The uses of Fenugreek in your pets diet

[Lodestar]

(excerpt)

So what does medical scientific research tell us about fenugreek?

Fenugreek has antioxidative effects. This means that the spice helps prevent and reduce damage from oxidative processes that happen as we live. Our bodies depend upon oxidation to get the energy that powers our activities, but too much oxidation and we get disease and premature aging. Many toxins work by increasing oxidative damage in the body. Eating a proper diet helps reduce oxidation and inclusion of spices like fenugreek can help.

Runaway oxidation can lead to inflammation. Research shows that fenugreek decreases inflammation.

Inflammation is related to the development of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Asthma is an inflammatory allergic condition of the airways and we saw a marked change in Wizard's condition after we added this to his program. Fenugreek is best researched for its usefulness in lowering blood sugar in diabetic humans and rats where it has been shown to perform nicely. In addition to lowering blood sugar, this handy little spice also reduces LDL and cholesterol levels in humans. That means that proper use of a normal food might even reduce the risk of heart disease. How neat is that?

Another study showed that fenugreek seeds protect against the development of cataracts. This study was done in a lab with test tubes (in vitro) and so we don't know if this applies in live animals (in vivo) at this time.



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-palmquist-dvm/fenugreek-a-food-and-a-me_b_868534.html

[Lodestar]

1. I should have added that the reason I saved this article (and many more on fenugreek)

is that my dog has type 1 diabetes and I was looking for ways to supplement his diet. I've only just started adding
fenugreek powder to his meals so can't say yet if I see any marked difference. My dog is 11 years old, 50 pounds,
and has been stable with a careful diet and insulin shots twice a day with meals. As with most diabetic animals he
has developed cataracts. Anyway, that's why the research. I didn't have to look hard to find this info. It's a favorite medicinal herb for diabetes and several other ailments. And while we here in the states have been slow to test and use this supplement there is a great
deal more information in countries like Europe, India and most of Asia that have known about and used it both medicinally and in their diets for thousands of years, apparently. I'm also adding it to my own diet to see what, if any, changes I experience. Anyway, just thought pet owners might like to know about it.

[veness]

2. Interesting - thank you! Will add to dog's diet and to our family's. n/t