Fenugreek Benefits: Everything You Need to Know
Fenugreek is an extremely popular spice that has a very strong scent and an even more pungent taste. While the spice is used in culinary dishes around the world, it is also thought to have quite a few health benefits and is used for medicinal purposes in some areas. This is done in the way of a fenugreek powder, which is dust that comes from the original spice and can usually be bought in markets everywhere. It can also be made in the comfort of your own home by grinding the fenugreek spice itself into powder form. While the powder and the spice itself has been used for thousands of years in other countries, it didn’t come to the United States until a few years ago, which is probably why there isn’t that much known about it.
In this blog, we will talk about fenugreek, what it can be used for, the benefits it has health-wise, for the skin, and your hair as well, and the side effects that are said to be associated with the spice that you need to know before you make a decision to take it. We will even talk about a few ways to add fenugreek to your diet as well. With that being said, let’s cut the chatter and get down to business with our blog on fenugreek benefits and everything else you need to know about this amazing spice. Ready? Set? Then, let’s get started, shall we?
Uses of Fenugreek Revealed
There are a few medical issues that fenugreek is said to help with. Those are listed below for your perusal.
- To help with high cholesterol
- To help with Type 2 Diabetes
- To lower high triglycerides
- To relieve constipation
- To help with Type 1 Diabetes
There are also traditional uses for fenugreek, but some of them have not been proven to be facts yet. We will still go into these in the next section of our blog, just know that you need to do your research carefully before using the powder or the spice for these reasons. It is important to know as well that fenugreek is not a substitute for seeing your primary health care provider if you have any of the issues listed above. In ancient times, this spice was used for a wide variety of ailments and it is being seen more and more often that it can help with some of those common ailments today, as well as being beneficial to the health of your hair and skin.
Now that we know a few of the proven uses for fenugreek, let’s move into the top benefits section of our blog.
Top Benefits of Using Fenugreek Spices and Powders
There are many, many benefits from using fenugreek powder out there. We will go into a few of those benefits below.
Improves Heart Health
It is said that the dust of the fenugreek seeds can help with your heart health. The spice contains a group of soluble fibers that promote the function of your heart and reduces the risk of having a heart attack as well.
Controls Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a too common thing in today’s world, where everyone is stressed and in a hurry to get nowhere. Fenugreek is said to be low in sodium and high in potassium, which in turn helps to control your blood pressure and keep it where it is supposed to be. It also helps to regulate your heart rate quite efficiently.
Helps to Control Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Fenugreek also helps to control type 1 and type 1 diabetes, something that is a problem for many people. Since it has a ton of amino acids, it is easier for it to help stimulate the production of insulin, something that is extremely important in the fight against diabetes.
Helps to Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Fenugreek can be used as a cholesterol blocking agent, blocking the bad cholesterol, while keeping the good. This will help to reduce those high cholesterol levels and keep them in the range that won’t cause you to have a stroke or a heart attack.
Can be Used to Treat Gastrointestinal Issues
Fenugreek seeds are rumored to have a good effect on our digestive systems and our intestinal system as well. The powder works to flush out the toxins in your system, which in the long run helps you have a more healthy digestive system.
Can be Used to Treat Constipation
Fenugreek can be used to treat constipation as well. Since the spice contains a large amount of fiber, it loosens the bowels making it easier to move them. If you have ever had an issue with chronic constipation, then this might very well be the answer for you.
Can be Used to Treat Heartburn
Whether it’s from eating spicy food or being pregnant, heartburn is a miserable thing to have. Fenugreek provides a protective coating around the inner wall of your stomach soothing the heartburn and making you feel better or preventing the heartburn from happening to begin with.
These are a few of the health benefits of using fenugreek powder explained. Below you can find a list of other health benefits as well.
- Good to treat patients who are anemic
- Helps to prevent colon cancer
- Treats the symptoms of PMS
- Helps to boost lactation
- Has been known to lessen the pain of labor
- Helps to maintain hormonal balance
- Is said to be able to cure a high fever
Now, that we know the health benefits of fenugreek, you might be surprised to note that that isn’t the only amazing thing this handy spice can do. In our next section, we will go into the benefits that fenugreek has for your skin as well.
It is important to note that not all of these health benefits have been proven with scientific research. So, to be on the safe side, it is best to talk to your primary health care provider to see if the spice and the fenugreek powder that can be made from it is indeed the right choice for your particular health needs.
Benefits of Fenugreek for Your Hair
Believe it or not, there are fenugreek benefits for your hair as well when you use the fenugreek powder. We all want that clean, shiny, flowing that keeps us youthful looking. Join us, as we figure out the benefits of fenugreek powder to the hair you love.
Can be Used to Treat Dandruff
Having to brush dandruff off of that expensive dress you chose to wear on your first date with the guy you really, really like is beyond embarrassing. Fenugreek powder is said to be one of the most effective solutions to combat dandruff out there. So, what can it hurt to give it a try?
Helps to Control the Falling Out of Hair
If you are like me, you are constantly finding your hair on every surface of your home. So, much in fact that you wonder how you can still have enough on your head to brush. While this is normal, fenugreek powder is said to help control the falling out of your hair by making each of your hair strands strong down to the roots.
Is Said to be Able to Cure Baldness
Fenugreek powder is said to be a great thing to use to promote hair growth and possibly cure baldness. No longer, does a man have to worry about going bald, instead since fenugreek powder is so full of protein, it could be the answer you are looking for.
Makes Your Hair Shiny
If you are looking for your hair to retain its natural shine, but can’t seem to get that from the many shampoos you have tried, fenugreek powder might be able to accomplish it for you. The spice contains an element called lecithin, which is an emulsifying agent that leaves hair shiny and pretty as the day you were born.
Helps to Repair Damaged Hair
Fenugreek powder contains natural moisturizers that help you to repair your hair. Whether your hair has been damaged from the sun, too much styling product or from the heat of the dryer and curling iron, fenugreek powder can help to repair it.
These are a few of the benefits that using fenugreek powder can provide to our hair. All of these are amazing, so give it a try.
Fenugreek Powder Benefits to Your Skin
Not only does fenugreek have health benefits and benefits for your hair, but it also has benefits for the skin as well. We all want that fresh, dewy, glowing skin that makes us look forever young. Join us to see if fenugreek has what it takes to get the job done.
Can Reduce Skin Inflammation
Fenugreek seeds are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it possible for them to reduce skin inflammation from eczema, burns, and wounds, and help to speed up the healing process as well.
Able to Reduce Signs of Aging
No one wants to get old, but since we have little choice, we do everything we can to stop the signs of aging from showing through. Fenugreek can help with that as well. It is a natural anti-aging remedy, as it is full of niacin and vitamin B3. It’s well worth checking into if for only that very reason, don’t you think?
Other Benefits to Skin Revealed
- Provides that natural glow you have always wanted
- Can be used to treat oily skin
These are all of the benefits that are associated with fenugreek when it comes to your health, your skin, and even your hair. There are easy ways to include this wonderful spice in your diet, listed below.
Ways to Include Fenugreek in Your Diet
- Add it to the breading for the foods you are frying
- Sprinkle it into casseroles
- Add it to mayonnaise, soups, and stews
- Add it to salads as well
- And much more
Now, that we know the benefits of fenugreek and how to add it into your daily diet, it’s time to move into the section of our blog devoted to the side effects that have been reported by some users of the spice.
Reported Side Effects of Fenugreek Spice
Along with the great benefits of fenugreek come the side effects as well. We will talk about them below so that you can make the right informed decision for your needs.
Can Cause a Body and Urine Odor
Ironically, one of the most common side effects of this multiuse spice is that it could make your urine and your body put off a sickly sweet odor. The question here is, are the health benefits worth the smell. For many people, the answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Allergic Reactions
As with any other type of spice out there, fenugreek is not good for someone who is allergic to the spice itself. That is why it’s important to consult with your doctor before using the spice.
Other Side Effects Listed
- Could be unsafe for children
- Could cause glycemia
- Could cause uterine contractions in pregnant women
- Could cause loose bowel movements
These are just a few of the side effects associated with fenugreek and though they may not seem that serious, it bears keeping in mind when you are considering using the spice. It might be best to avoid the spice if you are pregnant or nursing as well. It is best to talk to your primary health care provider to ensure that it is okay and safe for you to use the spice for any of the benefits above.
This sums up our blog on fenugreek benefits and everything else you need to know about the spice. For more information, make sure to do your research well and then make the right decision for you.
Sources:
- StyleCraze: 23 Best Benefits of Fenugreek Powder
- StyleCraze: 8 Side Effects of Fenugreek Seeds You Should be Aware Of
- WebMD: Fenugreek