Methi [Fenugreek] is commonly used in Indian food, which is rich in medicinal value.
It contains protein, fibre, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, iron and alkaloids.
- Helps reduce cholesterol:
Fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
- Helps reduce the risk of heart disease
Due to the presence of galactomannan and potassium, it counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure.
- Helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics
Fenugreek is beneficial for people with diabetes due to the presence of Galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre which slows down the rate of sugar absorption into the blood. Fenugreek also contains the amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin.
- Aids digestion
It relieves indigestion and helps treat constipation.
- Helps counter acid reflux or heartburn
One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and soothe irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.
- Helps you 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 the appetite.
- Remedy for fever and sore throat
Fenugreek, when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey, will reduce fever. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve cough and pain from sore throat.
- Increases breast milk production in lactating women
Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must-haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the spice which increases milk production in lactating mothers.
- Induces and eases childbirth
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 at risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth.
- Helps reduce menstrual discomfort
Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms of 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. Here are more ways to reduce your menstrual discomfort.
- Helps slightly increase breast size
The oestrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women.
- Helps prevent colon cancer
The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers.
- Helps soothe skin inflammation and reduces scars
Apply a clean cloth soaked in methi seed paste for effective treatment of skin problems like burns, boils, eczema, etc. Fenugreek seeds also help in getting rid of scars.
- Helps treat skin problems
Fenugreek or methi 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. Read more about methi can help treat beauty problems.
- Can help resolve hair problems
Apply Methi Seed paste directly on the hairs/scalp makes hair shiny and black. Massaging your head everyday with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedy for thinning of hair and hair fall.
