Should You Have Fenugreek for Diabetes Management?- 24 Mantra Organic

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), or methi, is a widely-used aromatic herb that grows in western Asia and parts of Europe. The first recorded evidence of fenugreek dates back to 1500 BC in Egypt. The leaves and brown seeds of fenugreek have been popular as both, a spice and an ingredient in South Asian cuisines.

Indian alternative medicine strongly believes that fenugreek is good for diabetes. It is said that it helps with better blood-sugar management and is absolutely safe for consumption. Those who are considering the usage of fenugreek for diabetes can have it as tea, spice (Kasuri methi or fenugreek seeds), supplement (capsules and concentrates), or just consume the leaves or seeds directly. It is also available in the form of skin cream!

In this post, we will explore the effect of fenugreek for diabetes patients and how you can use methi for diabetes management.

Why Fenugreek for Diabetes?

Let’s start by looking at the nutritional profile of fenugreek. According to the USFDA, about 100 grams of whole fenugreek seeds contain:

At first glance, the high fibre content of fenugreek makes it abundantly clear that it can slow down the metabolism of carbohydrates. Hence, fenugreek for diabetes can indeed regulate blood sugar spikes.

In a 1990 study, those with type 1 diabetes consumed 50 g of fenugreek seed powder before or during lunch and dinner. After a period of 10 days, there was a marked improvement in their blood sugar levels, which demonstrates the positive impact of fenugreek for diabetes.

Similarly, another clinical trial of 2001 was successful in discovering links between fenugreek with improved glycaemic control and decreased insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics. The same was reinforced in a 2009 study that proposed the incorporation of fenugreek flour in bread for those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This health benefit of fenugreek for diabetes extends to non-diabetics as well. Clinical trials conducted in 2000 brought to light how healthy individuals, who took fenugreek registered a 13.4% reduction in blood sugar levels four hours after meals.

Thus, there are plenty of scientific publications and trials that indicate that fenugreek for diabetes helps regulate blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance. The rapid metabolism of glucose through the insulin-sensitizing effects makes fenugreek good for diabetes.

Fenugreek for Diabetes: Other Health Benefits

Now that efficacy of fenugreek for diabetes has been established, let us consider the other health benefits as well. These include:

• It contains traces of other minerals, such as Potassium, Sodium, Sinc, Copper, and Selenium. You will also find vitamins, like Vitamin C, B-6, and A, along with Thiamin, Niacin, Riboflavin, Folate, Tryptophan, Arginine, Lysine, etc. Hence, it supplies essential vitamins and minerals to the body.
• Studies indicate that fenugreek tea boosts the production of breastmilk in new mothers. In addition to increasing the volume of breastmilk produced, it also promoted the healthy weight gain in babies.
• Amongst men, fenugreek is an effective supplement for boosting the production of testosterone and increasing sexual performance.
• Three individual studies have illustrated the effects of fenugreek fibre in satiety and appetite control in obese and healthy individuals. A study discovered how test subjects lost about 17% of their fat intake after taking fenugreek.
• Fenugreek also boasts of hypocholesterolemic properties, which contributes to the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides to promote heart health.
• Research also indicates that fenugreek may help those struggling with inflammatory diseases and heartburns as it may alleviate some conditions.

Fenugreek for Diabetes: Ways to Add it to Your Diet

Now that you understand the effect fenugreek for diabetes, you may be thinking of ways to incorporate it in your diet. Here are a few tips and inspirations to have methi for diabetes:

• Add defatted methi seed flour to your whole wheat flour.
• Soak methi seeds overnight and have it the following day with a glass of water.
• Have fresh methi leaves when they are in season. You can have it as a sabzi or add it to your flour as paranthas.
• Add a dash of Kasuri methi to your curries and dals.
• Fenugreek supplements are available at stores. However, practice caution before taking them and consult a doctor to determine an appropriate dosage.

Even though fenugreek is safe for consumption with no major side effects, consult your doctor before supplementing your diabetes medicines with methi. Also, when you are having fenugreek seeds or Kasuri methi, choose organic products. By making this conscious decision, you are not only eating healthier but are also restricting your exposure to harmful toxins and chemicals. As a result, you pave the way for an improved diet and lifestyle.