As men age their testosterone level drops which make it harder for them to keep in shape and keep off the weight. However, there are a number of natural products that are said to actually boost the testosterone level in men which can help them maintain their physical condition and shed the extra pounds.
Fenugreek is a natural herb that has shown tremendous promise and has also been rumored to help boost testosterone in a man’s body. However, does it really provide that type of help for men whose testosterone level has been dropping?
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is an herb that has enjoyed a considerable amount of success over the years in terms of a health food product. For many years it was used by bodybuilders in the belief that it actually boosted the testosterone in the body to produce greater muscle mass. However, despite a few studies there has been no conclusive evidence that fenugreek actually boosts testosterone levels.
However, there are a number of medicinal and culinary uses for this particular herb. There are many people who consume it as part of their daily diet. While many of the benefits come from anecdotal evidence, there is enough known to show that the herb itself is quite safe to take in a moderate amount.
The Effects of Fenugreek
While fenugreek may react differently depending on the biochemistry of the person, the hormonal effect it has is generally similar to DHEA which is a potent phytoestrogen. This may be why some bodybuilders seem to have enjoyed a considerable positive effect from the herb even though it does not raise the level of testosterone in the body. However, some people have not enjoyed that type of effect because of their body chemistry.
In fact, there have been reports that estrogens levels in both men and women have risen thanks to the consumption of the herb. There have been cases of breast enlargement in both females and males because of consuming this product. It is little wonder thanks to the unpredictability of the effects that fenugreek is no longer considered a standard of body builders.
There are medicinal uses for fenugreek that include reducing skin inflammation, lowering the blood sugar in the body which is helpful for diabetics and also stimulating the lactation process in women. The effects on fenugreek have been well documented in these cases.
Overall, fenugreek is a herb that has mostly positive effects on the body and when taken in moderate amounts creates little, if any unwanted side effects. What small amounts of side effects do occur are temporary in nature and will go away once a person stops consuming the herb.
However, it is strongly recommended that when you first start taking the herb, do so in small amounts and gauge the effects. Once you feel comfortable that there are no unwanted side effects, you can increase the amount that is consumed gradually. Plus, it is wise to consult with your doctor first if you are taking any prescribed medications.