Fenugreek- The Next Health Food Craze

You will probably hear more about this seed soon.  Fenugreek is already used in many Indian dishes, and the market is trying to find ways to incorporate it in many other foods such as bread.    So what is the big deal about fenugreek?  Well it has been used for many conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol,  and high blood sugars.  

Fenugreek has been found to reduce fasting blood glucose.  It works by decreasing the absorption rate of carbohydrates.  Fenugreek is 45.4% fiber, and contains galactose and mannose which are associated with a reduction of cholesterol and a blounted blood glucose response.   Fenugreek has been found to reduce cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.

Studies still need to be done to determine the safe dosage amounts of this herb and the long term effects of its usage.  It is important to note that there is still not a lot of research available for herbal supplements.  Safety and efficacy is a concern for most supplements and should be taken with care.  Part of the issue is that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lack regulatory measures for supplements.  In part because it is not a priority for the organization.  Supplements are neither a food or a medicine, so it doesn't necessarily fit under their criteria.  


Larson A.  Fenugreek:an alternative therapy for the treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.  Pulse.  34(2):1-5.