How Fenugreek Aids Natural Support for Diabetes Care?
Fondly known as Methi in India, fenugreek is a much celebrated plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to Western Asia and Mediterranean regions, it forms an important part of various South Asian cuisines as a flavouring and aromatic agent. Almost all parts of fenugreek, including its leaves, seeds, twigs and even the root, are used in a variety of ways, depending upon the dish being prepared. It lends a sweet smell and a distinctly warm flavour to the food.
Commercial Use of Fenugreek
Fenugreek extract is also popular as a healthy diet supplement. You might also find the extract obtained from this multipurpose herb appear as a prominent ingredient a variety of products, such as tea, mixed spices, condiments, soaps, shampoos and cosmetics.
Health Benefits of Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been used for years altogether by various traditional systems of medication. It contains a host of essential nutrients, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, B Vitamins, choline, biotin and fibre, apart from some potent antioxidants that offer considerable health benefits.
Its therapeutic properties have allowed fenugreek to be used for the prevention and cure of several health conditions. These range from different types of infections, inflammation, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol and heart issues, to digestive problems and migraines, etc. Topical application of fenugreek also helps improve the skin health, and treats wounds and eczema. It is also a popular herb among women as its consumption encourages lactation in breastfeeding women, and as well helps with signs of menopause among others.
Of late, however, fenugreek has reportedly also shown some promising effects in the area of cancer. In this article, we shall read at length about the effects of fenugreek in curing the problem of diabetes.
Fenugreek for Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition which is, unfortunately, becoming norm of the day in the modern lifestyle. It basically refers to a group of diseases that result in elevated levels of glucose in our blood. And eventually it could strike anyone, from any age group and any strata of society. This is becoming a major health concern, as about ten percent of the world population is currently suffering from it, and the stats are only increasing. While there are medications that help keep the levels under check, there are several natural means, some herbal products that are safe, effective and free from any side effects. Fenugreek happens to be one of them.
What Research Says?
As per research and several studies that continue to be conducted, fenugreek has been found to have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. This contains some potent compounds that render this herb some incredible anti diabetic properties. Here is a lowdown on how fenugreek really works:
Amazing Health Benefits
Fenugreek treats unstable sugar levels in our body, thus preventing us from some life threatening effects of a suffering from sudden rise or fall in these levels.
- It also supports better glucose tolerance and allows our body to adjust.
- It aids our metabolic conditions, while increasing the carb tolerance in general. In fact, blood sugar metabolism is a common use of fenugreek.
- It reduces intestinal glucose absorption.
- Fenugreek also reduces concentrations of lipid-binding protein
- It improves insulin function. Insulin is the hormone secreted by the pancreas, and is responsible for naturally regulating the glucose levels in our body.
- In case of diabetes, the pancreas either stops producing enough insulin, or our body becomes more or less insensitive to it.
How To Use Fenugreek
It is believed that using fenugreek in either raw or cooked form contributes towards lowering and regulating blood glucose. The most common ways to take fenugreek to control blood sugar levels are in powdered form or dry roasted seeds. In fact, fenugreek seeds are commonly used as a supplement to control, prevent and cure the diabetic symptoms. Of late, fenugreek dietary supplements in the form of pills and capsules are also becoming quite popular. However, make sure you consult your doctor before you begin using this herb for any medicinal reasons, as it may sometimes interfere with your existing medication, or affect your health adversely in case of an overdose.
Watch video: Essential Ayurveda Diet Tips
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
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