Fenugreek Seeds and Recipes

Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) are a common herb the seeds of which are commonly used as a condiment in Indian homes. It has been reported that treatment with the decoction of fenugreek seeds suppresses the urinary excretion of sugar and relieves the symptoms of diabetes. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of mucilagenous fibre and also contain trigonelline an alkaloid known to have hypoglycaernic effect on blood sugar. Fenugreek leaves do not have any such effect.

Diets containing fenugreek seed powder reduce blood sugar and urine sugar with concomitant improvement in glucose tolerance and diabetic symptoms in both non- insulin dependent and insulin dependent diabetes patients. It also lowers serum lipids such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Thus fenugreek seeds have a beneficial effect on diabetes.

The quantity of fenugreek seeds to be taken daily depends upon the severity of diabetes, the doses varying from 25 along with lunch or dinner. The seeds can be taken as such after overnight soaking in water or in powder form as a drink in water or buttermilk, 15 minutes before the meal or in any other food preparation. Fenugreek has to be taken as long as high blood sugar and urinary sugar levels persist.

Fenugreek Recipes

Each recipe contains 12.5 g of fenugreek seeds. Any two preparations can be included in a day’s menu so that the diabetic receives the effective dose (25g/day) of fenugreek seeds.