Fenugreek: Its Medicinal Properties & Benefits

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Come winter and one thing that becomes a must in the menu of most homes is aloo methi. This bitter-sweet leafy delicacy is a culinary star.

From being a flavour enhancer to a quintessential ingredient of many health remedies, methi has many benefits.

Fenugreek, popularly known as methi in India, is a magical herb which has been used since ancient times as a herb or a vegetable or to spice your food.

Its genesis can be traced back to 4000 BC. It occupied a prominent place in many ancient civilisations.

From inducing labour, curing diabetes to curing dandruff and beauty-related woes, methi has innumerable benefits.

Fenugreek:Nutritional Benefits

Methi seeds or leaves which are used to cure many chronic diseases are packed with nutritional properties. Methi or fenugreek leaves are a rich source of minerals like folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C, iron and calcium. Fenugreek or methi seeds as it is popularly known are a storehouse of vitamin K.

Methi leaves contain saponins that aid in decreasing cholesterol levels and triglycerides. One can make tea using methi seeds.

Methi leaves and seeds are rich in fibre which helps in digestion. Chewing on overnight soaked methi seeds first thing in the morning helps in suppressing your hunger, which in turn helps in weight loss.

Methi seeds contain diosgenin, which helps in increasing milk in lactating mothers.

Fenugreek Seeds: Health Benefits

Helps In Reducing Cholesterol:

With erratic lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise, most people in India tend to suffer from problems such as high cholesterol. Methi or fenugreek seeds can prove to be beneficial in this case. It aids in reducing bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. Fenugreek seeds contain naringenin which helps in reducing high cholesterol in the body.

How to use fenugreek to reduce cholesterol in your body - Roast methi seeds until they turn light brown. Now grind this into a powder. Consume 1 spoon of methi powder in the morning with a glass of water to effectively reduce cholesterol levels in the body.

Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels:

Fenugreek seeds contain 4HO-Ile, an amino acid which helps in increasing the insulin level in the body. It is a great remedy for those suffering from diabetes.

How to use methi seeds in your diet to control diabetes - Soak methi seeds overnight. Consuming 1-2 tbsp of these soaked methi seeds every morning will help in bringing down sugar levels in your body.

But a word of caution for those who are on insulin therapy. They must consult their doctors before taking any treatment.

Helps In Digestion:

Fenugreek seeds and leaves are a rich source of fibre which helps in aiding digestion and flushing out toxins from the body.

Method to use methi seeds in your diet to cure indigestion - Methi seed is the best remedy for those who are suffering from indigestion. It helps in aiding digestion and relieving stomach pain or acidity. Take a handful of methi seeds and then boil it in a glass of water for some time. Now drink this methi tea first thing in the morning to cure indigestion.

Aids In Weight Loss:

Believe it or not, but including methi seeds in your everyday diet can also help you to lose weight. Methi seeds contain fibre which swell up, thereby making you feel fuller for a longer duration.
It also helps in suppressing your hunger.

Method to use methi seeds to lose weight - Soak one-two teaspoons of methi seeds overnight. Chewing on these soaked seeds every morning will help you in losing weight.

Helps In Preventing Cancer:

Studies have shown that methi seeds are useful in preventing certain types of cancer. Methi seeds help in flushing out toxins from the body which may help in preventing cancer.

You may include methi in your everyday diet by dry roasting methi, making a fine powder out of it and then sprinkling it on the top of dishes.

Methi Seeds:Side Effects

Methi seeds have many beneficial qualities but these also have some side effects if over consumed.

Allergies -You should refrain from consuming methi seeds if you are susceptible to allergies. You should stop consuming methi seeds if you experience allergic reactions such as rash, breathlessness and fainting.

Uterine contractions in expectant mothers - Consuming methi seeds in pregnancy may induce early labour. Methi contains oxytocin which induces uterine contractions in pregnancy. One should not consume it without consulting a physician.