Fenugreek is a herb similar to clover and is also used as a spice especially in India. The fenugreek seeds are used in cooking, to make medicine and also to hide the taste of other medicines. Fenugreek seeds smell and taste like maple syrup. Fenugreek leaves are eaten in India as a vegetable.
Fenugreek seeds extract is used to treat high cholesterol, diabetes and appetite loss and also helps to relief from Hot Flashes and Menstrual Cramps. Fenugreek seeds can also help to stimulate lactation in breastfeeding women.
As a commonly used spice, fenugreek seeds extract are generally safe and well tolerated in limited quantity only. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking fenugreek seeds extract as an herbal medication.
Fenugreek appears to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulate insulin. Both of these effects lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Fenugreek’s most well-known compound is 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which works to normalize glucose metabolism. The other compounds, called trigonelline, galactomannan, and trigoneosides, also work together to provide benefits for blood sugar.