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The health benefits of fenugreek are, well, quite a lot. If you are from the West, you may have overlooked this Mediterranean plant but it has actually reached the grocery or Indian store near you so that you can also benefit from it. But first, here are some of the things you need to know about this interesting herb-plant.
Unlike most herbs, fenugreek stands erect and grows up to 2 feet tall. It bears cute little white flowers that produce string-bean-like pods. The pods normally have 10 to 20 seeds each. These tiny, hard, oblong-shaped and yellow-brownish colored seeds are really what make fenugreek popular. The seeds are found to contain aluminum, calcium, carbohydrates, vitamin C, dietary fiber, magnesium protein, phosphorous, potassium, and sodium. On the other hand, the leaves are not so bad either. They contain calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins C and K.
Fenugreek plants love the mild Mediterranean climate, which is why they flourish in Morocco, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and China, as well as in some parts of Europe. India is the world’s leading producer of fenugreek. There, people consume the seeds raw or roasted with warm water very early in the morning. Ancient people have used the seeds for their health benefits, which for many centuries have seemed to hold true. The advantages of fenugreek seeds are varied and time-tested. So how could you, in this day and age of modern science, benefit from this oddly named plant?
Simply put, this plant can help you if you are suffering from any of these: fever, cold, ulcer, bronchitis, arthritis, indigestion, gastritis, skin inflammation, eczema, and boils, among others. Sounds like a lot? There’s more. If you are a lactating mother and found to supply little breast milk, fenugreek can solve your problem. Traditional herbalists and modern breastfeeding experts recommend this herb. More and more mothers now rely on fenugreek supplements, teas or extracts than the usual breast pump. Those how have tried the herb say that they have seen 900% more production after only 24 hours of using it. They also say they are happy that even the US Food and Drug Administration believes that fenugreek is safe for them and for their babies.
Another interesting benefit from the herb is that it is supposed to control the level of cholesterol and blood sugar. But perhaps the most interesting among its benefits are that it can increase breast size for women, build muscles for bodybuilders, and enhance one’s sexual drive. It seems that this wonder plant has something special for everyone.
Finally, potential fenugreek users should rejoice in the fact that fenugreek does not have any major side effects. So far, users have reported diarrhea, a slight feeling of nausea, and noticing that their sweat and urine smell like maple syrup (fenugreek is used to make artificial maple syrup). These are not very bad side effects. Perhaps the main reason why it isn’t harmful is that fenugreek is food. People have been eating it for centuries. It is the main ingredient in most Asian curry dishes and is used all over the world to make candies, icing, ice cream, gelatin, chewing gum, and soft drinks among others. There are many health benefits of fenugreek, but if you are not suffering from any of the health problems it is supposed to treat, you may still take fenugreek as a food garnish for its interesting, aromatic and savory taste.
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