Known since ancient times for its medicinal properties, fenugreek is a herbaceous plant of Mediterranean origin. It is one of the oldest medicinal and culinary plants. Whether it's to aid digestion, lose weight or cleanse the skin, AYur-vana invites you today to learn more about the benefits of this small, white-flowered plant.
Origins and properties of fenugreek
Fenugreek is an Ayurvedic plant originally cultivated in Egypt over 4 millennia ago. Today, it grows in India and China.
The 60 cm-high plant produces fruits containing up to 20 brown seeds. These seeds are used as ingredients in various Indian dishes, including masala, and in Moroccan dishes such as "terda", a type of tagine.
Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein (27%), fiber (27%) and minerals, including iron, copper, calcium, magnesium and manganese. They also contain vitamin C and B group vitamins.
What are the benefits of fenugreek?
Fenugreek is reputed to stimulate the appetite. This is due in particular to its high content of saponins, molecules described as "aperitive", i.e. appetite stimulants. This is one of the reasons why fenugreek seeds are recommended for anyone wishing to gain weight. This may apply to you if, by nature, you have difficulty gaining weight, if you are undergoing weight-loss treatment or simply if you want to increase your muscle mass.
Fenugreek seeds also contain 4-hydroxyisoleucine. This amino acid stimulates insulin secretion. This hormone is produced by the pancreas and plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels.
For all these reasons, it's a good idea for athletes to include fenugreek in their post-workout snacks, especially as it may also help them to recover better.
Fenugreek for improved digestion
Thanks to its high soluble fiber content, fenugreek can be invaluable in reducing digestive discomfort. Indeed, this plant has a beneficial effect on both constipation and bloating, while also relieving stomach aches. What's more, these dietary fibers can also be considered probiotics, as they encourage the development of bacteria that are beneficial to intestinal function.
Finally, as this seed has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it protects the intestinal mucosa from irritation. In this sense, it can be a valuable aid in reducing the symptoms of those prone to irritable bowel syndrome.
Detoxifying properties for beautiful skin
Fenugreek's antioxidant virtues can also be used to care for your skin. They help combat oxidative stress, which is responsible for the creation of free radicals, unstable molecules in your body. These molecules are responsible, for example, for the appearance of wrinkles and, consequently, the premature ageing of your skin.
Taking organic fenugreek capsules will protect you from this type of problem. They will also make your complexion more radiant.
The plant also has detoxifying effects, helping your body to evacuate toxins. Once again, this is made possible by its high fiber content. These may help to clear up blackheads and skin redness, as well as acne if you're concerned.
How to use fenugreek ?
For the best possible protection of your health, we recommend that you always opt for organic fenugreek. It's available as a powder that you can easily incorporate into your diet. If you like simplicity, you'll appreciate fenugreek capsules, which you can take with you wherever you go for quick and easy intake. You can also find the plant's leaves in fresh or dried form.
Finally, the seeds can be used to make herbal teas, to which you can add a little lemon juice or honey if the taste of fenugreek is too strong for you.
