Inner Thought

Benefits of Fenugreek(Methi)

Benefits of Fenugreek (Methi)

Benefits of Fenugreek (Methi) is well-known in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It acts as a natural anti-oxidant and an great anti-inflammatory agent. It strengthens immune system and protect from various infectious diseases. Fenugreek (Methi) is known for its medicinal qualities such as antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant and immunological activities.

Table Of Contents

1)Benefits of Fenugreek (Methi)

2)Fenugreek Nutrient value

3)Uses of Fenugreek (Methi)

4)Side Effects of Fenugreek(Methi)

 

 

Benefits of Fenugreek (Methi)

1)Fenugreek Boost Immunity

• It is good for health and boosts immune system as it contains rich amount of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, which offers protection against various infections.

• Results of a 2012 study in mice suggest that the high antioxidant flavonoid content in fenugreek seeds can reduce inflammation.
• Studies in animals have shown that fenugreek antidiabetic properties helps in reducing intestinal glucose absorption,delay gastric emptying ,improve insulin sensitivity  and reduce concentrations of lipid-binding protein. 

2)Fenugreek Protect Against Cancer

• The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components present in fenugreek helps in the prevention of free radical thereby give protective against cancer.

3)Fenugreek relief from fever and sore throat

•  It give a soothing effect on the mucilage and relieving cough and pain caused by sore throat.
• Fenugreek when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey reduces fever by nourishing the body.

 

4)Fenugreek stimulate muscles during child birth

It stimulating uterine contractions and reduces labour pain.

5)Fenugreek improve digestion

• Fenugreek flush out harmful toxins.
• it relieves indigestion and treat constipation due to its high fibre content.

 

6)Fenugreek reduce hyperacidity

The soaked fenugreek seeds soothes the irritated gastrointestinal tissues and stomach lining when consumed.

7)Fenugreek lower blood sugar levels

•  Fenugreek contains galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre, lowers the amount of glucose absorb from carbohydrate-rich foods and an amino acid that encourage the production of insulin. Thus adjust the release of insulin to boost stable blood sugar.
• In a clinical study of people with type 1 diabetes, eating fenugreek powder, reduced blood sugar and improved glucose tolerance. 
• Dr P.S Phadke in the book, Home Doctor, Natural Healing with Herbs, Condiments and Spices, suggests a combination of fenugreek seed powder and amla to combat diabetes . “Take dried Indian gooseberry powder, turmeric and fenugreek seed powder in equal quantities. A teaspoon of this mixture can be taken thrice a day with water to check diabetes”.
• According to Ayurveda and Yoga expert Yogi Anoop of the Chaitanya Foundation , to control diabetics and to promote pancreatic health. Soak it overnight and have the water right in the morning.

8)Fenugreek boost production of breast milk

• Fenugreek is a well-known natural ‘galactagogue’, helps to increases breast milk production in lactating mothers because of the ingredients diosgenin present in it. 
• Fenugreek contains several flavonoids and vitamins which are beneficial for lactating mothers.
• It also contains phytoestrogen, similar to the female hormone oestrogen, which stimulates the breast milk ducts to grow.
• In a 2014 study, 25 women who had recently given birth drank three cups of fenugreek tea daily for 2 weeks and saw an increase in milk volume in the first weeks.

9)Fenugreek Improve heart health

• Fenugreek is an powerful source of potassium and galactomannan to control heart rate and blood pressure and simultaneouly lowering the risk of heart attack.
• In another study, rabbits that ate fenugreek seeds had 50% lower cholesterol levels than those that did not.
• The galactomannan in fenugreek seeds can help maintain heart health, and the potassium they contain helps to lower blood pressure and control the heart rate.

10)Fenugreek Lower cholesterol level

• Fenugreek contains saponins, a type of steroids, it reduces absorption of cholesterol from fat-rich foods, lower synthesis of cholesterol and increases absorption of blood cholesterol for production of bile.
• Drink herbal-infusion tea of fenugreek once or twice in a day to lower your blood cholesterol levels.To prepare this, roast few seeds for two minutes on low flame. Cool them for few minutes and make a fine powder. Add this powder to warm or cold water and drink it. 

• There are two major classes of cholesterol that affect your health: “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol tends to stick to artery walls, which can reduce blood flow and contribute to cardiovascular disease risk (American Heart Association, 2016). The other kind of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is considered “good” cholesterol because it actually promotes better cardiovascular health.

• An array of compounds in fenugreek helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels. This includes the polysaccharides hemicellulose, tannin, pectin, saponins, and mucilage (Mercola, n.d.). These polysaccharides prevent bile salts from being absorbed into the colon, which promotes healthier cholesterol levels. Some of these polysaccharides may also bind to toxins, preventing them from affecting the body (Mercola, n.d.).

• Fenugreek may help regulate cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of developing heart conditions and improve heart health. This may be because fenugreek seeds contain roughly 48 percent dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is very hard to digest, and it forms a viscous gel in the intestines that makes it harder to digest sugars and fats.

11)Fenugreek helpful for skin problem

• Fenugreek seeds contain mucilage, a gooey substance that can reportedly soothe and moisturize dry skin without irritating it.
• In one study, human cells exposed to three types of fenugreek saponins experienced less damage and inflammation after sun exposure.
• In another study, rats experienced faster wound healing when fenugreek seed oil was applied directly to the skin.
• fenugreek seed oil was associated with reduced inflammation and improved growth of new skin.
• In another study of mice with allergic skin reactions, dietary fenugreek extract was associated with reduced skin inflammation.
• The anti-bacterial property of methi prevents the eruption of pimples.
• It lighten acne scars.
• The vitamin C in fenugreek seeds helps to give the skin a glowing look. Make a paste of soaked fenugreek seeds and apply it as a facial mask for brighter and clearer skin. 

12)Fenugreek helpful for Hair problem

• The hormone present in fenugreek play a key role in maintaining hormonal balance in the body thereby preventing hair fall.
• The antibacterial property of fenugreek helps in dealing with itchy scalp and prevents attack of bacteria.
• Fenugreek not only lowers the excess secretion of oil glands but also exerts anti-fungal activity.Thus helpful in get rid of dandruff.
• Fenugreek seeds are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like omega-3 and omega-6. These have been reported to reduce hair loss and improve hair density and thickness .
• Fenugreek seeds contain proteins and nicotinic acid which helps to strengthen your hair roots and reconstruct damaged hair follicles. It also contains lecithin, a slippery substance is produced by soaked seeds which give shine to your hair. For best results soak the fenugreek seeds overnight to soften them. Grind them in the morning and add curd to the paste. After the paste is ready, apply it to your scalp and massage the roots of your hair. Wash off your hair after 30 minutes, and say goodbye to hair problems. Fenugreek seeds also have some medicinal properties that help hair to preserve its pigment. It also helps in delaying of gray hair.

13)Fenugreek reduce menstrual and menopausal problems

• Fenugreek contains diosgenin and isoflavones which exerts oestrogen like action easing hot flashes, mood changes, menstrual cramps and stomach discomfort. 
• A study conducted in January 2014 shows that Fenugreek seeds might help reduce the severity of pain during periods, especially in the first three days. 
• There are compounds in fenugreek seeds that help to reduce discomfort and menstrual pain associated with PMS. Chew some soaked fenugreek seeds to calm mood swings and relieve cramps.

14)Fenugreek alleviate joint pain

Fenugreek has anti-analgesic effect, in addition to containing diosgenin that eases arthritic pain and also helps in management of joint pain.

15)Fenugreek prevents excessive blood clots

• Doctors frequently prescribe anticoagulants like warfarin to people at high risk for heart attack and stroke. These medications help prevent the formation of blood clots that may cut off supply to vital organs.
• Fenugreek seed increased the time required for normal human blood samples to clot, prompting the authors to suggest that supplements might act in a similar way to warfarin. 

 

16)Fenugreek reduce obesity

• It helps in boosting metabolism. It helps to generate heat in the body which helps in managing and losing  weight.
• Many people have now drinking methi soaked water early in the morning to cut down weight and improve their metabolism.
• In a rat study, animals fed fenugreek seed gained less weight and had lower BMI. Their blood also had lower fat and sugar levels than the control. A similar study on mice found no change in body weight but significant improvements in cholesterol levels 

17)Fenugreek improve brain health

• Rats that received fenugreek in their feed had lower activity of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
• Acetylcholine supports cognitive function, memory, and learning. In the same study, rats that ate fenugreek had less amyloid beta buildup in their brains, implying a slower progression of Alzheimer’s disease. 
• Fenugreek seed powder was also linked to reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, memory impairments, and plaques in rats with Alzheimer’s disease.

 

18)Fenugreek improve kidney function

• In one study, rats that received fenugreek seeds in their feed had higher red blood cell count and hemoglobin and lower calcium salts in the kidneys.
• Fenugreek linked to increased antioxidant levels, decreased oxidative stress, improved overall quality of kidney tissue, and normalized kidney weight.
• The seeds contain polyphenolic flavonoids that help to improve kidney function and help to protect the cells by forming a membrane around them.

 

19)Fenugreek reduce inflammation & oxidative stress

• Fenugreek seed extract was associated with reduced free radicals, increased antioxidants, and reduced enzymes used to measure liver damage.
• In another study, arthritic rats given fenugreek seed mucilage had less fluid build-up in the joints and a more robust antioxidant defense, with increased vitamin C and glutathione.
• Some researchers have suggested that fenugreek could reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of inflammatory molecules called interleukins and by preventing white blood cells from overcrowding one spot.

 

20)Fenugreek promote wound healing

• Some researchers say that sprouted fenugreek seeds may have promising antimicrobial activity, especially against the H. pylori bacteria that commonly cause ulcers.
• Defensin, a protein extracted from fenugreek leaves, inhibited the spread and reproduction of two fungal species.
• The antimicrobial effects of fenugreek could potentially help accelerate wound healing. 

 

21)Fenugreek help in osteoporosis

• In a cell study, diosgenin from fenugreek was associated with reduced development of osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that breaks down old bone tissue.
• Fenugreek seeds support bone health in people with osteoporosis.

22)Fenugreek increases testosterone production and boost sperm count

• Testosterone is a male sex hormone that has a wide range of effects on the human body.
• Fenugreek have a positive impact on testosterone production in the body.
• Due to the presence of steroidal saponins such as furostanol glycosides fenugreek  believed to increase testosterone levels by blocking aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase, two enzymes that consume testosterone to produce other hormones.
• In a 2017 study, 50 male volunteers took an extract of fenugreek seeds for 12 weeks. About 85 percent of the participants had an increased sperm count.
•  In another small study of 30 men in Texas, men were given either a fenugreek supplement or placebo (Wilborn, 2010). Men who were given the fenugreek supplement increased their blood levels of testosterone when compared with the men given a placebo.
• A study also found that fenugreek extract, in combination with Lespedeza cuneata extracts, significantly improved the symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS).

23)Fenugreek fights colds and flu

• Fenugreek is an antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant agent that can help ward off infection-causing germs.

24)Fenugreek boosts libido

• Since ages, it has been used to treat various sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, impotency, loss of sexual desire, etc.
• Recent studies suggest that it may boosts libido in both males and females.
• Fenugreek seed extract or tea is recommended to boost libido and alleviate other related problems.

 

Uses of Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)

One of the best ways to have it by drinking Fenugreek seed water to get maximum benefits of Fenugreek (Methi).

According to Ayurveda and Yoga expert Yogacharya Anoop from the Chaitanya Foundation, Fenugreek water is a great antacid. Its regular consumption may help strengthen the digestive system and check issues tied to gastritis and bloating. It is most beneficial when consumed during colder months.

Following are some ways to consume fenugreek seeds.

• Soak fenugreek seeds overnights and consume eat on an empty stomach.
• Sprout the seeds and add it to a salad.
• Dry and roast the seeds, grind them into the powder.
• Grind it into a paste and add to the curry.
• Use crushed dried fenugreek leaves in sauces or curry known as Kasturi methi.
•  Fenugreek seeds in powdered or extracted oil form are the primary source of medicinal purpose and used for indigestion, hair loss, enhance lactation, treat diabetes etc.
• Chewing the methi seeds, a component called galactomannan which is the natural soluble fibre helps in reducing the LDL cholesterol in blood, lowers the risk of heart attacks / prevents the plaque. This component also slows the absorption of sugar which helps diabetes

How To Make Fenugreek (Methi) Tea

How To Make Fenugreek Seeds (Methi) ke Laddu 

• Take Fenugreek seeds ( Meethi ) – 50 gms ,
• Edible gum resin ( Gond ) – 50 gms ,
• Dried dates powder ( Khajur ) – 100 gms,
• Finely cut pieces of fig ( Anjir ) – 100 gms ,
• Almond nut powder ( Badam ) – 100 gms ,
• Cashew powder ( Kaju ) – 100 gms ,
• Black raisins Kala ( Munakka ) – 100 gms ,
• Walnuts powder ( Akharot ) – 100 gms
• and Cow ghee – 500 gms.
• Grind the fenugreek seeds and powder it.
• Take the fenugreek powder in a pan , add cow ghee to the pan so that it can fry well . Fry the fenugreek  seed(methi) powder till its colour turns slight reddish and have pleasant smell. Keep it to cool down.
• Deep fry the given quantity of edible gum resin in cow ghee. After deep frying cool it and crush the fried edible gum resin(gondh). Mix crushed gondh with fried fenugreek powder.
• Add all the ingredients which are already in powder form to it and mix it thoroughly.
• Make small balls from the mixture in form of laddu. Eating one laddu everyday, make immune boosting surprisingly.

 

Side Effects of Fenugreek (Methi)

There are a few possible fenugreek (methi) side effects like nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, digestive problems, upset stomach and gas with so many Benefits of Fenugreek (Methi). Fenugreek may cause irritation when applied directly to the skin, so better to taste on a small area first.

• People with preexisting allergies may face allergic reactions to fenugreek .
• Pregnant women should not take fenugreek in large doses, as it may lead to a birth defects or earlier premature birth.Thus it is considered unsafe to use during pregnancy.
• Children may losing consciousness after drinking fenugreek tea.
• Cautious while taking fenugreek  with diabetic medications as it may be lower the blood sugar and thin the blood to dangerous levels.

Related Articles

Giloy Benefits and uses

Ashwagandha benefits and side effects

benefits of ginger