Health Benefits of Fenugreek Sprouts

Fenugreek is an herb and spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It adds a unique flavor to dishes with its mild spiciness and slightly nutty taste, and it offers numerous health benefits. Since ancient times, fenugreek has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat various diseases and skin conditions. In Eastern culture, it is common for mothers with low milk supply to consume fenugreek tea and regularly eat sprouts to boost milk production. Below are some recent studies detailing the western medical research on the health benefits of fenugreek.

Health Benefits of Fenugreek:

Effects on Breastmilk Production:

Breastmilk is akin to a panacea for the baby, providing the purest source of nutrients. However, some mothers experience low production. Research has shown that fenugreek is a safe, natural alternative to medication for boosting breastmilk production.

A study conducted on 77 new mothers found that drinking herbal tea infused with fenugreek seeds increased breastmilk production. Another study indicated that mothers who consumed herbal tea with fenugreek seeds pumped an average of 2.47 ounces of milk compared to 1.15 ounces in those who did not.

Note: Although these studies show promising results for using fenugreek seeds to increase breastmilk production, consult your midwife or medical practitioner for any concerns.

Other Health Benefits of Fenugreek:

Some studies have found that fenugreek also has beneficial effects, including an increase in libido.

In an 8-week study, 30 college men engaged in four weightlifting sessions per week, with half receiving 500 mg of fenugreek daily. While the non-supplement group experienced a slight decline in testosterone, the fenugreek group saw an increase, along with a 2% reduction in body fat.

Another 6-week study provided 30 men with 600 mg of fenugreek extract to assess changes in sexual function and libido, with most participants reporting increased strength and improved sexual function.

Additionally, fenugreek is known to help control blood sugar levels and assist with weight loss by reducing appetite.

Fenugreek tea, as demonstrated in the studies above, is just as nutritious as fenugreek itself. To make fenugreek tea, soak fenugreek seeds in water for five to six hours, then drain the water to brew tea with agave or maple syrup and soy or almond milk. For a non-vegan variant, cow or goat milk can be used instead of soy milk.