OVERVIEW:
Fenugreek seeds or methi seeds is used in everything from vegetables to many other Indian dishes. While it is delicious to eat, it also has many health beauty benefits from the perspective of Ayurveda. Its grains and leaves have been used as Ayurvedic medicine in India for centuries.
It can help to maintain health better. At the same time, if someone has illness, it can help in healing. Yes, if someone has a serious problem, then prioritize medical treatment.
In this article, we will talk about the use of fenugreek and the benefits of eating fenugreek. Also will give information about the side-effects from fenugreek.
WHAT IS FENUGREEK?
Fenugreek is a type of food ingredient that can be used in many ways in the diet, while its green leaves are consumed as vegetable. At the same time, its grains are also used while preparing food.
Its plant is two to three feet tall and its pod has small yellow — brown fragrant grains. It is cultivated in abundance in the Mediterranean region, South Europe and West Asia.
FENUGREEK SEEDS NUTRITIONAL PROFILE:
According to Nutrition Value, per 100 g serving of fenugreek seeds contain —
- Calories: 323
- Total Fat: 6.4 gram
- Sodium: 67 mg
- Carbohydrates: 58 gram
- Dietary Fiber: 25 gram
- Protein: 23 gram
- Calcium: 176 mg
- Iron: 33.53 mg
- Potassium: 770 mg
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FENUGREEK SEEDS?
The main benefits may include —
1. Fenugreek seeds for diabetes:
Patients with diabetes should pay special attention to diet. Such people can include fenugreek seeds in their diet.
To confirm this, a scientific research was done, according to which, consuming fenugreek seeds can control the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.
It can also reduce insulin resistance in patients with type-2 diabetes. [Trusted Source 1]
At the same time, according to an another research, its beneficial effect on diabetes may be due to the hypoglycemic effect present in it. It is known to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. [Trusted Source 2]
2. In arthritis:
The joints become swollen as they age, causing unbearable pain. This is called joint pain or Arthritis. To deal with this, fenugreek is a panacea recipe, which has been used for centuries.
Fenugreek has anti — inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These beneficial ingredients can help in relieving the pain of arthritis by reducing inflammation of joints.
Fenugreek is also rich in iron, calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, the medicinal properties of fenugreek provide essential nutrients to bones and joints, which can make bones healthy and strong. [Trusted Source 3] [Trusted Source 4]
3. Fenugreek for a healthy heart:
To make the heart function better, fenugreek is recommended. People who consume fenugreek regularly may reduce their chances of having a heart attack and even if an attack occurs, a fatal condition can be avoided.
Various researches have found that heart attack is a major cause behind death. It happens when the arteries of the heart get blocked.
At the same time, fenugreek seeds may be able to protect from this condition.
Even if someone suffers a heart attack, fenugreek can act to prevent oxidative stress from occurring. The state of oxidative stress during a heart attack can prove fatal.
Also these seeds can help in balancing the blood flow in the body, due to which no obstruction can occur in the arteries. [Trusted Source 5]
In such a situation, the benefits of eating fenugreek seeds include keeping the heart healthy.
4. Fenugreek seeds for cholesterol:
Many problems can arise due to an increase in cholesterol in the body. In such a situation, the use of fenugreek can be a good option to control cholesterol.
Indeed, according to a scientific study, fenugreek seeds contain a flavonoid called naringenin. It can work by reducing the level of lipids in the blood.
It also has antioxidant properties, due to which the high cholesterol levels of the patient can be reduced. [Trusted Source 6]
Therefore, it can be said that the benefits of fenugreek seeds can be to reduce cholesterol.
5. Beneficial in menstruation:
Women undergo unbearable pain during menstruation.
In such a situation, if you are thinking about what happens by eating fenugreek, then tell that in this situation powder made from fenugreek seeds can work effectively in providing relief.
Also fenugreek seeds can help in relieving other menstrual problems. The seeds have anti — inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic and diuretic properties.
Scientific research has confirmed that these beneficial ingredients of fenugreek can relieve all kinds of pain in menstruation, which in medical language is called Dysmenorrhea. [Trusted Source 7]
Keep in mind that in the case of menstruation, it should be taken in small quantities on the advice of a doctor.
6. Increase breast milk:
There is nothing better than mother’s milk for the newborn after delivery. In such a case, the breastfeeding woman can take herbal tea made from fenugreek or fenugreek seeds.
A research on the NCBI website also states that fenugreek can be consumed to increase the quality and quantity of breast milk. [Trusted Source 8]
For the time being, further research needs to be done to know how fenugreek works in this regard.
7. Fenugreek seeds for weight loss:
If someone wants to lose weight, using fenugreek can be helpful for this. Actually, fenugreek can act to prevent fat from accumulating in the body.
A good amount of fiber is found in it, which can work to digest the diet as well as to keep the hunger calm. This can prevent the weight from increasing. [Trusted Source 9]
In addition, different types of polyphenols are found in it, which can lead to weight loss. [Trusted Source 10]
8. Fenugreek helps reduce blood pressure:
High blood pressure can cause many diseases, including heart problems. The medicinal properties of fenugreek may help reduce this problem.
According to a scientific research, fenugreek has an anti — hypertensive effect, which can work to reduce the problem of blood pressure. [Trusted Source 11]
9. Fenugreek seeds for cancer:
Cancer is a fatal disease, so it is better to avoid this problem. For this, the benefits of fenugreek seeds can be seen.
According to a medical research, fenugreek has anti — cancer effects, which can work to keep away the cancer problem. [Trusted Source 12]
Yes! If someone is suffering from cancer, you should seek medical attention without any delay.
10. Maintain kidney’s health:
In many scientific researches, medicine has been made that fenugreek is beneficial for kidney.
Kidney can work well by adding fenugreek to your diet. These seeds contain polyphenolic flavonoids, which help the kidney function better.
It also forms a protective shield around the kidney, which can avoid its cell damage. This is confirmed by a research available from NCBI. [Trusted Source 13]
11. Helps reduce inflammation:
Fenugreek seeds can be beneficial in eliminating inflammation and its problems. Actually, fenugreek seeds contain linolenic and linoleic acid.
Petroleum ether extracts of this acid have anti-inflammatory activity, which can relieve inflammation. [Trusted Source 14]
12. Fenugreek seeds boost testosterone levels:
If anyone is wondering what happens by eating fenugreek, then here we can tell that testosterone can be increased by its consumption.
According to a research, fenugreek properties are considered useful in the regulation of hormones.
Fenugreek increases testosterone levels by stopping the production of estrogen in the body.
Increasing testosterone levels in the male’s body leads to muscle development and an increase in physical ability. [Trusted Source 15]
13. Fenugreek seeds for hair:
The use of fenugreek can prevent hair fall. According to a medical research, fenugreek seeds are rich in protein, which is necessary for hair. This can help treat baldness, thinning hair and hair loss.
In addition, fenugreek also contains lecithin, which can naturally strengthen and moisturize the hair. It can also keep dandruff away. [Trusted Source 16]
In such a situation, the benefits of fenugreek powder can be seen on the hair.
14. Fenugreek seeds for skin:
Fenugreek can also be considered beneficial for the skin.
A scientific study published on the NCBI website shows that fenugreek has antioxidant, anti — wrinkle, moisturizing and skin — smoothing properties. [Trusted Source 17]
HOW TO USE FENUGREEK SEEDS?
Ayurveda says that fenugreek seeds are hot. Consuming it directly may result in loss of benefits.
Therefore, the seeds should be soaked in water for some time, so that its heat decreases. After this, fenugreek seeds should be consumed.
WHEN AND HOW TO USE?
- Fry the fenugreek seeds on medium flame for a minute or two and then put it on the vegetable or salad. It can be used in afternoon or dinner.
- Soak one spoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and consume them with a glass of water the next morning. You can also consume water in which fenugreek seeds were soaked in the morning on an empty stomach.
- After soaking fenugreek seeds in water overnight, tie them in a cloth. Fenugreek seeds will sprout after a few days. Then it can be consumed in the morning.
- It can be consumed by making fenugreek parathas and rotis. Its paratha can be taken in the morning breakfast.
- Herbal tea of fenugreek seeds can also be drunk. Put fenugreek seeds in water and boil it. Lemon and honey can be added to it for taste. It can be drunk in the morning and evening.
HOW MUCH TO USE?
In diabetes—like condition, it can be taken from 25 to 50 grams per day. Nevertheless, it would be better to take recourse to your dietitian to know its exact amount. [Trusted Source 18]
Let us now know how fenugreek can be kept safe for a long time.
HOW TO STORE FENUGREEK FOR A LONG TIME?
- Green leaves of fenugreek can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
- The leaves can be wrapped in cloth and kept safe for one to two days.
- Fenugreek seeds can be stored in an air tight container and kept safe.
WHO SHOULD AVOID FENUGREEK SEEDS?
Some individuals should avoid consuming fenugreek, including —
- Low blood sugar patients should avoid fenugreek intake, as it has a hypoglycemic effect. [Trusted Source 19]
- Fenugreek has an anti — hypertensive effect, which can lower blood pressure. Therefore, if blood pressure is low, you should avoid it. [Trusted Source 20]
- Pregnant women should not consume it. If they still have to eat fenugreek, then definitely talk to the doctor in this regard.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FENUGREEK SEEDS:
There is no doubt that fenugreek seeds are excellent for health. Including it in your diet can have many health benefits, but also there are some disadvantages; including —
Uterine Contractions:
As mentioned earlier, fenugreek are hot. If a pregnant woman consumes it excessively, then problems like premature uterine contractions can be encountered.
Fenugreek seeds contain oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. Therefore, pregnant women should consume it only under the advice of a doctor.
Diarrhea:
Although fenugreek seeds are good for the digestive system, but sometimes it also causes diarrhea.
Eating more fenugreek than course can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. If breastfeeding women have stomach upset by eating it, it can also cause diarrhea in the infant.
Therefore, stop taking it as soon as you see any such symptoms.
Allergies:
Some people may be allergic to fenugreek. This allergy can be seen as swelling on the face.
At the same time, some may have rashes on the body, some may have problems like breathlessness and some even become unconscious.
Apart from this, many people start complaining of chest pain due to consuming it. It is hot in the effect, so some people complaining of hemorrhoids, gas and acidity. [Trusted Source 21]
Also, if someone has any medication, then they should consult their doctor before consuming fenugreek seeds.
Harmful to Children:
Fenugreek has not been considered safe for children. We have already told that eating it can cause diarrhea.
At the same time, drinking herbal tea is also not suitable for children, as it can affect their brain capacity.
Therefore, it is better not to give fenugreek supplements to children. If you want to give, then you can give it by adding vegetables on the advice of the doctor.
FINAL WORDS
Fenugreek seeds are small in appearance, but its benefits are many, about which you have come to know through this article. Also, fenugreek can cause harm, you have got information about it here too.
Therefore, now add fenugreek to your routine without delay. Keep in mind that eat them limited and regularly and get good health. We hope that the information given in this article of ours will prove useful to you.
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