Benefits of Fenugreek( methi) in diabetes
Fenugreek ( scientific name: Trigonella foenum-graecum, Hindi: "Methi") is a herb that is used as a spice in indian households.
It is cultivated worldwide as a variety of semiarid crop. It is believed that fenugreek seeds help in controlling the blood sugar level of the people and is beneficial to diabetics. It is a herb that has been uses in ayurvedic medications for ages.
Diabetes is a condition where the body is not able to control the level of glucose or sugar in the blood due to low or no production of insulin, a hormone that controls the blood sugar level. No or less secretion of insulin in the body leads to a condition called hyperglycemia.
According to WHO, diabetes will become the seventh largest killer worldwide. Diabetes is a chronic disorder that cannot be cured. All you can do is to control the level of sugar in your blood.
Why is Fenugreek effective?
Fenugreek has various minerals, vitamins and is very rich in fiber.
It works by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar in your body. When the absorption is regulated the blood sugar levels do not hike abruptly. It also helps in improving the way your body uses sugars.
Please note that fenugreek only helps in type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes the body doesn't produce enough insulin for the body to sustain. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce any insulin. A person suffering with type 1 diabetes needs daily dosage of insulin to stay alive. Fenugreek helps in controlling blood sugar levels of Type 2 diabetic patients only.
How to use it
Fenugreek is very bitter in taste so you can't just go and take a mouth full of it. Consuming it in a specific way is more beneficial.There are two ways in which you can use it.
First Way:
Please follow the steps given below while taking fenugreek for lowering blood sugar level.
1.Soak about 10 grams of fenugreek seeds in about 50 ml water overnight.
2. In the morning, strain the water with the help of a strainer.
3. Drink that water on an empty stomach in the morning only.
4. Drink it only once a day, overdose might be harmful.
If your blood sugar levels are higher beyond expected high, then you can use the soaked seeds too. Chew those overnight soaked seeds a little and gulp them with the fenugreek water. It helps in lowering your blood sugar levels immediately and by a larger amount.
Second Way:
You can use fenugreek along with other herbs that help in lowering blood sugar level. A study showed that using fenugreek (hindi: methi) with Indian gooseberry (hindi: amla) and turmeric ( hindi: haldi) is more profitable.
Read the steps below to know how.
1.Take equal amounts of fenugreek seed powder, gooseberry powder and turmeric powder, about 25 grams each in the beginning and mix them together.
2. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder thrice a day with lukewarm water. Preferably before meals.
Other benefits of Fenugreek
Fenugreek not only helps in controlling the blood sugar levels of the body but it has several other benefits.
1.It helps in reducing the fasting blood glucose levels of the body.
2. It improves the glucose tolerance of the body of a diabetic. High glucose tolerance reduces the amount of stroke and makes kidneys more functional.
3. It helps in reducing the LDL or Low Density Cholesterol, commonly known as the "Bad Cholesterol" in the body.
4. It also helps in controlling the amount of triglycerides in the body.
5. They have antioxidants that help in protection of the body’s cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.
6. Researchers believe fenugreek seeds may be an effective treatment of arthritis, high cholesterol, skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), bronchitis, abscesses, hair loss, constipation, upset stomach and kidney ailments.
A Word of Caution
Fenugreek is a strong herb.
Before using fenugreek please consult your doctor because taking it along with your normal diabetes medication might make your blood sugar levels go too low, a condition called hypoglycemia. So please be cautious and talk to your doctor before trying anything.
Availability
Fenugreek is a herb that is used in households, so it might be available in your nearby supermarket. If not, then you can order it online. Buy fenugreek seeds or "methi" online here.
Side Effects
It's always said, overdose of anything is harmful to our body.
Please don't take more than the mentioned amount of fenugreek in your diet otherwise it might trigger some side effects. If you use it and see some allergic reactions consult a doctor immediately. Some people might be allergic to fenugreek, but everyone has one or another allergy,right?
Overdose of Fenugreek might cause:
1 Hypoglycemia
2. Asthma
3. Acidity
4. Diarrhea
5. Wheezing
6. Gas
7. Unusual body odor
Conclusion
Fenugreek is an aromatic plant that has both culinary and medicinal uses.
It has various health benefits, from lowering your blood sugar levels to treat arthritis. It might become a solution to your various health related problems.
For more articles:
Stay Safe, Stay fit and healthy and Stay tuned for more.
Please share and comment and share if you liked it.
Thanks for reading.
Comments
Post a Comment