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\nFenugreek\u2014which you can buy as a spice or supplement at most health food stores\u2014may offer some key health benefits, like helping manage type 2 diabetes and blood cholesterol.\n<\/p>\n \nFenugreek is a clover-like herb native to the Mediterranean, southern Europe, and western Asia, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Spices made from the plant’s leaves and seeds have a sweet, slightly bitter maple syrup-like flavor, similar to burnt sugar. Here’s more about how fenugreek may benefit you and healthful ways to consume it.\n<\/p>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n \nWhile research on the benefits of fenugreek is limited, a few scientific studies have found that the plant:\n<\/p>\n \nFenugreek may be able to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. A 2016 meta-analysis of 12 studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that fenugreek significantly decreased fasting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.\n<\/p>\n \nIf fasting blood sugar levels remain high over an extended period of time, it increases the risk of multiple conditions for people with type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) these include:\n<\/p>\n \nThe study also found that while dietary supplements can potentially lead to kidney and liver problems, there were no reports of liver or kidney toxicity in those supplementing with fenugreek. The main side effect of fenugreek use was digestive discomfort.\n<\/p>\n \nFenugreek might also lower blood cholesterol levels, which could reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke\u2014two leading causes of death in the US, according to the CDC.\n<\/p>\n \nA 2020 meta-analysis published in Phytotherapy Research found that fenugreek supplementation:\n<\/p>\n \nThe herb was particularly effective for people with diabetes, who are twice as likely to develop heart disease, per the CDC.<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n \nResearchers believe fenugreek may be useful for controlling risk factors related to heart disease\u2014like high cholesterol\u2014when paired with traditional medical treatments, such as medications and lifestyle changes. However, further research is needed to understand exactly how effectively fenugreek can lower this risk.\n<\/p>\n \nFenugreek is often cited online as a remedy for menstrual cramps, and some research supports this. A 2014 study of 101 females published in the Journal of Reproduction & Fertility found that those who took 900 mg of fenugreek seed powder on each of the first three days of menstruation reported a significantly larger reduction in period pain than the placebo group.\n<\/p>\n \nFenugreek supplementation also reduced other period symptoms, including:\n<\/p>\n \nNo side effects were reported.\n<\/p>\n \nPeople in North Africa, Asia, and southern Europe have traditionally used fenugreek to increase breastmilk supply in lactating women, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)\u2014and some modern research backs this up.\n<\/p>\n \nFor example, a 2017 research analysis published in Phytotherapy Research found that compared to a placebo, fenugreek significantly increased the amount of breastmilk produced by lactating women in four different studies. However, the same review found that other herbal supplements, like date palm, were more effective compared to fenugreek.\n<\/p>\n \nWhile fenugreek may increase breastmilk supply, it might also cause some side effects. A 2018 study published in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine interviewed 65 breastfeeding women and 56 health care providers and found supplementing with fenugreek during lactation could cause increased thirst as well as “maple syrup-like” sweat and urine. If you have pre-existing conditions or are taking medication, you should talk to your doctor before taking fenugreek while breastfeeding.\n<\/p>\n \nOne 2020 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that fenugreek may also raise testosterone levels in men, which, if low, could lead to irritability, poor concentration, and increased bone fracture risk. According to Harvard Medical School, as men age, testosterone levels drop about 1% to 2% each year and more than a third of men over the age of 45 have lower than normal testosterone levels.\n<\/p>\n \nA 2017 study funded by Cepham Inc\u2014an herbal supplement manufacturer\u2014published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences assessed how a patented fenugreek supplement would impact 50 men between the ages of 35 and 65. It found that after 12 weeks of daily fenugreek supplementation, testosterone levels increased by up to 46% in 45 of the subjects. It also improved:\n<\/p>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n \nAccording to the US Department of Agriculture database, one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds provides:\n<\/p>\n \nDespite its potential health benefits, fenugreek isn’t a great source of important nutrients\u2014particularly since most recipes call for less than one tablespoon of the herb. One noteworthy exception is iron, which is crucial for helping red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, according to the National Library of Medicine.\n<\/p>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n \nFenugreek is safe in amounts commonly found in foods, but its safety in larger doses is uncertain, per the NCCIH. Fenugreek is not safe for use during pregnancy in any amount greater than what’s found in food and should not be used by children as a supplement.\n<\/p>\n \nLiver toxicity has been reported in people who take fenugreek alone or with other herbs. It can also cause potential side effects, like:\n<\/p>\n \nIf you're interested in trying fenugreek for a therapeutic purpose like those listed above, talk to a health care provider, such as a primary care doctor or a registered dietitian. There is no standardized recommendation for fenugreek formulation or dose, so they can help you determine how much and for how long you should take fenugreek supplements.\n<\/p>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n \nFenugreek isn't widely grown in the US, so it's most readily available as a spice. If cooking with fenugreek try:\n<\/p>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n \nFenugreek is a traditional seasoning in many cultural cuisines that also offers some key health benefits, like blood sugar and cholesterol management. If you enjoy the unique combination of sweet and bitter flavors, consider experimenting with fenugreek seeds and leaves in cooking. However, talk to a health care professional before supplementing with the herb to determine how it may affect your individual health needs.\n<\/p>\n \nSources:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \nTo get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living<\/em> newsletter<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Photo: Adobe Stock Fenugreek\u2014which you can buy as a spice or supplement at most health food stores\u2014may offer some key health benefits, like helping manage type 2 diabetes and blood cholesterol. Fenugreek is a clover-like herb native to the Mediterranean, southern Europe, and western Asia, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. 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\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Benefits <\/span> <\/h2>\n
Helps lower blood sugar in people with diabetes <\/span> <\/h3>\n
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May regulate cholesterol <\/span> <\/h3>\n
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Potentially relieves menstrual cramps <\/span> <\/h3>\n
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Can increase breast milk supply <\/span> <\/h3>\n
Could raise testosterone levels in men <\/span> <\/h3>\n
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Nutrition <\/span> <\/h2>\n
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Risks <\/span> <\/h2>\n
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Tips for consuming fenugreek <\/span> <\/h2>\n
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Summary <\/span> <\/h2>\n
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