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Fenugreek Seed Extract

Bhakti Satalkar
Trigonella foenum-graecum, better known as fenugreek, is a plant used as a conventional remedy for diabetes, arthritis, etc. This story to come tells you more on the benefits and side effects of this extract.
Fenugreek belongs to the family of plants called Fabaceae. There are many benefits of using fenugreek. It can be used either as a herb or spice. The seeds are used as a spice. Semi-arid regions are apt for the growth of fenugreek. One can find the use of the herb in curries.
These seeds are mainly produced in the Indian subcontinent, Egypt, Spain, Turkey, Morocco, Argentina, France, etc. India is the largest producer of the seeds in the world. The seeds have effective nutritional supplement and have been used by herbalists for a number of centuries now.
To make the extract, ripe seeds are dried. The extract has been used in Indian, Chinese, Arabian, and Greek medicine.

Benefits of Fenugreek Seed Extract

There are many benefits of the seeds. It helps in digestion. Therefore, it is often had with warm water. It can also be used to treat stomach ulcers, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, etc. It can be used by women during their menstrual cycle, to get rid of gastrointestinal spasms, which is common during the menstrual cycle.
Fenugreek tea can also be used for the same. If you suffer from bloating regularly, then you can use an extract made from the seeds to get rid of the condition. It is also helpful in detoxifying the body. A number of skin conditions, like eczema, ulcers, boils, etc., can also be treated with the regular use of fenugreek.
If you want to lose weight, then one simple method is to use the extract in your diet. It is rich in soluble fiber. When you have fenugreek, it expands in the digestive tract, which gives a feeling of fullness. This ensures that a person consumes less amount of food. Therefore, it is also termed as an appetite suppressant.
The benefits extend to lactating mothers as well. It helps in increasing breast milk supply. Therefore, fenugreek is used for lactation in a number of cultures. Hormonal imbalance can also be treated using the extract. There are researches been conducted about relation of fenugreek extract and testosterone.
Studies have shown that in men, fenugreek may increase sexual excitement and testosterone levels and improve performance in athletes.
If you suffer from high cholesterol and triglycerides, then fenugreek tea can be used for the same. Alternately, you can also choose to include seeds in your diet regularly. Diabetics can also benefit a great deal from the use of the aromatic seeds. Have seeds on waking up with warm water.
Your blood sugar levels will be under control with the regular use of seeds.

Side Effects

Although there are many benefits, there are some side effects as well. Using a lot of fenugreek seeds in the diet can give a maple smell to sweat and urine of the person. It is caused by a compound in fenugreek known as sotolon. This may not necessarily be a harmful side effect; however, it is no doubt embarrassing.
Allergy could be another side effect although not everyone may suffer from it. In some cases, it can cause breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the tongue, etc. Some people may suffer from diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, etc., as well. Internal bleeding may be caused due to consumption of fenugreek. Symptoms of internal bleeding include black tarry stools, vomiting blood, etc.
After consuming fenugreek, if you suffer from any allergic symptoms, do consult your health care professional immediately. Depending on your condition, he will be able to prescribe the right line of treatment for you.
If you are on certain drugs, then before you take fenugreek capsules, ensure you consult your physician. Fenugreek is known to react with certain drugs; therefore, it is better not to have them in conjunction with other medicines.
To avoid any side effects of fenugreek extract and derive the best benefits from it, it is best to follow your doctor's prescription. Depending on your health, your health care professional will be in a better position to give you the right dosage of the extract as well.