See the gallery of 6 photos

Fenugreek is a plant that has been used in cooking, cosmetics and medicine thanks to its unique properties. Fenugreek, incl. it relieves the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and lowers blood sugar levels. It has gained fame in cosmetology as an antidote to hair loss. In turn, in the kitchen, it acts as an aromatic spice. Check how else you can use fenugreek.

Fenugreek(LatinTrigonella foenum-graecum L .), Also known as Greek clover, Greek hay or God's grass, is a plant whose properties have been used in Asian medicine for centuries.

According to traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, fenugreek seeds are recommended in the treatment of diabetes - as a means of lowering blood glucose levels. In Iran, fenugreek leaves are a popular healing material in eye diseases: eyelid margin inflammation, and even in trachoma (Egyptian conjunctivitis), as well as skin diseases - multiple boil.

Modern scientific research confirms the long-discovered healing properties of fenugreek, which has been used not only in medicine, but also in bodybuilding, cosmetics and cooking.

Fenugreek seeds and ulcers, hemorrhoids and colon cancer

Fenugreek seeds have a positive effect on almost the entire digestive system:

  • stomach ulcers - water extracts and fenugreek seeds macerates, thanks to the presence of a polysaccharide fraction (one of the dietary fiber fractions), are used as an auxiliary in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. After reaching the stomach, polysaccharides cover the inflamed gastric mucosa with a protective layer that protects against irritants such as hydrochloric acid or pepsin. As a result, the swelling and congestion of the mucosa are reduced, and thus the healing process is accelerated;

The raw material used in medicine is fenugreek seeds, less often other parts of the plant.

  • improved digestion - dried seeds or a gruel made from them aids digestion in digestive ailments, such as dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis and liver diseases. The seeds increase the secretion of gastric and pancreatic juices and saliva. Therefore, they can be servedalso for fussy eaters in order to stimulate the appetite;
  • constipation - thanks to the high fiber content, they stimulate intestinal peristalsis and facilitate intestinal passage;
  • liver protection - fenugreek seeds also have hepatoprotective properties, i.e. they protect liver cells to a degree comparable to silymarin, an antioxidant that is commonly used in liver diseases - an anti-inflammatory, and inhibits the processes of fibrosis and the penetration of toxins into the liver cells;
  • gastrointestinal parasites - fenugreek seeds are also used as an aid in the treatment of parasitic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • hemorrhoids - seeds can be used as an aid in the treatment of hemorrhoids, as the flavonoids contained in them seal the blood vessels;
  • colorectal cancer - diosgenin present in fenugreek seeds may protect against the development of this cancer, because it inhibits the growth and stimulates the death of human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells;
This will be useful to you

Nutritional value of fenugreek seeds (per 100 g)
Energy value - 323 kcal
Total protein - 23 g
Fat - 6.41 g
Carbohydrates - 58.35 g
Fiber - 24.6 g

Vitamins

Vitamin C - 3 mg
Thiamine - 0.322 mg
Riboflavin - 0.366 mg
Niacin - 1.640 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.600 mg Folic acid - 57 µg
Vitamin A - 60 IU
Minerals

Calcium - 176 mg
Iron - 33.53 mg
Magnesium - 191 mg
Phosphorus - 296 mg
Potassium - 770 mg
Sodium - 67 mg
Zinc - 2.50 mg
Data Source: USDA National Nutrient Database

Fenugreek seeds lower cholesterol

Fenugreek seeds contribute to lowering the concentration of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL - very low-density lipoprotein. It is all thanks to steroid saponins, which intensify the metabolism of cholesterol and its transformation in the liver into bile acids, the excretion of which they stimulate. At the same time, saponins delay the absorption of fatty compounds. This reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis and related heart diseases, including coronary heart disease. Niacin contained in the seeds also shows antiatherosclerotic properties.

fenugreek seeds lower blood sugar

Fenugreek seeds contain 20-30 percent. mucous substances, mainly composed of galactomannans. It is thanks to them that fenugreek seeds, consumed in the form of gruel, delay gastric emptying and reduce the postprandial increase in glucose concentration. In addition, they inhibit the activity of enzymes that break down carbohydrates and reduce the levelglucose in the urine, thereby preventing glucosuria (glucosuria). Fenugreek seeds have the ability to lower blood sugar levels also thanks to the presence of 4-hydroxyisoleucine - an amino acid that increases the release of insulin from the cells of the Langerhans islets. In turn, the polyphenol complex contained in fenugreek seeds increases the sensitivity of tissues to insulin.

Important

Fenugreek can interfere with medications

Fenugreek can interfere with anticoagulant medications, as can other herbs and spices such as sage, chamomile, anise, arnica, dandelion, horse chestnut, St. John's wort, papaya extract, ginseng, and ginkgo.

Fenugreek has antibacterial and antifungal properties

It has also been proven that fenugreek extracts have antibiotic properties. They can fight bacteria such as: staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, pneumoniae, gonorrhea, blue pus, Salmonella and vaginal trichomoniasis.

Water extracts of fenugreek roots, seeds and shoots show antifungal activity against pathogenic microorganisms.

Fenugreek - other healing properties

Fenugreek seeds are also used as an expectorant raw material in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Scientific research shows that fenugreek seeds can also have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. In addition, they can prevent and support the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. In Asia, fenugreek seeds are used as a milk-making agent to stimulate lactation.

Fenugreek in bodybuilding

Fenugreek is also used in bodybuilding because it reduces the amount of adipose tissue and increases testosterone levels. This is confirmed by the research of scientists from Baylor University, whose research results were published in 2010 in the "International Journal Sports Nutrition Exercise Metabolism". Researchers gave participants - young men - 500 mg of fenugreek every day, and they then trained with weights for 4 days a week. After 8 weeks of research, fenugreek was found to actually reduce body fat and increase total and bioavailable testosterone levels, but it did not improve muscle strength and endurance.

See gallery 4 photosThis will be useful to you

Fenugreek - use in the kitchen

In Asia, dried and powdered fenugreek seeds are a prized spice. They can be added to practically all dishes: salads, sauces, soups, cottage cheese, meats, fish, pasta, vegetable dishes, casseroles, dips and dressings onbased on yoghurt, as well as legume dishes (e.g. humus). Fenugreek seeds are also used to flavor some cheeses and spicy curry sauces. They can also be combined with honey and preserves.

Fenugreek seeds have a specific note of bitterness. To get rid of it, the seeds should be lightly roasted (similar to roasting peanuts), but not too hard, so as not to impair their taste.

In turn, fresh fenugreek leaves and seed sprouts can be added to salads. On the other hand, kasoori methi, i.e. dried fenugreek leaves, is a perfect match for vegetable dishes, especially spicy. Crush the dried fenugreek leaves before use and sprinkle them over the dish.

Fenugreek for boils, abscesses and bruises

Cataplasmas, or hot compresses made of fenugreek seeds, are used to treat local inflammations of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, e.g. boils, abscesses and ulcers. They also have a softening effect, soothing inflammation and reducing swelling, which is why they are also used in the treatment of minor injuries, contusions and bruises.

This will be useful to you

Fenugreek wrap - how to make?

1 tablespoon of ground seeds, pour 1 cup of lukewarm water and mix thoroughly. Then put it on the gauze and simmer, covered, for 3 minutes. Then let it cool for a while. The warm decoction should be used externally in the form of compresses for boils, ulcers and skin inflammations 2-3 times a day.

Fenugreek - use in cosmetics

In cosmetics, fenugreek is used to care for oily and acne-prone skin. However, she gained the greatest fame thanks to the fact that it strengthens the hair. Fenugreek seed infusion prevents hair loss and stimulates the growth of new strands, including the so-called baby hair. In addition, it soothes irritations of the scalp.

This will be useful to you

Fenugreek hair loss remedy - recipe

3 tablespoons of ground seeds pour 150 ml of water, bring to a boil and set aside for half an hour to cool. Rub the resulting specificity into your hair, and then wrap it with cling film for three hours. After this time, wash your hair. A procedure performed once every 7 days (or more often) will allow you to observe a reduced amount of hair loss after a month. The leftover wipes can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of one week.

It is best to do this at the weekend, because it has a very intense aroma (resembles the smell of broth or roasted chicken) that stays on the hair. It is worth noting that the freshly prepared rub has a less intense smell than the one standing in the fridge for several days.

Bibliography:

1.Król-Kogus B., Krauze-Baranowska M.,Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) - tradition of use against the background of research results , "Advances in Phytotherapy "2011, No. 3.
2. Ożarowski A., Jaroniewski W.,Medicinal plants and their practical application , Publishing Institute of Trade Unions, Warsaw 1987.

Category:

He alth