Does Fenugreek Help With Diabetes?

Living with diabetes can be challenging, but fortunately, there are natural remedies that may help manage blood sugar levels. One such remedy that has gained attention is fenugreek. Fenugreek is a herb commonly used in India and middle

eastern countries. It helps manage diabetes. This article will explore the relationship between fenugreek and diabetes, examining its effects, potential benefits, and how it can be incorporated into a diabetes management plan.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Fenugreek?

2. Nutritional Value Of Fenugreek

3. Health Benefits Of Fenugreek

4. What Effect Does It Have On Diabetes?

5. Potential Risks Of Fenugreek Usage

6. How To Incorporate Fenugreek Into Your Eating Routine?

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

What Is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek is a fragrant plant that can be utilised in various ways, including the culinary realm (an essential component of Indian curries and other Indian dishes) and the medical field.

The plant, grown extensively in South Asia, North Africa, and certain regions of the Mediterranean, has small, round leaves and produces long pods that contain peculiar, bitter-tasting seeds. The plant is characterised by its widespread cultivation.

The leaves, also called methi, are either sold as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens) or a herb (dried leaves), but the seeds are used as a whole and as a spice in powdered form. The leaves are either sold as methi, a vegetable with fresh leaves, sprouts, or microgreens. 

Fenugreek is utilised in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine due to its many beneficial effects on one's health. Moreover, it is widely used as a culinary component.

Fenugreek can be purchased in the following forms:

1. A spice (in whole or powdered form)

2. Supplement (in concentrated tablet and liquid form) 

3. Skin cream.

Nutritional Value Of Fenugreek

Many vital elements found in fenugreek contribute to its potent antioxidant properties. Whole fenugreek seeds, which weigh 11 grams, have various nutrients, including:

1. Calories- 35

2. Fat- 1 g

3. Fibre- 3 g

4. Carbs- 6 g

5. Protein- 3 g

6. Manganese- 6% of the DV

7. Magnesium- 5% of the DV

8. Iron- 21% of the Daily Value (DV)

Health Benefits Of Fenugreek

We here at ToneOp have curated a list of the benefits of fenugreek for you before we get into whether it is helpful or not for diabetes.

1. Aids Weight Loss

According to the findings of specific studies, one's appetite and fat consumption both decrease. One trial that lasted for 14 days indicated that individuals spontaneously cut their total fat intake by 17%. Fenugreek can help suppress appetite and boost feelings of fullness, contributing to less binge eating and, ultimately, weight loss.

2. Effects On Men's Testosterone Levels

To increase their levels of testosterone, many men use fenugreek pills. This is one of the most common uses for these products. According to a few studies, it has several positive benefits, including a rise in libido.

When paired with resistance exercise, using 300 milligrams of fenugreek seed twice daily for eight weeks significantly increased testosterone levels in male participants. Individuals also observed a drop in body fat and increased muscle strength compared to the control group.

In an additional investigation that lasted six weeks, 30 adult males were given a supplement containing magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 in addition to 600 milligrams of fenugreek extract. 

3. Lowers Your Diabetes Risk

Foods with low-glycemic index can help with diabetes. At least four of the chemicals found in fenugreek have been shown in several animal experiments to have anti-diabetic effects. In the first place:

1. Reduce the amount of glucose that the digestive system absorbs.

2. Impede the emptying of the stomach

3. Enhance insulin activity and sensitivity.

4. Decrease the amount of lipid-binding protein in the concentration

4. Effects On The Quantity Of Breast Milk Produced

Breast milk is the most beneficial source of nutrients for your child's growth and development. But some people may need help producing sufficient amounts.

1. According to some research, fenugreek may be a risk-free and all-natural alternative to the prescription medicines typically used to increase the amount of breast milk a nursing mother produces.

2. A previous study that lasted for 14 days and involved 78 new mothers found that drinking herbal tea with fenugreek seeds improved the amount of breast milk the women produced, which in turn helped their infants gain more weight.

3. In this research, fenugreek herbal tea was utilised rather than supplements; however, pills would likely have shown comparable results.

4. Although this research is positive, you should always discuss your concerns with a healthcare practitioner regarding your ability to produce breast milk.

What Effect Does It Have On Diabetes?

Fenugreek seeds are enriched with soluble fibre, which can help reduce blood sugar levels by lowering the pace of digestion and carbohydrate absorption. 

1. This points to the possibility that they help treat diabetic patients. The anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek have been the subject of investigation in several separate research projects.

2. Multiple clinical trials indicated that fenugreek seeds could ameliorate most metabolic symptoms associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and improving glucose tolerance. Increasing glucose tolerance enabled this.

3. Researchers in India found that patients with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes who included 100 grams of defatted fenugreek seed powder in their daily diets saw improvements in their glucose tolerance as well as significant drops in their fasting blood glucose levels, LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

4. A different controlled trial discovered that consuming a meal with 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed reduced the rise in post-meal blood glucose levels. 

Potential Risks Of Fenugreek Usage

1. Pregnant women should not use fenugreek because it can trigger uterine contractions. According to the NIH, there is insufficient data about fenugreek's safety for nursing mothers. Women with hormone-sensitive cancers should not take it.

2. Some claim their armpits smell like maple syrup after prolonged use. These assertions were supported by a 2011 study that discovered certain compounds in fenugreek, like dimethyl pyrazine, were responsible for the odour.

3. Contrast this odour with the odour brought on by the condition known as maple syrup urine disease (MUSD). The chemical makeup of this condition's smell is comparable to that of Fenugreek and maple syrup. Fenugreek can also cause allergies. Before using Fenugreek in your diet, discuss any potential dietary allergies with your doctor.

4. Cooking with the amounts of fenugreek that are typically used is perfectly safe. However, according to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, women with hormone-sensitive malignancies should avoid Fenugreek since it can act similarly to oestrogen.

5. When taken in high amounts, this medication might cause adverse effects such as bloating and gas.

6. Fenugreek has the potential to interact negatively with several drugs, particularly those used to treat conditions related to blood coagulation and diabetes. 

How To Incorporate Fenugreek Into Your Eating Routine?

Here are some easy tips to incorporate this flavorful and nutritious herb into your meals:

1. Sprinkle fenugreek seeds on soups, stews, and curries for a delicious and aromatic touch.

2. Add fenugreek leaves to salads or use them as a garnish for extra flavour.

3. Mix fenugreek powder into yogurt or other dips for a healthy and tasty snack.

4. Use fenugreek in spice blends like garam masala or curry powder for a unique twist on classic recipes.

5. Brew fenugreek tea by steeping the leaves or seeds in hot water for a relaxing and health-promoting beverage.

The Final Say

For centuries, fenugreek has been used to treat various illnesses, ranging from unstable blood sugar to low testosterone levels.

While fenugreek may have health benefits, it should not be considered a cure for any illness. It is essential to seek medical evaluation for symptoms promptly to minimise potential risks and consequences.

Before beginning fenugreek supplementation or considerably increasing their dietary intake, individuals, especially those dealing with chronic diseases or nursing mothers, should consult a medical professional.

FAQs

1. How much fenugreek should I take to treat my diabetes?

According to the International Journal For Vitamin and Nutrition Research report, consuming 10 grams of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water daily may help manage type-2 diabetes.

2. Is daily fenugreek use beneficial?

Numerous studies show that using fenugreek water regularly helps maintain intestinal health, minimise bloating, and reduce weight. However, up to a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds should be consumed daily.

3. When should you eat fenugreek?

To benefit from fenugreek seeds, consume them on an empty stomach with a tablespoon of water first thing in the morning.

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining your good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented diet plans and recipes. It also intends to provide value-added content to our consumers.