by The health benefits of fenugreek seeds make it a special herb. It is a spice widely used in Indian cooking. But it is also valued for its medicinal properties. From hair growth and digestion to weight loss and diabetes, methi are versatile when it comes to wellness. If you are considering using fenugreek seeds for diabetes, it may be wise to control the amount. Curious, right? Keep reading!
Consuming a large dose of fenugreek seeds can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, if not managed well. So if you’re trying to reach your weight loss goals or find ways to control your blood sugar levels, learn how to use fenugreek seeds the right way.
Fenugreek seeds for diabetes.
Diabetes is a growing health problem in India and around the world. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease that affects the body’s ability to convert food into energy, explains nutritionist Rashi Chahal.
Wondering how this works? Well, the body breaks down the food eaten during the digestion process into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream. As blood sugar levels rise, a message is sent to the pancreas to release insulin, allowing cells in the body to use glucose for energy.
Ayu, a Journal of Research in Ayurveda, notes that the soluble fibers in fenugreek, including the glucomannan fiber, delay intestinal absorption of ingested sugars. In addition, alkaloids such as fenugrecine and trigonelline have been shown to have hypoglycemic action.
How do fenugreek seeds help control blood sugar levels?
Methi or methi daana seeds are said to have anti-diabetic properties and can improve insulin resistance.
Chahal says, “Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber which helps lower blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Adding fenugreek seeds to the diet may have a synergistic effect when combined with dietary control and exercise on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. But this may have delayed the occurrence.”
Now that you know about some of the health benefits of fenugreek seeds, let us know how to use them.
What is the best way to take fenugreek seeds for diabetes?
People with a high body mass index and following a calorie deficit diet may be advised to consume powdered fenugreek seeds or methi seeds in water to control blood sugar levels or stamina to insulin.
But there is always the question of “how much fenugreek should I take to lower my blood sugar?”
According to Chahal, 10 grams of fenugreek seeds a day, when consumed daily for 4 to 6 months, has been shown to lower HbA1c and fasting blood sugar levels.
A study in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders found a correlation between dietary supplementation of 10 grams of fenugreek seeds daily in subjects with prediabetes with lower conversion to diabetes.
But here’s a warning from Chahal: “It’s best to closely monitor your blood sugar levels as the herb’s effect shows up slowly, and it is always suggested to keep your doctor or dietitian informed. This is because your health expert will be able to adjust the dose of your medicine or your diet when necessary.
Also read: Do you want to maintain your blood sugar levels? Eat raw methi and avoid diabetes
Side effects of fenugreek seeds for diabetes
The nutrition expert says that, as with other blood sugar-lowering herbs, there is a risk that consuming too much fenugreek could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. And we all know that low blood sugar is just as concerning as high blood sugar.
This can be a risk when methi seeds are taken along with prescription medications. As a result, the dose of your antidiabetic medicine may need to be changed. Therefore, while you should be careful about excessive consumption of methi seeds, you should also watch your diet and follow an exercise regimen.
