An Indian household cannot do without methi or fenugreek seeds and leaves. It is used in almost every Indian preparation be it dal, paratha or curry. But what you might not know is that methi or fenugreek is a rich reservoir of medicinal properties that impart many health benefits. Here are 15 reasons why you should include methi in your diet more often.
#1 Lowers blood cholesterol
According to studies, fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). They are known to be a rich source of steroidal saponins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides.
#2 Reduces risk of heart disease
Due to the presence of galactomannan, fenugreek plays a key role in maintaining your heart health. It also contains a high amount of potassium that counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure.
#3 Controls blood sugar levels
Diabetic must include methi (either in the form of seeds or leaves) in their diet. Because galactomannan, a natural soluble fiber present in fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into the blood. It also contains amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin.
#4 Aids digestion
As fenugreek is rich in fiber and antioxidants, it helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and thus, aids digestion. In some cases, fenugreek tea is used to relieve indigestion and stomach pain. You can even drink fenugreek decoction early in the morning to deal with constipation.
#5 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.
#6 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 fiber in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing your appetite and aiding your weight loss goals.
#7 Remedy for fever and sore throat
Fenugreek, when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey, can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve a cough and pain from a sore throat.
#8 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.
#9 Induces and eases childbirth
Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It also reduces 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.
#10 Helps reduce menstrual discomfort
Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with estrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease symptoms of menopause 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.
#11 Helps increase breast size
The estrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women.
#12 Helps prevent colon cancer
The fiber content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This, in turn, helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon from cancer.
#13 Helps soothe skin inflammation and reduces scars
While Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, fenugreek also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that aid in the treatment of various skin problems like burns, boils, and eczema. The seeds are known to help in getting rid of scars. All you need to do is apply a clean cloth soaked in methi seed paste to fight skin inflammation.
#14 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
#15 Can help resolve hair problems
Using fenugreek as a part of your diet or as a paste to directly apply on your hair makes your hair shiny and black. Massaging your head every day with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedy for thinning of hair and hair fall. What more? Fenugreek is also great to keep dandruff away.
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