What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek, also known as methi is an annual plant that is found in many places in the world. It is a member of the bean family and Fabaceae is its scientific family name. It is native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia. This herb is also known to be similar to clover. This plant is cultivated in countries across the globe, but the majority is grown and consumed in India. Lately, it has become a common household spice and thickening agent that can also be found in products, such as soap and shampoo. The seeds and powder are used in many Indian dishes for their nutritional profile which has a slightly sweet, nutty taste.
Uses of Fenugreek
One can use and consume fenugreek in many ways including –
● One can use dried leaves as herbs.
● One can eat fenugreek seeds as a whole which are often used as toppings for specific dishes or soups.
● The fenugreek seeds are mainly used as a spice and can be found sprinkled on top of many Asian dishes.
● Also, the seeds can be used in powdered form as a flavoring agent in curry pastes, soups, and stews.
● The plant itself can be used as a vegetable, like sprouts and microgreens.
● The powder made out of fenugreek can also be used to make a healthy, energizing tea.
Health Benefits of Feenu Greek
- Anticarcinogenic Effects
The presence of diosgenin in fenugreek seeds may help synthesize cortisone and progesterone hormones. Such hormones show anti-cancerous effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and may improve cancerous cell death. Fenugreek seeds are known to have anti-metastatic properties that may be present in several cancers including breast, skin, gastrointestinal tract, leukemia, lung, and prostate cancer. According to research, fenugreek may slow and prevent cancer growth. The seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, that may help remove free radicals present in the body.
- Antidiabetic Effects
Fenugreek seeds may have anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic effects on people. The seeds may help manage type1 and type2 diabetes complications. Also, fenugreek has a low glycemic index, which may make it a safe and healthy food for diabetes. It is a soluble fiber that may prolong the digestion of carbohydrates in the body, therefore improving glucose homeostasis. The bioactive compound galactomannan present in fenugreek seeds may show anti-diabetic properties. The seed extracts may aid in glucose metabolism through the formation of a glucose transport molecule, GLUT-2, in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects
With anti-inflammatory effects, the seed may help reduce pain, and swelling and promotes wound healing. It is a bioactive compound that may deactivate several inflammation-inducing enzymes. Other bioactive compounds that promote fenugreek’s anti-inflammatory responses may include alkaloids, apigenin, and saponins. Also, the anti-inflammatory effects of fenugreek seeds may result in a better immune system.
- Analgesic, or Pain-relieving Effects
People use fenugreek seeds that may help relieve pain and cramps. Fenugreek seed water, or fenugreek seed tea, is still consumed which may help relieve cramps, nausea, and fatigue during menstruation. Also, they promote hemoglobin synthesis in the body that may provide energy, which regulates women’s overall health during menstruation. Also, may benefit the prevention of anemia in women.
- Antimicrobial Properties of Fenugreek Seeds
The antimicrobial property is due to phenolic compounds and scopoletin, and these compounds interfere with the metabolic process of several bacterial strains seen in the gut and cause their death. Consumption of fenugreek seeds may help promote wound healing and aid in gastrointestinal disorders.
- Hypocholesterolemic Effect
Fenugreek seeds may help lower serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL content in the blood, this may result in hypocholesterolemia. Also, may help to reduce obesity and fasten weight loss. The bioactive compound saponin in fenugreek seeds combines with bile acids to form large micelles in the intestines. This may help regulate heart health and overall metabolism.
- Anti-obesity
It is said that fenugreek seeds may help in weight loss through their high dietary fiber content. Fenugreek seeds are rich in mucilaginous fiber, and this fiber has galactomannans. The high fiber content in the body may help lower glucose absorption, create a feeling of fullness, and manage bowel movements. The compound 4-hydroxy isoleucine may also help lower the amount of glucose present in the blood by increasing insulin secretion.
- Hair Growth
Fenugreek seeds are known to be used as a natural remedy that may help in hair loss or accelerate hair growth. Also, may be used in preventing and treating dandruff, and can also make hair follicles healthier. To get maximum benefits, one can eat fenugreek seeds or apply their extracts topically on the scalp.
Conclusion – Fenugreek is a unique and amazing herb that has long been used in alternative medicine. But some individuals have had allergic reactions to fenugreek, although this is rare, still one needs to be careful before consuming it. Also, pregnant women should avoid using fenugreek as it has compounds that can
