Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a medicinal herb with numerous health benefits. It is a common spice and has been used in alternative medicine for centuries to treat certain ailments.
In recent times, the tea made from its seeds has been gaining popularity. Fenugreek tea may play a role in heart health, aid digestion, fight inflammation, and promote weight loss.
In this article, we have discussed what research states about fenugreek. We have also included a simple process of making fenugreek tea right at your home.
Below are benefits of fenugreek tea and how to prepare it:
1. May improve heart health
Fenugreek tea may lower the levels of cholesterol, which is one of the largest contributors to heart disease. A study shows that taking fenugreek every day can lower blood cholesterol in patients with coronary artery disease.
As per some rat studies, this can be attributed to the ability of fenugreek to increase the levels of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione, which is known to boost heart health.
2. May aid digestion
The tea has also been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues. Some believe that taking the tea after meals can aid digestion.
3. May help fight inflammation
Fenugreek contains linolenic and linoleic acids, both of which offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Moreover, the tea can have similar effects on arthritis symptoms as well. In a study, fenugreek was found to have beneficial effects on arthritic rats.
Other research also suggests that fenugreek mimics estrogen. It can help reduce the risk of auto-immune conditions (arthritis is one of them).
4. May promote weight loss
Some rat studies have shown that fenugreek seed extract can inhibit fat accumulation and help reverse high-fat levels. Another study showed that the intake of fenugreek could decrease fat consumption, even in healthy adults. This way, the seeds could help aid weight loss.
5. May aid diabetes treatment
The soluble fiber in fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels. It achieves this by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates.
A study states that taking fenugreek can have beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes. It suggests that taking fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water (as tea) may help in this regard.
6. May boost brain function
A compound in fenugreek (called trigonelline) was found to have brain-boosting effects. Further research suggests that the tea may slow down the progression of age-related memory loss. It may also reduce the risk of brain ailments like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Fenugreek tea can also reduce aluminum toxicity, thereby preventing brain disease.
7. May enhance male sexual health
Supplementation with fenugreek seeds showed increased testosterone levels in male subjects. These not only improved their resistance training but also seemed to enhance their libido.
Other preliminary studies show that the intake of fenugreek can improve sexual arousal, energy, and stamina in men. It also helps men maintain their normal healthy testosterone levels.
8. May be beneficial during breastfeeding
According to a study, fenugreek seeds are among the most potent herbal galactagogues (substances that promote lactation in humans and other animals). The tea could be a healthy addition to the diet for promoting breast milk production.
How to make fenugreek tea
Making fenugreek tea is simple. You need a few fenugreek seeds. Follow the procedure given below:
- Crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle.
- Boil water in a kettle. Pour it into a teapot or a container.
- Add the crushed fenugreek seeds. You can also add other herbs and loose tea leaves.
- Cover and steep the seeds for about 3 minutes.
- Strain through a tea strainer into a cup or another container.
- You can also sweeten with honey or stevia.
- Drink the tea hot or cold.
