Saturday 28 November 2015

Fenugreek for PCOS, Diabetes and other medical conditions









“One quarter of what you eat keeps you alive. The other three quarters keeps your doctor  alive”.

Since ages, fenugreek has been  prescribed in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for curing and preventing of many diseases.  This plant is widely cultivated across the world and its seeds are used in many international cuisines as taste enhancers. In India, along with the seeds, the leaves of the plant is  also widely consumed. It is known as   “ Methi” in Hindi and “Uluva” in Malayalam.

To name a few, fenugreek can resolve  digestive problems like heartburn, acid reflux,abdominal pain and constipation, skin problems like eczema, inflammation, cellulitis, hair loss  and dandruff. The mucilage present in these seeds aids in smoothing of intestinal inflammation. Cholesterol and triglyceride patients can also benefit from the use of fenugreek.

Fenugreek seeds  contains protein, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and phyto nutrients.

One of the most remarkable quality of fenugreek is that, it  stimulates milk production in nursing mothers. According to aurveda, fenugreek can augment the quantity and quality of milk produced by the breastfeeding women.

Research have proved that, daily intake of fenugreek in the prescribed form can control and prevent diabetes. It has great soluble fiber content and amino acids, which seems to have the property to induce more insulin production and reduce  the rate of absorption of sugar in the stomach and improve glucose resistance.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition affecting women population and is one of the main causes of infertility. One of the characteristic of this condition is glucose intolerance, which may eventually lead to diabetes, obesity and excess secretion of testosterone. Fenugreek is considered to be one of the natural foods which can aid to control this condition.

During pregnancy,  excess use of fenugreek is not advised, as  it is said  to induce labor.

Chinese medicine recommends fenugreek for treatment of various kidney ailments. It also poses anti carcinogenic properties and is effective in preventing colon cancer by protecting the colon’s mucus membrane.

Women suffering from menopausal symptoms and menstrual discomfort can benefit from this plant. Fenugreek has chemicals similar to estrogen, hence mood swings, hot flashes and depression associated with menopause can be taken care of by taking in fenugreek. This herb is also said to be helpful in increasing libido and preventing erectile dysfunction.



The seeds have a distinct aroma and flavor and can be used widely in many dishes. You can powder and store the fenugreek seeds and sprinkle them in most of the curries and  add them to Dosa batter (That’s the secret behind the delicious Dosas in hotels). The sprouts are  easy to make and quite nutritious. The brave ones can soak some seeds overnight and have it in the morning along with the soaked in water. Though little bitter, researches indicate that this can do wonders in controlling diabetes and improving the general health.  The leaves of the plant can be added to the wheat dough before making chappathis or rotis and believe me, it tastes awesome. The dried leaves called “Kasuri Methi” is incredibly flavorsome and  is easily available in stores. This is a must ingredient in Indian dishes like butter chicken,  chicken tikka, and malai paneer.

watch this video and learn how to easily grow fenugreek in your garden 


 Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
anitadane@gmail.com

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.