Medicinal Benefits of Fenugreek

Introduction:

Fenugreek, famously known as ‘Methi’ in Hindi and ‘Venthayam’ in Tamil, it has amazing medicinal benefits. Fenugreek is commonly known plant from Mediterranean, comes from the third largest family of ‘flowering plants’. Fenugreek is a better known herbal treatment option to induce milk production in new mothers. How many of us know that it can be used as a medicine to control diabetes, acidity and skin inflammation?

Fenugreek to Control Diabetes:

According to scientists from Jaipur Diabetes and Research Center, it is confirmed that fenugreek seeds have effects in controlling diabetes. They have made analysis by implementing certain fenugreek diet with and without diabetic medication on Type I as well Type II diabetic patients. It is concluded that fenugreek has medicinal effect in decreasing insulin resistance and improving glycemic control in mild type II diabetes patients.

However, there is no significant changes found if the patient is suffering from type I diabetes or if the diabetes is severe. It is advisable to take fenugreek in form of seeds, powder or leaves with your regular diet along with medication to control diabetes significantly.

Fenugreek to Control Acidity:

Fenugreek seed is high in polymeric carbohydrate structures that help in digestion by breaking the food particles as necessary. Thereby it reduces the acid influx in people having problems with their digestive system. High fiber content in fenugreek leaves helps in controlling the acid formation in humans. However, it is advised to wash and cook leaves before consuming, since it has a tendency to loosen the stool and in turn diarrhea. Methi paratha is a famous and delicious dish from India.

Researches have been done on fenugreek seeds for its effects on acidity. The aqueous and gel fraction are isolated from the seed and put under examination. Analysis reported effective results in controlling acidity. If you have a problem with acidity, you can take spoonful of fenugreek seeds with buttermilk or fenugreek powder with water. You will feel relieved immediately. For better results, you may also add a pinch of salt and asafetida powder in it.

Fenugreek to Control Skin Inflammation:

Did you know that problems with digestive system can create skin inflammation and deformities such as acne, redness and other inflammation. As a tool, fenugreek, if taken regularly can handle your digestive system appropriately. Fenugreek, if taken in powder form with buttermilk or water can help reduce the blemishes. Working as a purifier, it helps to keep the blood circulation and moisture balance if you have an oily skin.

If the bad cholesterol is not controlled in time, it can create skin deformities or inflammations. When the digestive system in your body can take control of your bad cholesterol, your skin is protected automatically from its ill effects. Fenugreek has amazing effects on reducing the bad cholesterol level and in turn safeguard your skin.

Conclusion:

People in India, Pakistan, China, and Egypt are commonly using fenugreek in their routine diet. Among all countries, India leads as the largest producer of fenugreek in the world. You can make use of Fenugreek in forms of seed, powder, paste and leaves. If you have never used this herb or curry, start using it in a little quantity to check if it doesn’t induce diarrhea. When you are sure enough with the side effects, use it in any form as you wish. Have a healthy life with fenugreek!

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12127242

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11868855