Fenugreek for Lowering Your Blood Sugar.... by - Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, PhD and Vera Tweed

May 26, 2007

FENUGREEK (Trigonella Foenumgraecum) Cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region, the fenugreek plant produces seeds that have long history of use as a restorative remedy, particularly to treat loss of appetite, digestive problems, and inflammation of the skin. When taken internally, fenugreek reduces blood sugar, increases lactation, and enhances wound healing. The seeds are rich in fiber, saponins (plant chemicals that contain carbohydrate molecules), and protein. The part of the seed rich in fiber is thought to be partly responsible for the herb's blood sugar-lowering effect. The seed also contains an active compound called trigonelline, which acts as a blood sugar-lowering agent. How Fenugreek May Help Control Diabetes As an antidiabetic herb, fenugreek has been studied in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In one

experiment involving people with type 1 diabetes, researchers in India tested the effects of defatted fenugreek seed powder (100 grams), divided into two equal doses and incorporated into the patients' diet. A control group followed a diet without the fenugreek seed. By the end of the ten-day experiment, the fenugreek-supplemented group showed significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglycerides had dropped significantly too. The researchers concluded than fenugreek seeds are useful in the management of diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes, researchers in Israel found that powdered fenugreek seeds (15 grams daily) significantly reduced blood glucose levels following meals. They noted that fenugreek may have potential benefit in treating type 2 diabetes. - Source: Let's Live,

Feb. 2004Author: Vera Tweed Fenugreek extract has the potential to speed the process of blood glucose being utilized for energy, thereby preventing unhealthy levels of glucose continuing to circulate in the blood. By this action, it can help to break the vicious cycle of impaired carb metabolism, which exacerbates insulin resistance and weight gain. Fenugreek extract produces these seemingly diverse benefits by supporting one fundamental mechanism: improving the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates, a function that has become impaired for many people. The American Diabetes Association estimates that at least one in five Americans suffer from prediabetes, a condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels that are not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes but are a precursor of the condition.A pilot study also found that insulin levels did not increase, indicating that the supplement did not stimulate increased insulin production, but lowered

glucose levels by another mechanism. It is theorized that Fenugreek extract increases insulin sensitivity, so that less insulin is required to metabolize increased blood glucose, and/or that the supplement improves the efficiency of glucose transport to muscle cells. In addition, the study showed that Fenugreek extract does not appear to lower blood glucose below optimum levels. Source: Control Diabetes and Let's Live, Feb. 2004Author: Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, PhD and Vera Tweed

Looking for people who are YOUR TYPE? Find them here!