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Fenugreek, also known as methi is native to Southern Europe, Western Asia and extremely popular in the Indian subcontinent. So it is understandable if you have not heard about this herb, but after this article, you will have more reasons to reach for it, as fenugreek can treat a wide range of ailments and improve your health in so many levels.
The Indian has been utilizing all parts of Fenugreek plants. They make teas and herbs from drying the leaves, grounding the seeds to make spice and the plant itself makes a wonderful vegetables. Used in any ways, fenugreek with its potent medicinal properties, can contribute greatly to your healthy well-being such as treating pilonidal cyst.
Fenugreek is a powerhouse of beneficial nutrients including iron, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 and dietary fiber. Most of the health benefits of fenugreek can be attributed to the presence of saponins and dietary fiber contents. The seeds contain mucilage - a gumming substance which can smooth and comfort irritated issues.This article aims at convincing you fenugreek holds the power to transform your overall health.
1. Balance cholesterol levels and treat diabetesA high level of cholesterols in the blood stream makes you more vulnerable to blood clots, heart attack and strokes. Fenugreek is packed with fiber, which helps reduce the excess cholesterol in the arteries and blood vessels.Fenugreek also benefits those who has type II diabetes, thanks to the presence of fiber galactomannan. It reduces the rate at which sugar if absorbed in the blood stream. A specific amino acid in fenugreek can regulate the insulin release, this way the overall functioning of the body is improved significantly.
2. Boost libidoFenugreek is good for sex, for both women and men. This fact has been proved by several studies. In women, fenugreek balances the hormone levels and enhances libido. Men can benefit greatly from fenugreek as well, since this amazing seed can give sexual arousal and testosterone levels a happy kick, thus improving men’s sexual performance, stamina and energy.
3. Enlarge the breasts and aid milk production in lactating womenFenugreek is an important ingredient in many teas and beauty products that aim at balancing the hormones level in women’s body and enlarging their breasts.It has long been trusted to improve milk production of feeding mothers due to a specific content called diosgenin. Rich in magnesium and vitamins, fenugreek also increases the quality of the milk produced, thus keeping your child healthy.Avery popular of fenugreek to women is that it alleviates discomforts women suffer from their menstrual cycles.
4. Reduce inflammationIn addition to cabbage that helps reduce inflammation, the powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of fenugreek mucilage is proved to be able to fight inflammation both inside and outside the body as well. Used externally, fenugreek is effective in treating wounds, gout, pain and swelling of the muscles, dandruff, etc. At the same time, it is an active ingredient to treat arthritis and prevent further inflammation caused by arthritis.
5. Improve digestive systemFenugreek comes in handy for people who are suffering from digestion-related ailments such as indigestion, gastritis, constipation, stomach inflammation or irritable bowel syndrome. High concentration of fiber and anti-inflammatory properties make it a common remedy to treat digestion and improve the overall health of digestive systems.
6. Minimize the symptoms of menopauseMany unpleasant symptoms of menopause such as cramps, mood swings, depression can be alleviated with fenugreek. It is an excellent source of diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones – two chemicals resembling the female sex hormones estrogen. So if you are experience discomforts of menopause, adding fenugreek to your daily diet is one way to deal with it.
7. Help eating disordersFenugreek adds a nice rich flavor and spice to food, thus enhancing one’s appetite. A research of Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior revealed that frequent consumption of fenugreek seed extract remarkably increases the motivation to eat and overall food intake. Afterall, fenugreek is beneficial to metabolism, so it can do wonders to treat eating disorders.
8. Improve exercises performanceA study carried out by Journal of Sports Science and Medicine reported remarkable result of combining creatine and fenugreek extract in increasing body composition, muscular strength and endurance. So if you are an athlete or simply involving in physical exercises, remember to take fenugreek extract with creatine supplement, you will see the improvements in your body and your performance in no time.
9. Reduce cardiovascular risk25% of fenugreek is galactomannan - a type of amino acid that is closely associated with the reduction of cardiovascular diseases. as mentioned earlier, by reducing the cholesterol level, fenugreek is also of great help in preventing cardiovascular ailments.Above are some of top convincing reasons why fenugreek is greatly beneficial to your health. Fenugreek can be taken in many ways, orally or topically to treat wounds and inflammation. One of the most common way to eat fenugreek is to add its powder into yogurt. To use externally, it is a good idea to make a paste and use a clean cloth to cover the affected area.