FENUGREEK VS. ASHWAGANDHA: BENEFITS AND USES
Over time, there have been a lot of shrubs making obvious impacts in the world of healthy living and we’ll be talking about two of them, but not just the usual way…it’s a showdown, and just before we get head-on into the moves and counter moves, let’s get to know the names behind the scenesGrown primarily in the Mediterranean and South African regions, Fenugreek is cultivated basically for its seeds that have a wide range of uses. For more than 500 years, Fenugreek has been used traditionally as a medicine for various ailments, especially ones associated with nursing mothers and indigestion. However, due to its bitter nature, eating the seeds just like that isn’t a yes for everyone and that is why it is now being manufactured as powders and teas. Interestingly, in some regions of Africa, Fenugreek powder is used in baking organic pastries.Over to the other, you might need to pick up a pen and a paper because you’re about to get thrilled, you could probably use a handful of benefits from this one. It’s Ashwagandha, a multi-tasking shrub indigenous to the Middle-Eastern and North African regions. Its roots and leaves are the most sought-after parts, especially in Ayurvedic medicine and herbal supplements. Unlike Fenugreek whose bitter-sour taste adds some kind of flavor, Ashwagandha unfortunately is just not in the league as its bitterness can’t be pardonable once you add it to your cooking. Its major health concentrations are mental health and well-being, it could be taken as capsules or teas, but trust me…you will be sorry for your taste buds if you dare consume it in your foods.Let’s delve into the benefits of these powerful shrubs:BENEFITS AND USES OF FENUGREEK
- Digestive Health: Due to soluble fibre in Fenugreek, indigestion issues like bloating and constipation will no longer be problems.
- Diabetes Management: Although Fenugreek cannot be used as a standalone remedy for diabetes, it could be supplemented into one’s diabetes management, because It contains insulin-stimulating compounds that help in the constant release of insulin from the pancreas, subsequently increasing the glucose uptake into cells and slowing down the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract.
- Breast Milk Production: Estrogen is one of the most important hormones that play a crucial role in lactation and the development of mammary glands in preparation for breastfeeding. Fenugreek, however, contains some compounds like diosgenin and trigonelline whose action potentials are similar to the activities of Estrogen in the body. Fenugreek also stimulates the release of prolactin which enhances the ability of the mammary gland to produce and secrete milk.
Its ability to lower bad cholesterol and total cholesterol, its anti-inflammatory properties, its role in weight management, its input in skin and hair health, and its mucolytic properties that help in respiration are other benefits of Fenugreek; however, there are a lot more!BENEFITS AND USES OF ASHWAGANDHAHaving seen some of the benefits of Fenugreek, you might want to take a closer look now. Let’s take a quick tour!
- Adaptogen: Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen meaning that it could help the body adapt to and reduce the negative effects of stress, promoting overall well-being. Similarly, it also lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and improves the body’s response to stress.
- Improving Mood: According to some prominent studies, Ashwagandha may have antidepressant effects and could help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Cognitive Health: For a long time, Ashwagandha has been explored for its potential to improve cognitive functions and protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Other interesting benefits of Ashwagandha that could make you want to try it out include:
- Immune Support
- Anti-Inflammatory properties
- Cardiovascular Health
- Energy and vitality
- Sleep Aid
- Hormonal Balance and a lot more.
In conclusion, whether or not you would take Fenugreek or Ashwagandha depends solely on the preferences of your health condition as taking them in excess could be quite detrimental for nursing mothers. Fenugreek could be your health aid that ensures that the body's basic processes do not get interrupted by ensuring you always have enough blood sugar and your food is digested properly. Ashwagandha is one shrub you should always have at home because you could use a lot from it, especially when you’re mentally stressed. Starting your day with a cup of Ashwagandha tea might be just what you need to enjoy the rest of your day in health. If you don’t want your friends and family to miss out on the benefits of these powerful shrubs, tell them about it, it could save lives.If you’ve been wanting to start a healthy diet, fenugreek in your foods and Ashwagandha as your tea might be just the beginning!
