Fenugreek sprouts

[cmac2012]

I've been eating these things off and on since at least the mid 80s though I've been lazy about it for some time. A new purported testosterone enhancing supplement has been getting some press - one of the ingredients being fenugreek. I mentioned that to a friend and she said fenugreek and the sprouts especially are thought to be good for dealing with unwanted cholesterol (some cholesterol is wanted and supposedly it doesn't diminish that though it seems almost too good to be true). Fenugreek is used for artificial maple flavoring and one fringe benefit of eating them is that they impart a pleasant smell to your armpits that has a hint of maple syrup flavor. Try it yourself if you think I be trippin.'

More research raises questions about the supposed testosterone enhancement action. This article says they're useful for woman's breast health and may possibly even stimulate breast growth. Not sure if such things are mutually exclusive or not.

At any rate, I've been eating them regularly for a few weeks now and maybe I'm kidding myself, but I think I'm seeing some overall improvement in various health indicators. They don't taste that great so I just eat a couple of handfuls while I'm preparing dinner, get that taste out of the way in time for what I like.

They're an odd looking seed, sort of rectangular with a small notch. See pics.

[spdrun]

Originally Posted by cmac2012

IThis article says they're useful for woman's breast health and may possibly even stimulate breast growth. Not sure if such things are mutually exclusive or not.

Not so much breast growth as lactation -- a friend's wife didn't have enough milk to make baby happy and she used the stuff. Probably stimulates prolactin or oxytocin production rather than oestrogen.

[elchivito]

I like to add bitter notes to my salads; chicory, curly endive, that sort of stuff. I won't touch store bought sprouts or any sprouts served in restaurants or on salad bars. I hear these are bitter. Might be worth a try. A little T boost never hurst either.

[cmac2012]

They aren't highly bitter but neither are they really enticing. I also grow sunflower shoots - not sprouts - but rather greens started in the shell and placed on an inch of soil. Those are incredibly tasty. Fenugreek sprouts can help a salad in moderation. I want to eat larger quantities than that.

[elchivito]

Have you ever thought of taking it as a supplement?

[SwampYankee]

Originally Posted by cmac2012

They aren't highly bitter but neither are they really enticing. I also grow sunflower shoots - not sprouts - but rather greens started in the shell and placed on an inch of soil. Those are incredibly tasty. Fenugreek sprouts can help a salad in moderation. I want to eat larger quantities than that.

(I'm sure you're aware cmac, but for those who may not be) If anyone is buying seed for making sprouts, be sure to buy seed specifically designated for that purpose. The seeds are handled and cleaned much differently than those for planting. The odds are in your favor but why take a chance if you don't have to.

[cmac2012]

Good point, I'll look into that in future. I bought a large bag of fenugreek seeds online a few years ago, not sure what the specification was.

Originally Posted by elchivito

Have you ever thought of taking it as a supplement?

Seems like it might cost more. Plus I like the nutritional benefits of sprouts, basically a really fresh vegetable.

[SwampYankee]

Originally Posted by cmac2012

Good point, I'll look into that in future. I bought a large bag of fenugreek seeds online a few years ago, not sure what the specification was.

Seems like it might cost more. Plus I like the nutritional benefits of sprouts, basically a really fresh vegetable.

Here's a decent primer, Sprouts: What You Should Know.

Even with untreated seed sources, there is the potential for bacteria and pesticide residue on the cleaning and packaging equipment. Seeds for sprouting are handled as a food product in a far cleaner environment. Ostensibly of course.