Better Nutrition – July 2019

fenugreek

leaves

Some evidence indicates that fenu-

greek can lower certain stone-forming

substances in the kidney, particularly

calcium oxalate.

Recent discoveries indicate that

fenugreek has antioxidant benefits, and

that it increases enzyme activity in the

liver, so that may be part of its cholesterol-

lowering effect. One study showed

significant reduction in total cholesterol

and triglycerides with a dose of only

2.5 grams of fenugreek twice daily,

which can easily be taken in capsules.

In some studies, the fenugreek seed was

baked into flat bread or cooked into a soup.

Newer research suggests that fenu-

greek may also have anticancer activity.

In one study, cancerous mice injected

with an alcohol extract of the seed saw

more than 70 percent inhibition of tumor

cell growth compared to control animals.

The extract was found to enhance immune

cell counts and produce a significant

anti-inflammatory effect. Since inflam-

mation tends to stimulate cancer growth,

this action may help explain the herb’s

possible anticancer benefits.

Blood Sugar Control

for Type & Diabetics

The most researched medical use for

fenugreek is in diabetic blood sugar

control. Studies demonstrate its benefit

in both insulin-dependent (type 1) and

non insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetics.

Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, DN-C, RH, specializes in Ayurveda and herbalism, and has more than 40 years of

experience in holistic medicine. Visit him online at kpkhalsa.com.

Doses as low as 15 mg per day may bring

about beneficial outcomes in fasting

blood sugar, after-meal blood sugar

elevation, and overall glycemic control.

In one open study of 60 type 2 diabet-

ics, 25 grams per day of fenugreek led to

important improvements in overall blood

sugar control, blood sugar elevations

after a meal, and cholesterol levels.

A different open study showed results

with only 15 grams of fenugreek daily.

In a small single-blind, controlled

study, patients with type 1 diabetes

were given either 50 grams of fenugreek

or a placebo twice daily for 10 days.

The fenugreek group had significant

decreases in their fasting blood sugar.

How to Take Fenugreek

At the store, you can buy fenugreek

seeds in bulk, or find it in capsules,

powders, tinctures, and teas. Debittered

and defatted preparations are available.

For topical use, mix the powder with

water to form a paste.

Also experiment with this unique

herb in the kitchen. With such a rich

selection of healing foods to choose

from, there should be little problem

putting together a menu of delicious

medicinal recipes containing this tasty

spice. You’ll like making your cupboard

into your medicine chest.

Fenugreek is a star ingredient in many Indian

curry dishes. Visit our website to read the

fascinating history of curry (search “curry”)

and try recipes such as Chana Saag Chickpea

Spinach Curry and Chicken Vindaloo.

more at betternutrition.com

Learn more at mychelle.com

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