By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDFeb 27 2024Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. The growing interest in adopting a healthier lifestyle has been accompanied by an increased use of healthy food ingredients, which refers to naturally occurring bioactive compounds that have functions in the human body related to human health. These foods are often referred to as functional foods and are crucial for preventing disease, managing chronic conditions, and providing nutritional value.
Fenugreek seed carbohydrates have a high glycemic index , thus demonstrating their potential to reduce blood sugar levels, as well as total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The equimolar galactose:mannose ratio is responsible for a distinctive type of gum that is high in molecular weight and water solubility compared to other plant gums.
Fenugreek seed contains proteins that are resistant to heat denaturation, are very stable, water-soluble, and form stable foams and films. In curries, soups, sauces, bread, meat dishes, cheeses, and desserts, fenugreek seeds provide taste, texture, and thickening, in addition to their non-nutritional benefits.
Nutraceuticals in fenugreek include saponins like dioscin and diosgenin, alkaloids, phenolics, and volatile essential oils . Other nutraceutical compounds present in fenugreek include flavonoids like quercetin and ellagic acid, eugenol and linalool, as well as trigonelline. Fenugreek compounds act by restoring beta cell function in the pancreas, reducing hepatic neogluconeogenesis, as well as upregulating antioxidant and hepatoprotective enzymes. Improved insulin signaling and antioxidant activity is also associated with trigonelline. Fenugreek can also restore gut microbiota composition, thereby improving metabolic function and glucose tolerance with secondary beneficial effects on other organ systems.
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