Why Fenugreek Seeds are important in the management of Diabetes

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is a common herb (Sanskrit – Mathika; Hindi and Gujarati – Methi; Telugu – Mentikoora; Malayalam – Uluba). Its seeds are commonly used as a condiment for seasoning in Indian homes. The medicinal qualities of fenugreek seeds are known since ancient times and have been described in Greek, Latin and Ayurvedic literature. It is reported that a decoction of fenugreek seeds suppresses the urinary excretion of sugar and relieves symptoms of diabetes.

Seeds of fenugreek are a rich source of fibre. It contains mucilaginous fibre and total fibre to the extent of 20% and 50% respectively. In addition, it also contains trigonelline – an alkaloid, known to reduce blood sugar level. Studies in humans and experimental animals conducted at the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, and in other countries have shown the beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds.

Fenugreek seed powder in the diet reduces blood sugar and urine sugar with concomitant improvement in glucose tolerance and diabetic symptoms in both non-insulin dependent and insulin dependent diabetic patients. It also lowers the levels of serum lipids such as cholesterol and triglyceride. Thus, fenugreek seeds have an overall beneficial effect in diabetes.

Use of Fenugreek Seeds in the Management of Diabetes

The quantity of fenugreek seeds to be taken daily depends upon the severIty of diabetes. The doses vary from 25 g to 50 g. To begin with, 25 g of fenugreek seeds may be taken in two equal doses of 12.5 g each (approximately two teaspoons) along with lunch and dinner. The seeds can be taken as such after overnight soaking in water or in powder form as a drink in water or butter milk. 15 minutes before the meal. The fenugreek seed powder can be incorporated in preparations such as chapati, rice, dhal and vegetables. The preparations can be made salty or sour according to individual taste.

Precautions

1. Fenugreek preparations are only useful as supportive therapy and the usual antidiabetic treatment employed should be continued. However, it has been observed that the requirement of antidiabetic drugs decreases with the use of fenugreek. Optimal dose of antidiabetic drugs required by a diabetic should be decided on the advice of a physician. During acute complications of diabetes, immediate medical advice should be sought.
2. Fenugreek recipes can be taken by diabetic patients as long as high blood sugar and urine sugar levels persist.
3. The dietary caloric intake, particularly from saturated fats and simple sugars should be restricted and body weight should not be allowed to increase. In addition to the use of fenugreek seeds, regular physical exercise such as walking is beneficial.
4. A few patients initially may develop diarrhoea or excess flatulence (gas formation) on consumption of fenugreek. If they continue to have these problems, they can reduce the amount of fenugreek.
5. Sugar should be avoided.

Nutritive value per 100 g of Fenugreek Seeds:

Energy (kcal) : 333
Protein (g) : 26.2
Fat (g) : 5.8
Carbohydrates (g) : 44.1
Crude Fibre (g) : 7.2
Minerals (g) : 3.0
Calcium (mg) : 160
Phosphorus (mg) : 370
Iron (mg) : 6.5
Magnesium (mg) : 124
Sodium (mg) : 19
Potassium (mg) : 530

Vitamins:

Carotene (µg) : 96
Thiamine (mg) : 0.34
Riboflavin (mg) : 0.29
Niacin (mg) : 1.1
Folic Acid – Total (µg) : 84.1
Choline (mg) : 1161

Reference: Diet & Diabetes – NIN ICMR