How Will Fenugreek Seed Help Diabetics? |
| Written by Jane White | |
| Tuesday, 02 September 2008 | |
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The Latin name Fenugreek means 'Greek hay' because through history it has mainly been used as animal fodder. Other names include Foenugreek, Goat's Horn, and Bird's Foot. Fenugreek grows wild in India, North Africa, and the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. Both the seeds and leaves are used because of their nutritional value. Fenugreek is similar to a bean plant growing one to two feet tall, and the flowers are white or pale yellow. The thin, sword-shaped pods are four to six inches long holding ten to twenty seeds. The plant takes four months to mature. Then it is pulled up, dried, and used. Fenugreek is available ground from the roasted seeds, as whole and dried seeds, or as a dull yellow powder. Its value comes from its contents: lysine and L-tryptophan, alkaloids, steroidal saponins (diosgenin, tigogenin, yamogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber. Fenugreek is a natural source of silicon, iron, sodium, selenium, and thiamine. Fenugreek is great for the digestive system. It contains a large amount of fiber. This type does not dissolve but swells when it comes in contact with fluids. This works it a natural laxative. Fenugreek also lowers blood pressure. Fenugreek is able to lower levels of harmful cholesterol and to regulate blood sugar levels. When taken with meals, fenugreek can slow how quickly the body absorbs sugars. One amino acid that is found in fenugreek has been reported to increase the production of insulin when blood sugar rises. This is not saying a diabetic can take fenugreek instead of insulin. A poultice of fenugreek may sooth irritated skin, relieve the pain of boils and cysts, and decrease surface aches and pains. It is also used for boils, cysts, and other complaints. Fenugreek was used by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation, and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion. It loosens and removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis, and congestion. A tea can be made by soaking a teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes. A coffee is also made in India from the seeds. The leaves are used in meat curries, both fresh and dried. A spicy bread is made with fenugreek powder added to the flour. A common dosage for diabetes or cholesterol-lowering is up to one ounce with each meal or up to three ounces per day. As a tincture, 3 to 4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up to three times per day. Fenugreek tea is prepared by soaking two ounces of the seed in about 5 ounces of cold water for at least 3 hours. The seeds are then strained out of the liquid before drinking the tea, which can be heated or not. The poultice is made by mixing 2 ounces of fenugreek seed powder with up to one quart of hot water and letting the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel.
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