by a diabetic? The dose must depend on the severity of the disease. The prescribed dose varies from 25-50 grams i.e (2-3 tablespoons). Ideally, to begin with, 25 grams of the seeds may be given in two doses of 12.5 grams each (about one tablespoon) alongwith lunch and dinner. They can be had worked into chapattis, rice, daal, vegetable, curd, pickle, chutneys, or as sprouts in salad.
This bitter but beneficial seed, usually has no side-effects, however, some people may develop diarrhea or flatulence initially. If the symptoms persist, then either reduce the quantity or build up slowly.
They are good for diabetics, weight watchers, have cholesterol lowering and cancer prevention properties. In addition, they have been reported to have anti-ulcer, anti-fertility, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic properties and protective effects in liver damage. Among these beneficial physiological effects, the anti-diabetic and hypo-cholesterolemic (cholesterol reducing) property of fenugreek have been extensively studied.
Decoction of fenugreek seeds is known to reduce glucose levels in blood and urine, and help relieve symptoms of diabetes. For better effects, the powdered seeds can be taken as a drink in water or in buttermilk fifteen minutes before a meal. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of fiber (50%). The dietary fiber fraction of fenugreek seeds also exerts anti-diabetic effects. In addition they contain a component (trigonelline) known to reduce blood sugar levels.
Phytochemical (saponins) and a branched-chain amino acid in fenugreek have also been claimed to aid in glucose, lipid metabolism and cancer protection. The branched chain amino acid is also known to reduce insulin resistance, triglycerides and total cholesterol. All these properties may help in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, central obesity and dyslipidemia- the key components of metabolic syndrome.
Other health promoting properties of fenugreek seeds (soaked in water) include hepato-protective (liver protective), demulcent (soothen throat), carminative (protect from abdominal discomfort), laxative (aid in digestion), a diuretic and astringent properties. They are also known to help in menstrual cramps and regulate menopausal symptoms, bronchitis, arthritis and promote breast milk production in nursing mothers. A recent study reports that lactating women receiving fenugreek supplementation showed a 20% increase in milk volume after 2 weeks of supplementation.
Health benefits of germinated fenugreek seeds are considered to be more beneficial than dried seeds due to the increased presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. Fenugreek seeds should not be consumed raw, they are better taken soaked or powdered.
The question is how much methi seeds should be taken by a diabetic? The dose must depend on the severity of the disease. The prescribed dose varies from 25-50 grams i.e (2-3 tablespoons). Ideally, to begin with, 25 grams of the seeds may be given in two doses of 12.5 grams each (about one tablespoon) alongwith lunch and dinner. They can be had worked into chapattis, rice, daal, vegetable, curd, pickle, chutneys, or as sprouts in salad.
This bitter but beneficial seed, usually has no side-effects, however, some people may develop diarrhea or flatulence initially. If the symptoms persist, then either reduce the quantity or build up slowly.
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