interfere with iron absorption. Specifically,
the fiber-rich gum is thought to inhibit cho-
lesterol synthesis in the liver and help lower
blood sugar levels whereas the saponins are
believed to increase fecal bile and choles-
terol excretion through a bile acid-saponin
formation of cholesterol carriers, or mi-
celles, too large to be absorbed by the di-
gestive tract.
Human studies have found that fenugreek
can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar
levels in people with moderate atheroscle-
rosis and non-insulin-dependent (type 2)
diabetes, while other studies have addition-
ally shown a decrease in triglyceride levels
among similar patients. A recent Canadian
study has even reported dietary use of fenu-
greek seeds can diminish pre-established
cholesterol gallstones.
You might be concerned that HDL, the
desirable cholesterol, is decreased by fenu-
greek as well. Fortunately, fenugreek has re-
peatedly been shown to have slight, or even
insignificant, reduction of HDL. So it would
seem the good news with fenugreek keeps
on coming, while your undesirable choles-
terol and appetite keeps dropping.
Dr. Shawn M. Carney is a naturopathic phy-
sician specializing in science-based family
medicine at Whole Health Associates in the
Hartford Hospital Avon Wellness Center.
Call 860-674-0111or visit www.whole-
healthllc.com for more information. See ad
on back cover for more information.
www.naturalnutmeg.com February 2010
9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56