An herb named Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) is used in industrial and culinary uses, as well as in alternative and traditional medicine. Its seed extract is used in the form of pills as a supplement, and medicinal tea is prepared from its seeds.
Fenugreek has been advertised as beneficial to lessen blood sugar levels for prediabetes and diabetes, treating menstrual cramps, improving lactation during breastfeeding, and boosting testosterone levels.
However, no benefits have actually been proven through research, and large doses can be toxic and cause birth defects.
Health Benefits of Fenugreek
The use of fenugreek supplements and tea in traditional medicine has been shown to relieve or prevent many ailments, but no high-quality research studies have indicated that.
Lowering Blood Sugar and fenugreek for hair growth is also used.
Studies have examined the effects of preparations made from fenugreek seeds on controlling blood glucose and the prevention of the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.
There was evidence from animal studies that showed this use could be beneficial; for example, it slows down carbohydrate digestion and absorption. However, human studies have not determined so results for humans may be different from animals.
1. Fenugreek for Breast Milk Production
Several folk remedies use fenugreek seed tea or pills to boost breast milk production. Fenugreek is believed to contain substances that resemble estrogen and perform actions like estrogen. The studies investigating this have had mixed results so far.
Research studies have demonstrated that infants of mothers who drank fenugreek tea gained weight earlier than those in a placebo group or a control group, and breast milk volume was significantly increased in those groups.
2. Fenugreek capsules for Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps have traditionally been treated with fenugreek seeds and tea. A systematic review of studies conducted in 2016 found that there is limited evidence supporting this use.
Studies comparing fenugreek seed pills with placebos were conducted. An experimental study using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled methodology found that patients receiving the fenugreek capsules had reduced pain and shortened the duration of pain.
3. Fenugreek for men
Fenugreek appears to have testosterone-stimulating compounds called furostanolic saponins; however, research on this process has been very limited.
4. Fenugreek for weight loss or weight gain
Fenugreek has not been studied much for its effect on humans’ weight. Increasing appetite is theoretically possible due to fenugreek’s ability to boost insulin release, carbohydrate’s slow digestion, and blood glucose levels reduction.
Fenugreek seeds are sometimes used as an appetite suppressant as well as a remedy for anorexia.
Soluble fiber is found in great abundance in the seeds, making them a great source of nutrition and satiation when consumed with water. A study found that fenugreek supplements did not affect weight.
Side Effects of fenugreek supplement
Several side effects have been noted with the use of fenugreek, including dizziness, diarrhea, and gas. Moreover, fenugreek can decrease your blood sugar levels when taken in high doses.
Thus the combination of fenugreek with diabetes medications might cause undesirable results.
