Take a look at the health benefits of eating fenugreek seeds:
1. Stimulates Breast Milk Production
Breast milk is the best nutrition source for a baby's overall growth. However, several mothers suffer from producing an adequate amount. For ages, fenugreek has been used as a natural alternative to stimulate breast milk production. Although this fact may seem encouraging, it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming it.
2. Controls Diabetes
The essential compounds in the fenugreek seeds help to keep type 1 and type 2 diabetes in check. These seeds contain 4-hydroxy isoleucine, which helps to increase insulin secretion and lower the glucose level in the blood. In addition, it has soluble fibre, which delays the digestion of carbohydrates in the body and maintains the glucose level. Besides, galactomannan also helps to control blood sugar levels.
3. Prevents the Growth of Cancer Cells
Fenugreek seeds have diosgenin. It aids in synthesising progesterone and cortisone, and hormones. These hormones prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in the body. Besides, fenugreek seeds have high amounts of antioxidants which helps to eliminate free radicals from the body. Free radicals are extremely reactive species that damage DNA and may cause mutations and cancer. By removing the free radicals from the body, these seeds prevent the risk of developing mutation-induced cancer.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. The 4-hydroxy isoleucine in it plays an effective role in reducing swelling and pain. It also helps in healing wounds. Furthermore, it has a bioactive compound that inhibits the functioning of multiple inflammation-inducing enzymes. Other bioactive compounds that provide fenugreek seeds with anti-inflammatory properties are alkaloids, saponins, and apigenin. Though the anti-inflammatory effects of all these compounds are not supported by sufficient research; still, these seeds help to improve the overall immunity system.
5. Relieves Menstruation Pain
Fenugreek seeds are effective in relieving pain, fatigue and nausea during menstruation. Moreover, they help in developing haemoglobin in the body. This provides energy and helps in regulating menstruation health. It also helps in preventing the condition of anaemia.
6. Aids Digestion
Fenugreek seeds have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. This is because of scopoletin and phenolic compounds in them. These compounds destroy the bacteria found in the gut. Besides, seeds' anti-fungal properties are due to flavonoids. Therefore, it improves the condition of gastrointestinal disorders and also heals wounds.
7. Maintains Heart Health
One of the benefits of eating fenugreek seeds is that they help to reduce the serum cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride content in the blood, which causes hypocholesterolemia. Saponi, a bioactive compound in fenugreek seeds, further helps to maintain heart health. This compound combines with bile acids and makes micelles in the intestine. These micelles are large enough for the body to absorb them. In this way, the presence of unhealthy lipids in the blood reduces and maintains heart health in the long run.
8. Controls Obesity
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of mucilaginous fibre, which has galactomannans. The high amount of fibre helps to reduce the absorption of glucose. This induces a feeling of fullness and regulates proper bowel movements. Moreover, the 4-hydroxy isoleucine compound in them helps to decrease the glucose amount in the blood. All these improve metabolism, thus causing weight loss.
9. Promotes Hair Growth
Fenugreek seeds are effective in reducing hair fall and increasing hair growth. It is also used for treating dandruff. Besides, it is also known for making hair follicles healthier. To obtain the maximum advantages of fenugreek seeds for hair fall, consume them or use their extracts on the scalp.
10. Stimulates Production of Testosterone
Fenugreek seeds have furostanolic saponins. This compound helps in the production of testosterone, a male hormone. It also improves libido among older males with lower testosterone levels.