Fenugreek to help restore appetite and gain weight
An iconic seed in India and the Maghreb
Fenugreek has been used since antiquity for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is included in many Eastern spice blends, such as curry or ras-el-hanout. Native to North Africa, evidence of its use dates back to 1500 BC, in an Egyptian papyrus that mentions it for treating burns.
This small triangular seed also holds an important place in Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Indian medicine) and traditional Chinese medicine. These systems recommend it as a tonic, to combat diabetes, and to treat inflammation and infections in the body.
The fenugreek is indeed a powerful tonic. It is traditionally recommended for women who have just given birth, for convalescents, or for those prone to severe fatigue.
A rich and powerful food
The fenugreek seed is very interesting from a nutritional standpoint. It is particularly rich in protein, in iron (20% of the recommended daily intake) and in fiber. Certain compounds found in fenugreek, such as saponins, naturally stimulate the appetite.
Fenugreek to gain weight: how, why?
Asthenia or loss of appetite: a little-known problem
There are several reasons why someone might wish to gain weight or regain their appetite:
- En cas de troubles de l’alimentation, anorexie notamment ;
- En cas de traitements médicaux entraînant une perte de l’appétit ;
- En cas de dépression, d’anxiété ou de stress (appétit ponctuellement ou durablement coupé) ;
- Si l’on a naturellement tendance à maigrir ou à très peu manger et que l’on souhaite prendre du poids ;
- Pour les sportifs, pour prendre de la masse musculaire et gagner en performance.
It is not that easy to gain weight in a sustainable and healthy way. Overconsumption of fatty foods is not a solution because it can lead to other health problems. Moreover, people with eating disorders can quickly go from anorexia to bulimia without sustainably regulating appetite and weight gain.
Read also | Our tips for choosing fenugreek
That’s why appetite-stimulating plants like fenugreek are important for gaining weight naturally and ‘healthy’.
Fenugreek, a food recognized for helping to gain weight naturally
In the Maghreb, people have traditionally used fenugreek to gain weight, especially women to add curves (for example to increase breast volume). It is also given to babies considered too thin so they will gain weight. Scientists have confirmed this property traditionally attributed to fenugreek. Commission E (a German panel of phytotherapy experts) recognized in 1990 the effectiveness of fenugreek in stimulating appetite.
Fenugreek therefore has appetite-stimulating properties that help increase appetite, but also regulate it. Its high fiber content also makes it a natural appetite suppressant.
Consuming fenugreek will therefore allow you to eat enough to gain weight and strength, while also avoiding excess fatty foods. A study conducted in 2009 shows that regular consumption of fenugreek reduced the intake of fatty foods by 17% among the participants.
Buy organic fenugreek: my selection
Consuming fenugreek to gain weight
Fenugreek dosage
It is possible to consume fenugreek in different ways: eat the whole seed or as a powder, as a dietary supplement, or for external use with fenugreek oil.
You can buy, preferably at an organic store, whole fenugreek seeds and grind them into powder to sprinkle it over your dishes (1/2 teaspoon for 2 people) or consume it as a therapeutic drink (fenugreek tea). It is also possible to soak fenugreek seeds to soften them and make them easier to eat.
There are also fenugreek powder capsules that can be taken as a one-month course. It is generally recommended to take six capsules per day, but the advice of a specialist is necessary before starting a fenugreek course to gain weight.
Fenugreek is a seed that can be consumed freely without major side effects. However, pregnant women are advised not to consume it in large quantities due to the risk of contractions it may cause. In addition, excessive consumption of fenugreek can lead to temporary digestive issues (bloating, irritation).
You can also use fenugreek oil externally on targeted areas, such as the chest, to firm the skin and increase volume.
Fenugreek, a complement to a rich and balanced diet for gaining weight
Of course, consuming only fenugreek without changing your eating habits will not allow you to gain weight sustainably.
Fenugreek should be combined with a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in starchy foods to “gain weight properly”.
Adopt a varied diet to gain weight in a balanced way and without health risks. Favor starchy foods (pasta, rice, semolina…) and legumes (lentils, chickpeas…), rich in slow-release carbohydrates, to gain weight and absorb “good” calories.
We draw inspiration from Indian, Mediterranean and Eastern cuisines to create dishes rich in flavor and nutrients: couscous, vegetable curries, cereal or legume balls (falafels…), to gain weight “healthily” while enjoying yourself. All sprinkled with a good dose of fenugreek of course!
