By Grace Miazga
If there were a natural herb to enhance your feminine allure, would you pursue it? An ancient seed, commonly used medicinally in Mediterranean regions of the world, holds many components that have been proven to escalate women’s health and beauty. Fenugreek, originally grown in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and Asia, has now spread to the U.S. due to it’s history of euphoric affects on the human body.
What’s in a Fenugreek seed?
Among a variety of vitamins and minerals, Fenugreek also contains protein, antioxidants, and possibly the most enticing element, diosgenin. Diosgenin is the leading ingredient in Fenugreek that helps stimulate women’s health. Diosgenin is a compound of sapogenin, a steroid that makes up over 60% of total steroid production by pharmaceutical industry and holds many estrogen-like properties.
How does Fenugreek improve the health of women?
Fenugreek has a large medicinal dynamic. Because diosgenin has so many hormonal-like behaviors, it benefits largely for the female reproductive system. Fenugreek has been known to decrease hot flashes, mood swings, and menstrual cramping caused by menopause and PMS. Along with this, Fenugreek is also known for its breast enhancement capabilities, and can even act as an effective galactagogue (a substance that increases milk supply). Studies show after consuming 500 mg of Fenugreek three times a day, milk production can increase more than 500% within 24-72 days, which has been positively facilitated with early postnatal infant weight gain. Fenugreek has also been linked to an increase in libido for both women and men. Because of it’s high concentration of steroid components, it strengthens the balance of sex hormones. To improve testosterone health in men, it is suggested to take 600 mg of Fenugreek two times a day.
Are there other health benefits to Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is connected to many other health benefits other than what was previously mentioned. The two benefits scientists continue to dig deeper into are it’s effects on insulin production and cholesterol levels. Fenugreek is the only known natural substance to contain a very unique amino acid called 4HO-lle. It is thought that this specific amino acid has anti-diabetic characteristics, helping to regulate insulin secretion during hyperglycemia and improving insulin sensitivity. Fenugreek also contains saponins, which are commonly found in dietary supplements and herbal products. The saponins found in Fenugreek help reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol in fatty foods. They may also help in regulating LDL levels by reducing cholesterol production in the body. Fenugreek may also help prevent cancer, aide in digestion, and help with weight loss and weight management.
Are there any side effects associated with Fenugreek ingestion?
Fenugreek has the potential to disturb fetal growth and development when taken in large doses, so it is advised to completely avoid consumption during pregnancy. Fenugreek may also cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, gas, heartburn, and urine odor. There have been some cases of allergic reactions to Fenugreek, which could lead to skin irritation, chest pain, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Although Fenugreek is most popularly known for invigorating women’s beauty and health, there are also many other potential health benefits held within the bountiful Fenugreek seed. Fenugreek can be found in seed, capsule, or powder form, giving the consumer a variety of ways to include it in their diet. Here’s a simple Fenugreek tea recipe that will make it easy for you to add into your daily regimen. Crush one teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds. Soak the crushed seeds in a cup of freshly boiled water, and steep from 1-3 hours. A longer steeping time will allow for better benefits from the Fenugreek seed. Lastly, strain the tea and had honey and lemon for taste.
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