Fenugreek considered as the ‘spice of life’ has numerous health benefits. Fenugreek powder obtained from the fenugreek seeds commonly known as Methi is a staple spice found in most Indian households. This multi-purpose herb though well known for adding a distinct flavour in various dishes and cuisines has innumerable health benefits. Right from maintaining cholesterol levels in the blood, treating heartburn or acid reflux, promoting hair growth, preventing dandruff, fenugreek does it all.
Fenugreek, which goes by the botanical name 'Trigonella foenum-graecum' is native to Western Asia and the Mediterranean’s. Be it the cuboidal shaped seeds, fresh leaves, or sprouts, this traditional herb has found its way in several Indian cuisines, pickles, vegetable curries, or as spice mixes used for tadka in sambar or dal. Owing to its sweet, maple-syrup like scent and flavour, methi seeds are also used in artificial maple syrup, ice creams, candies, beverages, shampoos, soaps, and cosmetics.
Ancient folklore has it that the mucilage content in fenugreek seeds, allowed Ancient Egyptians to use the powder for the purpose of embalming the mummies. The holistic science of ayurveda also documents the use of fenugreek powder to stimulate milk production in new moms, help to treat respiratory and intestinal problems, arthritis, bronchitis, asthma and is extremely effective in healing wounds.
Fenugreek's seed or pulse is used as a spice and its leaves used as a herb, and also as an admixture in condiments and to flavour food. Its pods and leaves are used as vegetables, as the leaves are rich in protein, minerals and Vitamin C. In North India and Punjab, fresh fenugreek leaf is used in culinary dishes. Fenugreek leaves are in season during winter and are used widely in Indian households in the form of sabzi or paranthas. In its dried form it is used like any other spice. Seed is also sprouted and used. Various health benefits are claimed for fenugreek.
☆ Nutritional Value Of Fenugreek Powder:
Fenugreek powder is a powerhouse of numerous health-promoting nutrients like dietary fiber, protein, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and C, zinc, iron, copper and polyunsaturated fats. It also contains bioactive constituents like saponins, volatile oils, mucilage, and alkaloids like choline and trigonelline. Several types of research document that people consuming raw methi seeds or powder have low cholesterol and healthier hearts.
☆ Benefits Of Fenugreek Powder :
1. Promotes Milk Production In New Mothers :
Breast milk is extremely essential for newborn babies since it is enriched with essential nutrients required for the growth and wellbeing of the baby. But due to some health issues, some women cannot secrete enough breast milk to meet the daily nutrient intake of the newbie. Fenugreek powder shows strong galactagogue properties that stimulate the secretion of milk in new moms. Hence, under proper consultation, a cup of fenugreek infused tea effectively increases the production of breast milk in new mothers.
* How To Make Fenugreek Tea :
Ingredients:
1tsp fenugreek seed, 1 cup if water, ½ tsp of honey
Method:
Rinse the seeds gently in a bowl.
Boil water in a wide-mouthed vessel or teapot.
Transfer the soaked seeds into the boiling water.
Steep the seeds for at least 5 minutes.
Strain the seeds and put the liquid into a container.
Add honey to the tea and mix it properly.
Enjoy the tea hot or cold to promote lactation.
2. Good For Male Reproductive System :
Methi powder is indicated for improving men’s health. The powder, being a natural antioxidant improves the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone. It has powerful spermatogenic properties that are extremely beneficial for treating conditions like hypospermia (low volume of semen), oligospermia (i.e. low sperm count), asthenozoospermia (i.e. sperm motility) and enhances spermatogenesis (i.e. sperm production). It also treats conditions like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and improves sexual function and libido.
3. Manages Diabetes :
The excellent hypoglycaemic property of fenugreek powder plays a noteworthy role in alleviating the blood sugar levels of the body. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active while taking methi powder and helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to low blood glucose levels.
Sprout fenugreek seeds by soaking them in water overnight, for few days until tiny green shoots appear. The sprouted fenugreek seeds when can be added to any kind of salads or consumed raw is good for managing sugar levels in diabetic patients.
4. Improves Skin Health :
Laden with vitamin C and antioxidants, it is used for treating oxidative free radical damage due to the sun rays, and hence treats the various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine line, spots, dark circles, etc. It also reduces acne, pimples and bestows a smooth and glowing skin. The natural oils present in fenugreek powder hydrates and moisturise the skin and make it supple and soft.
Make a paste of a spoonful of fenugreek seed powder and a spoon of milk and apply it evenly onto the face. Do it twice a week to brighten the skin complexion and obtain radiant spotless skin.
5. Relieves Hair Problems :
Methi has been a boon for promoting hair growth since ancient times. The anti-microbial nature of the plant treats various scalp and hair infections like folliculitis, itching and dandruff. It nourishes the hair follicles with essential nutrients, improves blood circulation and strengthens the hair strands from the roots. By normalising the secretion of the stress hormone, it also prevents hair fall and breakage due to stress and anxiety.
Apply a hair pack of methi powder by mixing with henna, curd and almond oil and keep it on for 45 minutes. Wash off, shampoo and condition your hair. Do this once a week for thwarting dandruff and hair fall and stimulating hair growth.
6. Natural cholesterol reducer :
Fenugreek leaves can help in improving intestinal cholesterol absorption and production of cholesterol in the liver. It reduces cholesterol in people suffering from Atherosclerosis and diabetes. Some studies also show that fenugreek can increase production of good (HDL) cholesterol and reduce production of bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.
7. Reduces inflammation :
Fenugreek can reduce inflammation levels in the body, helping with issues like chronic cough, boils, bronchitis and various skin conditions including eczema. Fenugreek can also be helpful in dealing with boils, body pains, kidney ailments and swelling in lymph nodes.
8. Can help with gastrointestinal issues :
Antioxidant properties of fenugreek and its fibre content can help in improving digestion, thus reducing several gastrointestinal problems. Consuming fenugreek in the form of tea can help in reducing incidence of constipation, gastritis, indigestion and stomach pain. Fenugreek leaves are good for gut health, colon and stomach ulcers, intestinal inflammation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. They can also help in improving liver function and reducing acidity and diarrhoea.
☆ Side-Effects & Allergies of Fenugreek ,Fenugreek Leaves(Kasuri Methi):
There are numerous benefits of fenugreek leaves but only if it is consumed in moderation. Since it is very bitter in taste it is not easy to consume it in a large, quantity but if large quantities are consumed it has an allergic reaction similar to that of peanuts as it belongs to the same category.
With fenugreek, the most common problem is a feeling of nausea. It has great skin advantages but prior to its application on the face; test it on the skin as it has allergic reactions to various types of skin. Pregnant women should avoid consuming it because of its labor inducing effect. If you are on any other medicine then consume fenugreek at least a couple of hours before you take your medicine.
