FENUGREEK- BITTER YET HEALTHY

FENUGREEK

Fenugreek a native of Mediterranean Ukraine, India and China. The medicinal use of fenugreek seed was first mentioned 3500 years ago in the Egyptian Ebers Papyri. The seed is commonly used in Arabian, Greek and Indian medicinal traditions.
Fenugreek has double benefits as the seeds as well as the leaves both are beneficial for us.
The active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan. It also contains steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber which are believed to be responsible for many of the beneficial effects fenugreek exhibits.
Some of the benefits of Fenugreek are listed below :-

• Diabetes :- Fenugreek is considered to be very helpful for diabetes patient.The glucose regulating, anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek seed are linked to a novel free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine. This compound stimulates insulin secretion, thereby limiting the extent to which blood glucose is elevated. 4 hydroxyisoleucine promotes insulin secretion and inhibits the rise of blood glucose, thus helping to stabilize blood sugar and reduce body fat production. In one human study, 15 grams of fenugreek daily significantly reduced glucose levels after meals.
• Control Cholestrol :- Studies have proved that consumption of Fenugreek helps control your cholestrol level. It reduces your LDL ie low density Lipoprotein.
• Releif from Constipation :- Fenugreek contains a substantial amount of mucilaginous fiber. The mucilage found in fenugreek does not dissolve but instead swells when mixed with fluids. Since the body cannot digest the mucilage from fenugreek it is believed to be an effective laxative.
• Women health :-Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and good for breast feeding mothers. It was also used for inducing childbirth.
• Prevents Cancer :-Fenugreek possesses anticarcinogenic potential. So it is helpful in preventing cancer.
• Skin treatment :-As an external application fenugreek may sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains.