Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek has been a part of the Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations for many centuries. The seeds and leaves of the tree are used primarily as a culinary spice. In India, it is used as a part of curry powder. The seeds of the plant have rich health benefits and are an effective nutritional supplement. Fenugreek tea has been given to women for its properties of mimicking the female sex hormone, estrogen. We will now see a few of its benefits.

Fenugreek Tea Health Benefits

The alkaloids lysine and L-tryptophan are the active constituents in fenugreek. The other constituents which add to the properties present in fenugreek include steroidal saponins and mucilaginous fiber.

Drinking fenugreek tea after meals is recommended, as the chemical compound found in fenugreek aids in the digestive process. At the same time, if fenugreek is taken along with meals, it is able to slow down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the body, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels of the body. According to studies conducted, an amino acid found in fenugreek helps in inducing or promoting the production of insulin, when blood sugar levels are elevated. The other benefit of fenugreek is that it also helps in lowering harmful cholesterol in people who suffered from diabetes. Studies are also underway about the effects of fenugreek on people who do not suffer from diabetes.

Fenugreek contains a substantial amount of fiber in it. When mixed with water or fluid, the fiber swells up. The mucilage present in fenugreek cannot be digested by the body and it is believed to be an effective laxative. Along with it, fenugreek also aids in fat metabolism and hence, fenugreek tea for weight loss has become very popular. This herbal infusion is helpful in treating kidney ailments as well. Very few are ware of the fact that tea made by brewing fenugreek seeds helps in expelling phlegm as well.

In India, fenugreek tea has been given to lactating women, because of its ability to stimulate breast milk. You may want to read on fenugreek for lactation. It is also known as a natural breast enhancer. If applied externally, fenugreek infused water soothes irritated skin and helps in relieving surface aches and pains as well.

Side Effects

It sometimes can cause a drop in blood sugar level and the person can suffer from dizziness, trembling, huger pangs, excessive sweating, etc. In some women it can also cause hypoglycemia. If fenugreek tea is consumed in high amounts during pregnancy, it can cause early contractions. Some adults as well as children may suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, etc. on consuming this tea excessively.

Recipe

The recipe is simple. You will require 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and a cup of water. Boil the water and steep the seeds in it for as long as you can. The longer the better, but it recommended you steep it for a minimum period of 30 to 45 minutes. Now boil the tea for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain and remove the seeds and it can be had either hot or cold, as well as with or without sugar.

These days, there are fenugreek capsules and tea bags available as well. However, it is always best to use it in its natural form. We have just seen the benefits as well as side effects of fenugreek tea. Hence, it is recommended you talk to your health care professional before fenugreek-brewed tea becomes a part of your diet. At the same time, start off slow, so that you know if you suffer from any side effects of the tea.