Fenugreek is a popular spice whose leaves and grains have a strong aroma. The taste of the beans is bitter, but when baked it is lost. These seeds are rich in thiamine , folic acid, riboflavin , niacin, vitamins A, B6 and C.
They also contain minerals such as magnesium , zinc and manganese, as well as L-tryptophan, lysine and trigonelline . Large amounts of fiber and saponins can also be found in the seeds . The leaves of fenugreek are a great source of vitamin K . All these useful substances have their impact on health.
Fenugreek is used as a means of stimulating breast milk. This property is proven by a study during which it was found that the consumption of herbal tea, which contains fenugreek seeds, increases the amount of milk .
Saponins, which are contained in fenugreek , reduce the absorption of cholesterol from fatty foods. According to some studies, saponins also play a role in lowering cholesterol , the "bad" LDL cholesterol .
The unusual amino acid 4HO-Ile , which is contained in fenugreek, has possible antidiabetic properties. One such example is an increase in insulin secretion levels in the presence of hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance .
Studies show that the fiber in the plant has anti-cancer properties. Fenugreek has estrogenic properties and may be an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
Data from other studies show that the plant is a potential means of cleansing the body of toxins. This protects the lining of the colon from developing cancer .