14 Amazing Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is used in vegetables to paratha. While it is tasty to eat, it also has many health benefits from the perspective of Ayurveda. In India, its leaves and grains have been used as Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. This can help to maintain a better health. If someone is sick, it can help to recover them. But, if someone has a serious health problem, give priority to medical treatment. In this article, we will tell you about the health benefits of fenugreek seeds and its use along with its side effects.

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek seeds is a type of food ingredients that can be used in many ways for its health benefits. Its green leaves are consumed as vegetables. Whereas, it’s grains are used while making food. The plant is two-three feet long and its pods have small yellow-brown fragrant grains. It is cultivated mostly in the Mediterranean region, West Asia and South Europe.

14 Amazing Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds.

The health benefits of fenugreek seeds are;

1. Weight Loss.
2. Health Heart.
3. Relief from Diabetes.
4. Cancer.
5. Cholesterol.
6. Arthritis.
7. Beneficial In Menstruation.
8. Grows Breast-Milk.
9. Improve Blood Pressure.
10. Increase Testosterone.
11. Healthy Kidney.
12. Reduce Inflammation.
13. For Skin.
14. For Hair.

 1. Fenugreek Seeds Benefits For Weight Loss.

If anyone wants to lose weight, fenugreek seeds can prove to be an effective tool for them. In fact, fenugreek prevent fat to accumulate in the body. It contains sufficient amount of fiber, which helps to digest the food and keep the appetite calm. This can also prevent weight gain. ⁽¹⁾

In addition, fenugreek contains a variety of polyphenols, which can lead to weight loss. ⁽²⁾ Therefore, it can be said that fenugreek seeds is effective for weight loss.

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2. Health Heart.

Fenugreek is recommended by the doctors for a healthy heart. People who use fenugreek regularly may be less prone to heart attack and if there is an attack, a deadly situation can be avoided. Different researches have proved that heart attack is a major cause behind mortality. It happens while the arteries of the heart are interrupted.

Fenugreek seeds are able to protect them from this condition. Even if someone has a heart attack, fenugreek can prevent oxidative stress from being created. Such oxidative stress during heart attack can prove to be fatal. Also, fenugreek seeds can help to balance the blood flow in the body, which prevent blockage in the arteries. ⁽³⁾

3. Relief From Diabetes.

Diabetic patients should pay special attention to their diet. According to a scientific research it has confirmed that the amount of sugar in the blood can be controlled by consuming fenugreek seeds regularly. Therefore, the doctor recommend to include fenugreek seeds in their diet. It can also reduce insulin resistance among the patients of type-2 diabetes. ⁽⁴⁾

According to another research, it is proved that beneficial effect on diabetes can be due to the hypoglycaemic effect present in it. It can reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. ⁽⁵⁾ Therefore, people with normal blood sugar should avoid excessive consumption.

4. Cancer.

Cancer is a deadly disease. According to a medical research, fenugreek contains anti-cancer elements, which can prevent the problem of cancer. ⁽⁶⁾ Yes, if someone is already suffering from cancer, he should be treated with a doctor without any delay.

5. Cholesterol.

Excessive cholesterol level in the body can cause many problems. Fenugreek seeds is an effective option to control cholesterol level. In fact, according to a scientific study, fenugreek seeds contain flavonoids called naringenin. It can reduce lipid levels in the blood. It also has antioxidant properties, which can reduce high cholesterol level. ⁽⁷⁾

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6. Arthritis.

With aging, the joints begin to swell, which can cause unbearable pain. It is called joint pain or arthritis. Fenugreek seeds is a panacea to deal with it, which has been used for centuries. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These virtuous elements can help to relieve the pain of arthritis by reducing inflammation of the joints.

Fenugreek is also enrich with iron, calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, such medicinal properties of fenugreek provide the bones and joints necessary nutrients, which keeps them healthy and strong. ^{(8) (9)}

7. Beneficial In Menstruation.

Women have to undergo unbearable pain during menstruation. In such a situation, if you are thinking about what happens by eating fenugreek, let’s say that in this situation, the powder made from fenugreek seeds can work effectively to relieve the pain.

Fenugreek seeds can also help to relieve other menstrual problems. It have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic and diuretic properties. Scientific researches have confirmed that these virtuous elements of fenugreek can work to relieve all kinds of pain in menstruation, which is called Dysmenorrhea in medical language. ⁽¹⁰⁾

*Note – In case of menstruation, it should be consume in small quantities on the advice of the doctor.

8. Grows Breast-Milk.

There is nothing effective than mother’s milk for a newborn baby. A breastfeeding mother can use herbal tea made from fenugreek or fenugreek seeds. According to a research on the NCBI website proved that fenugreek can increase the quality and quantity of breast milk. ⁽¹¹⁾ However, it required more research to find out how fenugreek works in this regard.

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9. Improve Blood Pressure.

Hypertension can cause a variety of health disease, including heart problems. The medicinal properties of fenugreek can help to alleviate this problem. According to a scientific research, fenugreek is found to have an antihypertensive effect, which can reduce the problem of blood pressure. ⁽¹²⁾

10. Increase Testosterone.

Yes, its regular intake can increase testosterone. According to one research, properties in fenugreek is considered useful in hormonal regulation. Fenugreek can increases testosterone levels by inhibiting the production of estrogen in the body. Increasing testosterone levels in a male body leads to muscle growth and increases physical capacity. ⁽¹³⁾

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11.  Healthy Kidney.

In many scientific researches, it has proved that fenugreek is beneficial for kidney. Intake of fenugreek in your food can make the kidneys healthy. Fenugreek seeds contains polyphenolic flavonoids, which helps the kidneys for better function. It also create a protective shield around the kidney, which can prevent destruction of cells. This is confirmed by a research available on behalf of NCBI. ⁽¹⁴⁾

12. Reduce Inflammation.

It is consider as one of the effective health benefits of fenugreek seeds. It can be beneficial to eliminate inflammation and the problem arising out of it. In fact, fenugreek seeds contains linolenic and linoleic acid. The petroleum ether extract of this acid is found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve inflammation. It is also proved by a scientific research published on the NCBI. ⁽¹⁵⁾

13. Fenugreek Seeds For Skin.

Fenugreek seeds is also considered as beneficial for the skin. A scientific study published on the NCBI website shows that fenugreek contains antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing and skin smoothing properties. ⁽¹⁶⁾ Therefore, it can prevent wrinkles and ageing effects on the skin.

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14. Fenugreek Seeds for Hair.

Fenugreek can prevent hair loss. According to a medical research, it is proved that it contain plenty of protein, which is essential for hair. This can help to treat baldness, thinning of hair and hair loss.

In addition, it also contain lecithin, which can make the hair naturally stronger as well as moisturize. It can also prevent dandruff.

Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds Soaked in Water.

Soaking fenugreek overnight reduces its warm effects. Without soaking can raise several health issues. Therefore, it is better to take fenugreek by soaking with water. It not only helps to reduce weight but also shown beneficial for many disease as mentioned above.

Sprouted Fenugreek Seeds Benefits.

The benefits of sprouted fenugreek seeds are:

• Helps in controlling diabetes.
• Improves body metabolism.
• Improves cardiac health.
• Boost body immunity.

Fenugreek Seeds Benefits for Women’s Breast Enlargement.

Fenugreek seeds has shown its benefit in breast enlargement too. It increases the breast size naturally and also helps in the production of estrogen after menopause.

How To Use Fenugreek Seeds?

Ayurveda says that the fenugreek grains are hot. Using it directly can cause harm to the body. Therefore, fenugreek seeds should be soaked in water for some time, so that its warmth is reduced. Then it can be used.

When and How To Use?

• Fry the fenugreek seeds on medium heat for a minute or two and then pour it over the vegetable or salad. It can be used in the lunch or dinner.
• Soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and use them with a glass of water in the next morning. You can also drink the water in the morning with empty stomach in which fenugreek seeds were soaked.
• After soaking the fenugreek seeds in water overnight, tie it in a cloth. After a few days, fenugreek seeds will germinate. Then it can be consumed in the morning.
• It can be consumed by making fenugreek paratha and loaves. Its paratha can be consume in breakfast.
• You can also drink herbal tea of fenugreek seeds. Add fenugreek seeds to the water and boil it. Lemon and honey can be mixed with it for taste. It can be drink in the morning and evening.

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How Much To Use?

In a state like diabetes, it can be taken up to 25 to 50 grams per day. However, it is better to consult with your dietitian to know the exact amount of it. ⁽¹⁷⁾

How To Protect Fenugreek For A Long Time?

• Fenugreek green leaves can be preserved in the refrigerator for a few days.
• It can also be preserved for a day or two by wrapping its leaves in a wale cloth.
• It can be preserved by putting it in an air tight compartment.

Who Should Avoid Fenugreek Seeds?

Some people should avoid the intake of fenugreek, like;

• Patients with low blood sugar should avoid fenugreek intake, as it has a hypoglycemic effect.
• Fenugreek is found to have an antihypertensive effect, which can reduce blood pressure. Therefore, those are suffering from low blood pressure should avoid.
• Pregnant women should not consume it. She must talk to the doctor before consumption.

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Side Effects of Fenugreek Seeds.

There is no doubt that fenugreek seeds have several health benefits. Incorporating it into your food can have a variety of health benefits, but it also have some disadvantages. In some cases, its intake may face a variety of health problems like;

1. Diarrhea.

Fenugreek seeds are good for the digestive system, but sometimes it also causes diarrhea. Excessive intake can spoil the stomach and cause diarrhea. If breastfeeding women have a stomach issues by its intake, it can also cause diarrhea to the infant. Therefore, stop using in such symptoms.

2. Allergies.

Some people may be allergic to the use of fenugreek seeds like swelling on the face. At the same, some may have rashes on the body, there may be breathlessness problems and some become unconscious. In addition, many people complain about pain in the chest by using fenugreek.

It is hot, so some people complain of hemorrhoids, gas and acidity. ⁽¹⁸⁾ Also, if someone is under medication for a disease, he must consult the doctor before consuming fenugreek seeds.

3. Uterine Contractions.

As mentioned earlier in this article, the fenugreek seeds is hot. If a pregnant woman consumes it excessively, premature uterine contractions may occur. It contain oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. Therefore, pregnant women should consume fenugreek seeds only by the advice of the doctor.

4. Harmful To Children.

Fenugreek seeds are not considered safe for children. We have already told you that, it can cause diarrhea. It is also not good for children to drink herbal tea, as it can affect their brain capacity. So, it is better not to give fenugreek supplements to the children. If you want to give, you can add vegetables to the doctor’s advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

1. Is it safe to take fenugreek daily?

Yes, a limited quantity can be taken daily. We have already mentioned in this article about the quantity. At the same time, keep in mind that each person has different physical abilities. So, you must talk to the dietitian about the amount you should take. Especially if you are suffering from some disease, you must consult the doctor.

2.  Can I take fenugreek on an empty stomach?

Yes, in the morning, sprouts or herbal tea of fenugreek seeds can be taken with an empty stomach. At the same time, fenugreek seeds can be soaked in water overnight and taken in the morning.

3. How long does fenugreek take to start the effect?

The effect of any food or drug takes some time to start, and the benefits are also gradually visible. Usually it may take one to two month.

4. What happens if you take fenugreek excessively?

Fenugreek seeds have both advantages and disadvantages. Excessive intake can raise the problems such as low blood sugar, diarrhea and low blood pressure.

5. Does fenugreek interact with drugs?

In many cases there may be a reaction between fenugreek and medicines. Therefore, if one is under medication for a serious health problem, consult your doctor before consuming it.

6. What is the effectiveness of fenugreek?

Fenugreek is hot. Therefore, it is advisable to soak it in water overnight and consume it in the morning.

7. Can fenugreek and honey be taken together?

Yes, fenugreek powder and honey can be taken together. You can also consume with seeds and leaves.

Bottom Line.

Of course, fenugreek seeds are small in appearance, but there are many health benefits of fenugreek seeds that you have already known through this article. At the same time, fenugreek can also be harmed and you have also got the information here.

So, include fenugreek in your routine without delaying. Keep in mind that, limited quantity with consistency give you maximum health benefits. We hope that the information in this article will prove useful to you. You can also read other articles of health-related on our health section.

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