Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graceum) has been shown to have beneficial effects against raised levels of blood lipids and blood glucose. The metabolic syndrome is a condition whereby a poor quality diet leads to insulin resistance and this then causes metabolic dysfunction that leads to raised levels of blood lipids. Fenugreek may alleviate the elevated levels of blood lipids because it treats the cause of this which is the raised levels of blood glucose and the insulin resistance. It might achieve this by two main mechanisms. Firstly, fenugreek seeds contain phytochemicals including alkaloids and steroidal saponins that may act to reduce blood glucose levels by increasing the uptake of glucose to tissues. Secondly, fenugreek seeds contain high levels of fibre, and this fibre can increase the gastrointestinal transit time for foods containing carbohydrate and this may delay the absorption of the glucose, thereby facilitating a greater degree of sensitivity over controlling blood glucose. Controlling blood glucose levels is pivotal in reducing insulin resistance.
Eat Well Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
Sharma, R. D., Sarkar, A., Hazra, D. K., Misra, B., Singh, J. B., Maheshwari, B. B. and Sharma, S. K. 1996. Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds: A chronic study in non‐insulin dependent diabetic patients. Phytotherapy Research. 10(4): 332-334
