Nutritional Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

The natural herb Fenugreek was first discovered centuries ago in the Mediterranean, and since then it has been grown for use in other countries like India. As a matter of fact, India is now the world's major producer of Fenugreek seeds. Other Countries that now cultivate and use Fenugreek seeds are Spain, China, Argentina and few others. Fenugreek has assorted uses and benefits in both medicine and cuisine. Today, it is used commercially for producing different types of herbal supplements.

The Indians and people of Mediterranean who are known for their love for spicy and acrid foods do use fenugreek frequently in their food preparations. Fenugreek has become a part of their daily diet and also staple condiments in both their comfort foods and other specific food preparations. Outside its uses in foods as spices, fenugreek is also a natural alternative to asthma, fever, and arthritis herbal remedies, plus it is also used for skin inflammation cures. It has certain substances that are antiseptic in nature that will help in treatment of wounds. Fenugreek has been reported as proven remedy for diabetes because it helps to reduce sugar levels in the blood while it boosts patient's sugar tolerance.

Though rich in iron, it also can benefit those with anemia. It has in it, a natural compound that is almost like hormone estrogen known as diosgenin in women. This is why many people recognizes the benefits of fenugreek seeds as part of hormone medicinal aid because it reduces the pain of hot flashes and menstrual cramps; it also helps the production of breast-milk in nursing mothers. It is also bragged about by some women as natural large breast enhancer! It helps in giving birth by making labor fast and painless. It gives strength to mothers after childbirth.

Athletes also like it because it builds muscle mass. It helps improve metabolism for good health and overall well being. When taken in large dose as supplements, fenugreek is known to lower triglyceride which is known as bad cholesterol which can cause strokes and heart attack, but not only that, it is a popular dietary supplement.

The benefits of fenugreek seeds are without a doubt plentiful, however, it must be used in moderation. In the case of fenugreek supplements, it is still best to consult with a doctor first before intake, especially for pregnant women whose condition is extra sensitive (and who should avoid it unless directed by a doctor as it induces labor). Fenugreek overdose can result to side effects such as allergies, diarrhea, low blood sugar, and possible miscarriage of pregnancy in women who are pregnant.