Fenugreek seeds or trigonella foenum graecum, are rich in soluble fibre, which can help in lowering blood sugar by slowing down absorption and digestion of carbohydrates. This suggests that fenugreek seeds may be effective in treating people with diabetes.
Various studies have been conducted to study the potential anti-diabetic benefits of fenugreek.
Diabetes Management: How Fenugreek Seeds Help Manage Your Blood Sugar Level?
Fenugreek seeds can help people with diabetes. Its seeds contain fiber and other chemicals that can help in slowing digestion and the body’s absorption of sugar and carbohydrates. Also, the seeds may help to improve how your body uses sugar and increases the amount of insulin released.
Few studies support fenugreek as an effective natural treatment for certain conditions. Many of these studies focus on fenugreek’s seeds ability to help in lowering blood sugar to people suffering from diabetes.
A study reported that a daily dose of 10 grams fenugreek seeds that were soaked in hot water may help control type 2 diabetes.
Another study suggested that consuming baked goods, such as bread, that were made using fenugreek flour may help in reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.
While an another study showed that taking high doses of fenugreek daily for several weeks, causes noticeable improvements in plasma glucose levels. But, the long-term plasma glucose levels were not measured in this study. The National Institute of Health or (NIH) reported that at this point the evidence is weak for fenugreek’s ability to help in lowering blood sugar.
Fenugreek Seed Tea Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 Tea bag or tea leaves
1 tsp Fenugreek seeds
1 cup water
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Directions:
1. Take 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds, then crush slightly.
2. Soak in hot water for about 3 hours.
3. Strain the water.
4. Add 1 tea leaves or tea bag, lemon and 1 teaspoon of honey for flavor.
5. Enjoy!
How to Add Fenugreek Seeds into Your Diet:
Fenugreek seeds have that bitter, nutty taste. They are most often used in spice blends. While Indian recipes use them in pickles, curries, and other sauces.
Also, you can drink fenugreek tea or add the powdered fenugreek over yogurt.
You can ask your dietitian to help you add fenugreek seeds in your current diabetes meal plan, if you are not sure how to use them.
Where to Buy Fenugreek Seeds?
Fenugreek seeds and leaves (methi) can be found in most Asian food stores. While the herbal supplements containing fenugreek seed extract or fenugreek seed powder in capsule form are available through most health food companies.
Caution
Before using fenugreek for diabetes treatment, consult your diabetes healthcare team and GP to ensure it is safe.
The same as other blood sugar-reducing herbs, fenugreek may cause your blood sugar level to go too low (hypoglycemia) when taken alongside prescribed diabetes drugs. Therefore, the dose of your anti-diabetic medication might need to be adjusted.
Sources:
Diabetes.CO.UK
Healthline
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3. How to Use Fenugreek Seeds to Prevent Hair Fall and Split Ends
photo credit: bbcgoodfood