Fenugreek seeds are a versatile ingredient that has long been used
in cooking, especially curries and other Indian recipes, and Traditional
Medicine to stabilize blood glucose levels and fight diabetes.
If you’re
craving for crunchy mid-day snack or a need for staving off diabetes, fenugreek
seeds will be right there for you. Studies have shown that fenugreek seeds are
rich in soluble fiber, which helps reduce blood sugar by slowing down the
digestion of carbohydrates and the absorption of sugar from your diet and at
the same time influencing the release of insulin.
In one
study, Indian researchers found that including 100 grams of defatted fenugreek
seed powder in daily diets of patients suffering from type 1 diabetes
significantly lowered their fasting blood sugar levels, improved sugar
tolerance and reduced total cholesterol, LDL or “bad” cholesterol and
triglycerides. According to another study, adding 15 grams of fenugreek seed
powder to a meal eaten by patients with type 2 diabetes decreased the growth in
post-meal blood sugar.
What other health benefits does it have?
Fenugreek
seeds contain a great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help
protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. For centuries,
these seeds have been using for breast-feeding mother to help stimulate milk
production. Moreover, they are also used as a cheap herbal remedy for colds and
sore throat due to their powerful antiviral properties.
How can I use fenugreek seeds to fight diabetes?
Method 1: Dry-roast fenugreek seeds by putting them in a large skillet and
heating on medium-high temperature for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add
1 to 2 teaspoons of these roasted seeds to Indian curries or Asian stir-fried
dishes.
Method 2: Steep 2 teaspoons of dried fenugreek seeds and leaves in a cup of
boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it twice a day to
help reduce blood sugar levels.
Method 3: Steep 4 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in a cup of boiling water for
30 minutes to produce a tincture. Take half a teaspoon of the tincture 3 times
a day.
Cautions: Consult your doctor if you plan to use fenugreek to treat
diabetes. As other blood glucose-reducing herbs, there is a risk of a too-low-blood
glucose (hypoglycemia).
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