Fenugreek seeds are widely used in Middle and Far Eastern cuisines, but this spice is relatively unknown in the West. It imparts a distinctive flavor to food but has also been found to have several medically beneficial characteristics.
Traditionally the spice has been used to treat conditions like abscesses and sores through poultices, as well as sore throats and diabetes. Recent evidence suggests it is not just a diabetes preventative but also intensifies normal body processes, especially in connection to athletic performance.
Anti aging effects of the spice
The spice contains several anti inflammatory and antioxidant compounds like superoxide dismutase, selenium, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, genistein, and apigenin that help the human body fight the onset of a variety of chronic conditions. Additionally, the spice protects other internally produced and dietary antioxidants from free radical damage and imparts key cardioprotective benefits.
Neuro degenerative diseases Fenugreek contains trigonellene, a compound that stimulates brain cell regeneration. Research is ongoing into whether this can be useful in preventing diseases like Alzheimer s.
Diabetic cataract Diabetics have impaired enzyme function. As a result glucose and metabolites accumulate in tissues including the lens of the eye. In diabetics, enzymes that usually protect against free radical activity damage the lenses too. Both metabolic activities lead to opacification called cataract. This spice has properties that partially reverse these changes and may be an effective prophylactic against this condition in diabetics.
Hormones This spice is a rich source of phytoestrogens. These plant estrogens are useful for women with low estrogen levels and are also believed to protect against some types of cancer.
Selenium The spice contains selenium, which is a vital micronutrient antioxidant that seems to offer protection against cancers of the prostate, lung and colon. Recent studies have revealed that selenium slows the progression of HIV and similar chronic viral diseases.
Overall health Regular intake of this spice is said to keep the respiratory, nervous, reproductive and neuromuscular systems in good order, and is believed helpful for those suffering from rheumatism and arthritic joints.
Other medicinal effects of the spice
Cardiovascular disease and blood lipids The spice modulates blood lipid levels and thus reduces atherosclerosis risk. It also acts to decrease blood clotting typically associated with strokes and heart attacks.
Diabetes This spice is comparable to cinnamons antidiabetic properties. It prevents and treats Type II diabetes in different ways. It can lower blood sugar levels by over 45 , and works to set right lipid imbalances in diabetics while increasing the levels of many key antioxidants.
Obesity and heart disease The seeds are rich in a mucilaginous dietary fiber that regulates post prandial blood sugar levels. The fiber also delays fat and cholesterol absorption in the intestines. In this way the spice offers added protection against obesity and heart disease.
Gastrointestinal disorders The seed in powdered form is often taken by those who suffer a lack of appetite, abdominal bloating, vomiting, dyspepsia, worms, and hemorrhoids, It is also said to detoxify the body.
Modern research has revealed that fenugreek offers superior health benefits in comparison to more popular spices like cinnamon and chilies. However, do remember that taking several spices in combination enhances their benefits by raising the efficacy and bioavailability of their compounds, thus boosting anti aging and general health effects.
Author Resource:-
Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about http://www.thebestpart.ca/ health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and http://www.brendarusnak.ca Brenda Rusnak, check her out at brendarusnak.ca.
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