An Elixir for Diabetics

The moment you come to know that you have diabetes, you freak out and whatever you in take is scrutinised. Our ever-altering lifestyle is turning out to be an area of worry and anxiety. A calorie-high diet amalgamated with an inactive lifestyle with not much physical movement pulls you towards a greater risk of falling prey to diabetes.

Fenugreek is an aromatic plant that has many usages especially in India, in both the culinary and medicinal sector. It is also available in the form of a herb which is known as Kasuri methi.

Fenugreek being the most popular cooking element, it is filled with a gamut of health advantages. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicines. These seeds are a rich source of vitamin A and C, proteins, calcium, iron, carbohydrates, trigonelline, trace minerals, fibers, Iysine, I-tryptophan and saponins to name a few.

There is definitely a deep connection between fenugreek and diabetes. A miracle ingredient for people living with diabetes, these seeds are rich in fiber and other nutrients, that slow down the process of digestion and the body’s ability to absorb sugar and carbohydrates. The seeds may also help mend the ways the body utilizes sugar and upsurges the quantity of insulin that is being released.

Studies reveal that 10 grams daily dose of fenugreek seeds, drenched in hot water may aid to regulate Type II diabetes. Eating baked products like fenugreek flour bread may decrease insulin resistance in people with Type II diabetes. Taking heavy fenugreek dose for several weeks on a day-to-day basis, causes visible developments in the levels of plasma glucose.

Several clinical trials that have been conducted to prove the potential anti-diabetic advantages Fenugreek seeds have a knack of recovering most metabolic symptoms that are associated with both Type I and Type II diabetes in humans by dropping down blood glucose levels and refining the tolerance of glucose.

These miracle seeds are high in soluble fibre, which benefits in dropping the blood sugar levels by decelerating down the process of digestion and carbohydrates absorption. This suggests they may be really effective in treating people with diabetes. Moreover these seeds contain a rare amino acid (4HO-Ile) which is known for its anti-diabetic properties.

This feature helps to enhance secretion of insulin under hyperglycemic conditions in case of Type II diabetes and surges the insulin sensitivity for Type II diabetes. This useful edible acts as a detoxifying agent by purifying the liver and flushing out harmful toxins.

Thanks to these health benefits, your blood sugar levels and hormonal imbalance will be under control. This will be a slow process considering the time required by the body to familiarise to new changes.

These marvellous edibles might shower you with a bucket full of advantages and benefits, these also come attached with some potential risks if taken in excess.

• The intake of fenugreek may impact the sciatic nerve issues and peripheral neuropathy, causing you to feel weak in your muscles and nerves.
• The presence of certain chemical components present in fenugreek like dimethylpyrazine, may cause a maple-syrup like smell emitting from your armpits due to extended use.
• The seed also has the ability to cause allergic reactions. So before you incorporate it in your diet plan, it’s important to interact with your nutritionist.
• The fiber in fenugreek can also make your body less operative and functionally low at absorbing medicines taken by mouth. It’s advisable not to use fenugreek within a few hours of taking these types of prescriptions.

Seeds of Fenugreek are a rich source of fiber and have multiple health benefits in patients with diabetes. So incorporate 10gms of methi seeds whole or powder formor plant-based supplements in your daily routine and win the battle against diabetes. Writer is M.D - Alternative Medicine & Celebrity Holistic Nutritionist.

By Luke Coutinho