Fenugreek (Methi) is a plant that stands around 2 to 3 feet tall, has green leaves, small white flowers, and pods that contain small, golden-brown seeds. Its leaves and seeds are used in cooking as well as medicine.
1. Nutritional Content: 100 grams of fenugreek contains – Calories (323), Potassium (22%), Sodium (2%), Dietary fibre (100%), Vitamin A (1%), Calcium (17%), Vitamin C (5%), Magnesium (47%), Vitamin B-6 (30%), Iron (186%) of the percentage daily value – based on a 2000 calorie a day diet.
2. Anti-oxidant : Fenugreek contains many essential nutrients such as choline, inositol, biotin, fibre, iron and Vitamins A, B and D and, hence, it makes it a strong anti-oxidant.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Fenugreek seeds contain anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids that reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Heart and blood pressure: Due to 48% dietary fibre present in fenugreek, it helps regulate cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
5. Pain Relief: The alkaloids present in fenugreek help block sensory receptors that allow the brain to perceive pain. So it is extremely helpful for pain relief.
6. Fenugreek Water: Fenugreek water is made by soaking fenugreek seeds in water (one tablespoon in 200 ml of water).
7. Boosting Metabolism: Consuming fenugreek water first thing in the morning is beneficial for boosting metabolism. It generates heat in the body and helps in maintaining and losing weight.
8. Digestion: Fenugreek water is a great antacid and helps strengthen the digestive system and is useful for water retention and bloating. Being a rich source of magnesium, regular consumption helps your body relax.
9. Blood sugar: Fenugreek is often used as an essential part of a diabetic diet. Fenugreek regulates blood sugar levels and helps in tackling insulin resistance by making the body responsive and sensitive.
10. Fenugreek and its seeds are also useful in hair fall, improves testosterone levels, increases breast milk production and have anti-cancer properties.
Side Effects
- Being hot in nature, people with intestinal ulcers should not consume fenugreek water.
- Excessive use of fenugreek can cause dryness.
- It may also cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.