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FENUGREEK |
Health uses of Fenugreek
The seeds and leaves
of methi (fenugreek) are readily available
and widely used in Indian kitchen. They have a strong aroma and a bitter taste.
But when used in small quantities they impart flavour to your food. It is
commonly used in curries, vegetable dishes, dals and not to forget the mouth-watering methi paratha. Methi contains protein, fibre, vitamin C,
niacin, potassium, iron and alkaloids. It also contains a compound diosgenin
which has oestrogen-like properties, as well as steroidal saponins. These
compounds impart many benefits to methi.
Fenugreek has been
known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions.
It is also known to reduce labour pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess
intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage
or premature childbirth.
Fenugreek Nutrition
Fenugreek seeds and leaves are strongly aromatic and flavorful. Seeds are bitter in taste but lose their bitterness if roasted slightly. They are rich in vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and C, and are a storehouse of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Fenugreek leaves are a rich source of vitamin K as well.
Fenugreek seeds and leaves are strongly aromatic and flavorful. Seeds are bitter in taste but lose their bitterness if roasted slightly. They are rich in vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and C, and are a storehouse of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Fenugreek leaves are a rich source of vitamin K as well.
women’s health problems
Fenugreek contains compounds like
diosgenin and isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce
symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These
compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations.
Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of
menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy
veggies like fenugreek (methi) in your diet can supply a
good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the
preparations to enhance the iron absorption.
Increases Breast Milk
Fenugreek is used as a galactagogue by nursing
mothers to increase inadequate breast milk supply. This is evidenced by a study which
found that consumption of herbal tea containing fenugreek seeds enhanced breast
milk production in mothers and facilitated infant birth weight regain in early postnatal days.
Control diabetes
Fenugreek is beneficial for people with diabetes. Galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre present in
fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into blood. Fenugreek also
contains amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin.
Lose weight
Include fenugreek in your weight loss
diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach.
The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach
thereby suppressing your appetite.
Beauty product
Fenugreek can be an excellent ingredient for your
home-made beauty product. Fenugreek can be used in face packs to help prevent
blackheads, pimples, wrinkles, etc. Washing your face with water boiled with
fenugreek seeds or applying a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves for twenty
minutes on your face can work wonders for your skin.
Fenugreek Natural Remedies
Fenugreek is widely known for its culinary properties and also as traditional remedy for a number of conditions.
• Fenugreek seeds are rich in vitamin E and are added as preservatives in pickles.
• Dried leaves of the fenugreek are used for flavoring meat, fish and vegetable dishes.
• Herbal tea made with fenugreek, lemon and honey (check below for recipe) is traditionally used as remedy for fevers.
Fenugreek is widely known for its culinary properties and also as traditional remedy for a number of conditions.
• Fenugreek seeds are rich in vitamin E and are added as preservatives in pickles.
• Dried leaves of the fenugreek are used for flavoring meat, fish and vegetable dishes.
• Herbal tea made with fenugreek, lemon and honey (check below for recipe) is traditionally used as remedy for fevers.
