Fenugreek is a beloved spice enjoyed by many across the globe. Its distinctive tangy and spicy flavors can be found in a variety of dishes, from bread and salad to curries and sauces. For centuries, this spice has been used for its medicinal benefits, thanks to its key components known for their healing properties. Women can particularly benefit from fenugreek during important stages of their lives, such as menstruation, pregnancy, post-childbirth, and menopause. This blog post delves into the advantages of fenugreek for women, highlighting its many beneficial properties.
So these are eleven ways it does well for women:
Increases milk production in lactating women
Fenugreek increases milk production by stimulating the mammary glands of lactating women. In the US, every three out of four moms stop breastfeeding after a few months of childbirth. The main reason is they can’t fulfill the increasing milk requirement of their growing baby. Several studies, including one conducted here, prove that lactation in breastfeeding moms increases significantly after taking fenugreek supplements. In India, giving fenugreek laddoos to breastfeeding new moms is a traditional practice. It is prepared by mixing powdered fenugreek seeds with some dry fruits, Ghee or butter, and jaggery.
Eases menstrual problems
In studies, it has been found that the antihistaminic property of fenugreek reduces premenstrual symptoms like mood swings, tender breast fatigue, and depression. Moreover, women and girls taking fenugreek seeds in the powdered or soaked form get fewer stomach and leg cramps during periods. It is found to be effective enough to replace painkillers. Overnight-soaked fenugreek water with seeds is also very effective in regularising irregular periods resulting from a bad lifestyle or fluctuating progesterone levels.
Improves sexual health
Regular consumption of fenugreek seeds and leaves improves the sugar level and inflammation in the body. Fenugreek contains lecithins and choline that are proven to reduce cholesterol by dissolving them, thus making the heart healthy. This overall health becoming better leads to an increase in libido in women. In a study, it has been found that female participants under fenugreek supplementation for two weeks showed a significant improvement in vaginal dryness, increased progesterone, a sex hormone, and reduced irritability.
Good for hair
Fenugreek treats wiry hair, excess hair fall, dandruff, and dry scalp. Protein and nicotinic acid present in fenugreek help to nourish hair follicles. The slippery substance lecithin in fenugreek gives shine and extra bounce to hair. Its regular use also prevents graying of hair. A smooth paste made by adding water to fenugreek seed powder should be applied all over the scalp and left for at least half an hour. Then the hair should be washed with water by rubbing the scalp. It is a better substitute for chemical shampoos as it cleanses the hair with the same effect.
To get smooth glass-like skin
Diosgenin, a steroidal compound found in fenugreek, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. A face pack made from fenugreek powder effectively removes dark spots, blemishes, and wrinkles on the skin. Moreover, the vitamin C in fenugreek helps brighten skin color and gives a radiant glow. Fenugreek benefits the skin through collagen production, and one can feel the skin becoming tighter with a smooth texture on its regular application.
Aids in weight loss
Fenugreek powder used as a spice in food or supplements can help lose weight. The high fiber content of fenugreek gives a feeling of fullness after a meal for a longer time which tends to reduce binge eating considerably. A study has observed that tea made with cinnamon, fennel, and fenugreek helps reduce body fat in young adult women.
Helps with flatulence and gas
After pregnancy and childbirth, women’s pelvic floor and back muscles weaken, decreasing control over those muscles, especially while passing gas, often leading to an awkward situation. Moreover, during menopause, the hormonal swing leads to bloating and windiness. Consuming fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight regularly helps cure the problems of indigestion, bloating, and flatulence.
Helps in removing bad breath
Catarrh is a condition where excess mucous gets deposited in the nose and throat area. It is observed that women during the menopause phase often get bad breath with catarrhal infection due to fluctuations in their hormones. Drinking hot fenugreek tea helps a lot in this condition. It can be prepared by boiling one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with water, sieving it in a cup, and adding a pinch of black pepper.
Effective in controlling urinary tract infections
As an antioxidant, fenugreek helps flush out bacteria from the kidney and bladder, thus preventing urinary tract infections or UTIs. This condition becomes very common after childbirth. UTIs are also common during menopause when there is a decrease in estrogen level resulting in vaginal dryness. To cure UTI, take one teaspoon of fenugreek powder, and add one teaspoon of fresh ginger juice and jaggery. Taking it for two to three days will give good results.
For bone health
This is one of the most amazing fenugreek benefits for females. Fenugreek seeds are high in calcium content (176mg in 100gm). Osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and porous, is very common in females after menopause. Estrogen, a hormone responsible for calcium absorption, decreases considerably during menopause. Fenugreek seeds, high in phytoestrogens, are traditionally used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause. This is better than hormone replacement therapy as it has got many disadvantages.
For hormonal balance during menopause
For most women, menopause is the agonizing phase of their life. Psychological problems like irritability, mood swings, loss of patience, and anxiety accompany physical issues like leg cramps, disturbed sleep, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. All these happen as there is a sharp decrease in estrogen levels in the blood. Here phytoestrogens play an important role as these are estrogen-like compounds derived from plants. Studies have shown that phytoestrogen therapy during menopause significantly reduces mood fluctuation, hot flashes, and muscular cramps. Fenugreek, rich in phytoestrogens, has been used to treat these symptoms for ages.
I hope this information was helpful!
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DISCLAIMER – The tips provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
