Fenugreek is an annual legume found in the wild. Originally from southeastern Europe and western Asia, fenugreek grows today in many parts of the world including India, Africa, China, the eastern Mediterranean, and the United States. Known for its strong aroma, fenugreek reaches a height of between two and three feet. It is known in some places as methi, Greek hayseed, and bird's foot.
Fenugreek leaves are actually groupings of three small leaflets. In early summer, petite white flowers bloom, and then develop into pods containing approximately 20 small yellow seeds. It is the seeds which are roughly diamond-shaped and only three to five millimeters long which pack the nutritional punch.
Fenugreek seeds can be ground and used to flavor many foods including curry powders, spice blends and teas. They are both pleasantly bitter, and slightly sweet. Egyptians roast them and use them as coffee.
- Fenugreek helps support sugar metabolism.
- Fenugreek nutritionally supplies phytonutrients.
- Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of saponins, which provide many important benefits.
- Fenugreek has been used around the world as a spice, food and herbal tonic.
Benefits
- Fenugreek seeds offer a wide variety of nutritional rewards including flavonoids, phosphates, iron, and Vitamins A, B1 and C. They also contain saponins chemical compounds in various plant species which support lipid metabolism. (Saponins may also help provide antiseptic properties.)
- Fenugreek seeds offer fiber and protein high in lysine and L-tryptophan. The fiber content plays a role in moderating the metabolism of glucose in the digestive tract.
- As a traditional plant for wellness, fenugreek was used topically for the overall health of the skin. It was also taken orally for gastrointestinal health.
The structure function claims made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
