How fenugreek helps lower glucose levels

Nature has gifted us a wide variety of foods, herbs and spices with many health benefits, which can also be added to food or prepared in teas to treat and improve all kinds of mild symptoms or ailments. In the case of people with diabetes, a disease that increasingly affects more people, there are many supplements that promise to cure or control the condition; however, it is important to consult verified information backed by experts. So, on this occasion, we will talk about fenugreek and its possible benefits for treating diabetes. What is fenugreek? Fenugreek, also known as fenugreek, is a plant native to the Mediterranean, southern Europe, and western Asia. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health of the United States indicates that fenugreek seeds “smell and taste like maple syrup” and adds that they have been used for cooking, but also as medicine and in cosmetic products. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that fenugreek seeds were used to treat “diabetes and increase milk production for breastfeeding” in North Africa, Asia, and southern Europe for many years. Today, they continue to be used for medicinal purposes, such as in the case of “diabetes, menstrual cramps, and to stimulate milk production for breastfeeding.” You can also read: Can people with diabetes eat fruit? Does fenugreek lower glucose levels? There is evidence that fenugreek seeds have the potential to lower glucose levels, which would be beneficial for people with diabetes, but it has also been noted that the studies and research conducted are few. So here we explain what you need to know about fenugreek and whether it can decrease blood sugar levels. In 2009, two very small studies were conducted, which yielded promising results, but it should also be taken into account that they involved a small number of volunteers. On one hand, one of the studies found that consuming 10 grams of fenugreek seeds daily, after soaking them in hot water, could help control type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, the second study indicates that consuming foods made with fenugreek flour could reduce insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. A scientific article published in 2015 explains that the use of fenugreek is quite positive since it states that “although several herbs are reported to have anti-diabetic activity, a significant volume of research and the traditional use of fenugreek seeds are among the best in terms of safety and efficacy.” The article also indicates that these seeds are a fantastic source of fiber and have various benefits for patients with diabetes. Moreover, the research mentions that “in the past two decades, fenugreek seeds have been shown to help lower glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Their role is anti-diabetic, reducing fasting glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance in humans.” You can also read: The healthiest foods for people with diabetesBest of all, the conclusion of the research is quite encouraging, as it states that “in patients with pre-diabetes, consuming 10 grams of fenugreek daily is associated with fewer cases of diabetes without adverse effects and potential benefits due to lower insulin resistance.” In 2018, a group of scientists observed an improvement in the process of synthesizing insulin in volunteers who consumed fenugreek seeds for 10 days. On the other hand, in 2020, scientists conducted tests on mice, which showed that fenugreek could help prevent the increase of glucose levels after eating. So remember, if you suffer from diabetes, scientists around the world are working to find new alternatives to improve your quality of life. Before consuming fenugreek Although the results of scientific research in humans and animals are very encouraging, different factors must be considered before consuming this seed. Remember that you should not replace your medications with natural products, and it is also essential to consult your doctor before consuming fenugreek, as it is not recommended in certain cases, such as for pregnant women. You can also read: The best teas for people with diabetes