9 Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds: Diabetes, Cancer, Indigestion, Constipation, Sex Drive, and More

Did you know that fenugreek is among the oldest medicinal plants with an exceptional medicinal and nutritional profile? From fiber to linolenic acid, oleic acid, choline, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, and niacin, it has several functional elements. Even our ancestors used fenugreek seeds for various health benefits. This powerful seed is easily accessible. It exists in your kitchen, is inexpensive, and even science backs its properties.

Here’s what scientific studies say. Fenugreek seeds are:

• Antimicrobial
• Cholesterol-lowering
• Carminative (flatulence-relieving)
• Emollient (soothing for the skin)
• Febrifuge (fever-reducing)
• Laxative
• Restorative
• Uterine tonic (natural tonic that can help healthy uterine function and can help in managing painful menstrual cramps, leucorrhoea (white discharge), and pre-menopausal complications)
• Expectorant (helps clear mucus/phlegm)
• Galactagogue (food that increases the flow of breast milk)
• Anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiviral
• Antioxidant
• Hypotensive (lowering blood pressure)

Let’s dive into some of these:

Fenugreek for cancer

Scientific research shows that medical facilities are using fenugreek seeds in the prevention and management of cancer. Does this mean these seeds are a magic food that can alone prevent you from getting cancer or heal you? NO. Any disease is multifactorial. But certain foods can play a supportive or destructive role alongside treatment and lifestyle changes.

Fenugreek seeds can be powerful for prostate, lung, and bone cancers. Studies suggest that diosgenin, a bioactive compound, shows anticancer activity in bone cancer. It strikes down cell proliferation (multiplication) and induces apoptosis (infected cell death).

Consume on an empty stomach or add them to your food preparations. In our line of work, we also use fenugreek oil capsules for certain aggressive cancers. We use them for certain gut health conditions too. You can opt for supplements that have fenugreek oil in them but always prefer taking it in its natural form as the first step.

Fenugreek for diabetes

Consuming fenugreek seeds can help direct drops in your blood sugar levels when consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. There is a warning that if you consume them excessively, you can go into a hypo where your sugar levels dip dangerously low. Moderation is key.

Some people with diabetes also prefer having a teaspoon of soaked fenugreek seeds immediately after their main meals. It works with insulin secretion by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and keeping your blood sugar levels down.

Studies suggest that adding fenugreek seeds can work synergistically with your nutritional plan and exercise to reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. A study concluded taking 10 gm of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water every day significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in the fifth month and HbA1C in the sixth month.

But you cannot expect the seed to work alone if you do not focus on changing your lifestyle, going low carb, or increasing your protein and activity levels.

Fenugreek for digestion

Indigestion is a massive problem in our country. It can happen due to an array of factors – overeating, late-night meals, excessively consuming spicy foods, having foods that don’t suit you, and a poor lifestyle, among others. You could also be gluten or lactose intolerant which doesn’t allow you to digest certain foods.

Fenugreek seeds are loaded with fiber and antioxidants that stimulate your digestive system and flush out harmful toxins. A cup of freshly brewed fenugreek tea can relieve indigestion and stomach ache.

Fenugreek as an antacid

If your doctor suggests that you have an antacid, have it. But if you are popping antacids like candy without addressing the root cause of your chronic acidity, it will not work in the long run. If you wake up with acidity in the morning you wake up with acid reflux, all you need to do is consume a teaspoon to two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds which are soaked in water overnight. It works very powerfully as a natural antacid to give you immediate relief. Remember, everyone is unique. It works for most people. But if it doesn’t work for you or you are allergic to it, avoid it.

Fenugreek for hair

If you hop onto any website that sells hair products, you will find fenugreek oil being used a lot because it is powerful for your hair. It helps nourish your hair follicles and manage dry frizzy hair. It is effective for premature graying. Of course, you cannot reverse the graying that has already happened but it can help you in the future. Take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek oil and mix it with one teaspoon of mustard oil. Yes, it may smell pungent and spicy, but trust the process. Apply it to your hair, and let it stay for two to three hours before washing it off. You can do this twice or thrice a week.

Fenugreek for constipation

You can experience constipation for various reasons ranging from improper eating habits to a lack of the right combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, dehydration, irregular bowel timings, and excessively consuming refined sugar or junk food that strip your good gut microbes. Fenugreek seeds are rich in fiber. Having two teaspoons of soaked seeds on an empty stomach in the morning works as a natural laxative to relieve constipation alongside other lifestyle changes.

Fenugreek to boost breast milk production

Fenugreek seeds have been used as natural galactagogues to boost breast milk production among new mothers across civilizations in India, China, and South America. If you are struggling with lactating, this can be powerful.

Fenugreek to boosts sex hormones and libido

Yes, fenugreek can boost testosterone in men. A study suggested that having fenugreek seeds as a 500 mg supplement form, or even a tablespoon a day continuously for 21 days, can mildly increase testosterone and improve muscle quality. It is a great libido-boosting food for women as well as men.

Fenugreek to lower cholesterol and triglycerides

Yes, fenugreek is also powerful in lowering triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations in the blood. Studies suggest that fenugreek extract can significantly reduce plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol).

How to soak fenugreek seeds the right way?

Soak the seeds for the first hour, and wash and rinse them. Throw the first water out because it contains antinutrients that can cause malabsorption. Add fresh water again. Let it soak overnight. You can drink this water and chew the seeds in the morning.

How to consume them?

• You can have fenugreek seeds in powder form. All you need to do is take fenugreek seeds, dry them in the sun or you can also heat them a little. Grind into a powder. Consume this with water.
• You can soak fenugreek seeds overnight in the second water. Drink the water and chew the seeds.
• You can also have fenugreek tea. Take a teaspoon and steep it in hot water for about five to six minutes. Have this after your meals especially if you have diabetes, insulin resistance, or obesity. This is just the base tea. You can also add a little bit of cinnamon powder, ginger powder, or fresh mint leaves. Do NOT add sugar.
• You can go a step further and boost the nutrition in fenugreek seeds by 30 to 40 percent by sprouting them. Wash and rinse them. Let them soak in water until they sprout.

What our community says

“Fenugreek concoction worked like magic for my husband’s fever, sore throat, and runny nose. He always had immunity issues and was completely dependent on allopathy medicine for colds and allergies. This time I gave him this concoction with one spoon of fenugreek seeds boiled in two cups of water and reduced to half, thrice a day. And it worked brilliantly. Thank you, Team Luke, for this ancient wisdom.” – Anonymous

This goes on to prove that you don’t need complicated solutions all the time. Simplicity is enough. Get the fundamentals right. These are little things that have worked for health and disease for the longest time. Ensure to source organic methi or fenugreek seeds. Shop them on our sustainable platform here.

Disclaimer: If it doesn’t suit you, causes an allergic reaction, or has too much heat, avoid it. Keep your healthcare provider in the loop before adding it to your lifestyle especially if you have a medical condition or are on certain medication.

ALSO WATCH: This Seed Can Drop Your High Blood Sugar Levels Like Magic!

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