Fenugreek may Increase Satiety

Based on a recent study, adding fenugreek to the diet may improve feelings of satiety and decrease food consumption in obese individuals.

Fenugreek is commonly used as a spice in India. Studies have suggested that fenugreek may have lipid- and glucose-lowering properties. It has also been used to stimulate lactation for breastfeeding mothers.

This study was conducted on 18 healthy obese people. The subjects were divided into three groups. The placebo group ate a breakfast lacking fenugreek, while the breakfasts of the other two groups contained four or eight grams of fenugreek fiber.

Subjects were then given access to a lunch buffet at which they had the freedom to eat when they desired. Researchers found that the subjects who received the most fenugreek had significantly greater ratings of satiety and lower ratings of hunger and potential for food intake. The group receiving eight grams of fenugreek also displayed a significant reduction in actual food consumption during lunch and an increase in insulin compared to the group receiving four grams. There was no noted difference in blood glucose. However, the authors conclude that the effects on satiety and food intake may only be temporary.

Although the results of this study are promising, the small trial size and short duration contribute to limitations of the study. Additional research is needed to confirm these conclusions.

For more information about fenugreek, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs, & Supplements database.

References

1.Mathern JR, Raatz SK, Thomas W, et al. Effect of Fenugreek Fiber on Satiety, Blood Glucose and Insulin Response and Energy Intake in Obese Subjects. Phytother Res. 2009 Apr 7. View Abstract

2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/