Fenugreek is an annual herb with light green leaves and small white flowers. It’s of the pea family (Fabaceae) and also known as Greek hay (Trigonella foenum-graecum). The fenugreek plant stands erect at two to three feet tall, and the seed pods contain 10–20 small, flat, yellow-brown, pungent and aromatic seeds.

Fenugreek Nutrition Facts

One serving — 1 tablespoon — of fenugreek seeds contains:

  • 35.5 calories
  • 6.4 grams carbohydrates
  • 2.5 grams protein
  • 0.7 gram fat
  • 2.7 grams fiber
  • 3.7 milligrams iron (20 percent DV)
  • 0.1 milligram manganese (7 percent DV)
  • 0.1 milligram copper (6 percent DV)
  • 21 milligrams magnesium (5 percent DV)
  • 32.6 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV)
  • 0.1 milligram vitamin B6 (3 percent DV)

8 Fenugreek Benefits and Uses

1. Improves Digestive Problems and Cholesterol Levels
Fenugreek may help with numerous digestive problems, such as upset stomach, constipation and inflammation of the stomach. For instance, the water-soluble fiber in fenugreek, among other foods, helps relieve constipation. It also works to treat digestion and is often incorporated in an ulcerative colitis diet treatment plan due to its anti-inflammatory effects. 
2. Reduces Inflammation Inside the Body
Fenugreek helps with inflammation within the body, such as:
  • mouth ulcers
  • boils
  • bronchitis
  • infection of the tissues beneath the surface of the skin
  • tuberculosis
  • chronic coughs
  • cancer
  • kidney ailments
3. Increases Libido in Men
Some fenugreek uses for men include treating hernias, erectile dysfunctionand other male problems, such as baldness. That’s because fenugreek may increase sexual arousal and testosterone levels.
While it’s best to consult with a physician before using natural therapies for treating illnesses or improving sexual performance, supplements produced from fenugreek have been shown to increase sexual desire and performance in men, as well as naturally remedy impotence.
4. Promotes Milk Flow in Breastfeeding
Fenugreek also helps breastfeeding women who may experience low milk supply. Fenugreek can increase a woman’s breast milk supply because it acts as a galactagogue, which is a substance to increase milk supply. This stimulates the milk ducts and can increase milk production in as little as 24 hours.
5. Lowers Inflammation from Outside the Body
In addition to lowering internal inflammation, fenugreek is sometimes used externally as a poultice, which means it’s wrapped in cloth, warmed and applied directly to the skin. This reduces external inflammation and can treat :
  • pain and swelling in the muscles and lymph nodes
  • gout
  • wounds
  • leg ulcers
  • sciatica
  • dandruff
  • eczema
6. Adds Flavor and Spice to Food
In foods, fenugreek is often included as an ingredient in spice blends, mostly found in Indian fare, such as curried dishes. It’s also used as a flavoring agent in imitation maple syrup, foods, beverages and tobacco.  The leaves from the plant can be used in salads, and both fresh and dried leaves are used in Indian cookery.
7. Helps with Eating Disorders
Beyond enhancing flavor, fenugreek has been shown in increase appetite, which results in restorative and nutritive properties. A study published in Pharmacology Biochemistry, and Behavior was designed to investigate the effects of a fenugreek seed extract on feeding behavior. Experiments were performed to determine food consumption and motivation to eat, as well as metabolic-endocrine changes.
8. Improves Exercise Performance
The Journal of Sports Science and Medicine reports a study of the effects of combined creatine and fenugreek extract supplementation on strength and body composition in men. Forty-seven resistance-trained men were matched according to body weight to ingest either 70 grams of a dextrose placebo, five grams of creatine and 70 grams of dextrose, or 3.5 grams of creatine and 900 milligrams of fenugreek extract and participate in a four-day a week periodized resistance-training program for eight weeks.
You can buy Fenugreek from Amazon
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. We are not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article.

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