In the present days, Diabetes is increasing at alarming rates. WHO studies say that by the year 2030, diabetes may become the seventh largest killer worldwide. Diabetes has different types namely Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. Health experts often recommend special diets to their patients that help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. There are many herbal sources and spices that if included in the diet can help control the blood sugar levels effectively. Fenugreek seeds or methi dana are one such diabetes friendly herbal source. In today’s health article we discuss the benefits of regular intake of fenugreek seeds in managing your diabetes.

How do fenugreek seeds help with diabetes?

Fenugreek seeds have potent antidiabetic properties they help control diabetes by:

  • Improving your body’s glucose tolerance
  • Lowering the blood glucose levels
  • Reducing fasting blood glucose levels
  • Reducing intestinal glucose elimination
  • Preventing progression of prediabetes to diabetes

How to include fenugreek seeds in your daily diet?

There are multiple ways to consume fenugreek seeds regularly. 

  • You can soak a teaspoon of these seeds in water overnight and drink the water early in the morning in an empty stomach (you can either discard the seeds or swallow them along with water)
  • You can boil a spoonful of fenugreek seeds in water, strain the water, allow it to cool and drink the water every morning
  • You can prepare herbal concoctions with fenugreek seeds (or powder) and other spices and condiments such as Indian gooseberries, cinnamon, turmeric, etc. for added benefits
  • You can consume fenugreek sprouts
  • You can prepare chutney

How much fenugreek seeds should you consume daily to control diabetes?

  • You can consume up to ten grams or two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds daily, to control your diabetes.

Other health benefits of fenugreek seeds

The goodness of fenugreek seeds is not just confined to prevention or controlling diabetes. Studies have shown that these seeds have several other health benefits, which include:

  • Maintaining gut health and eliminating digestive problems such as loss of appetite, gastritis, and constipation
  • Help in weight loss by providing tummy fullness there by preventing overeating or frequent food intake
  • Increase breast milk in lactating mothers
  • Ease abdominal cramps and menstrual pain
  • Effective in correcting male infertility by increasing testosterone production and sperm count
  • Reduce pain and inflammation by the virtue of its anti-inflammatory properties
  • Reduce high blood pressure
  • Homemade hair packs and oils containing fenugreek seeds are good for hair and scalp problems

Words of Caution

Fenugreek seeds generally do not have any adverse effects, however 

  • Overconsumption of fenugreek seeds may cause headaches, dizziness, upset stomach and diarrhea, maple odor sweat and urine
  • Pregnant women should avoid consumption of fenugreek seeds as they may cause unwanted uterine contractions leading to premature delivery or birth abnormalities 
  • People with systemic health problems and those who are on regular medications should not consume fenugreek seeds without consult their doctors

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