Simple Health Cures

   Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graneun) is a plant product that has been used for a variety of medicinal and other purposes including Diabetes. It grows well in India, Egypt and some parts of the Middle East and the part of plant used for medicinal purposes is the seeds. Besides imparting a characteristic flavor and tang to food, it also has several disease preventing characteristics.

   As an added bonus the seeds contain alkaloids and fiber which may have hypoglycemic activity. The mechanism is believed to delay gastic emptying, slow carbohydrate absorption and inhibit glucose transport. This fiber which is mucilaginous also reduces the absorption of fat and cholesterol from the intestines thus providing additional protection against heart disease and obesity.

   Fenugreek is also known to increase the number of insulin receptores in red blood cells and improve glucose utilization in peripheral tissues. This in turn causes anti-diabetes effect both in the pancreas and other sites. The seeds contain amino acid 4- hydroxyisoleucine, which may also directly stimulate insulin secretion.

   Supplements of fenugreek can be found in many pharmaceutical stores. Another effective way to consume it is by soaking a spoonful of seeds in the night and consuming it the next morning. There are however a few side effects of fenugreek seeds. These include Diarrhea, gas and flatulence, but they subside after a few days of use.

   Women of child bearing age need to keep in mind that it may cause uterine contractions and cause pregnancy problems. For the same reason pregnant women are strongly advised against consuming fenugreek seeds. Besides these, in some people allergic reactions have been reported. They include runny nose, wheezing and facial swelling.