Health Benefits of Methi (Fenugreek)

Methi or fenugreek is an annual plant which is a native of West Asia and South Eastern Europe. It is a plant that grows about 2 to 3 feet, and it is the pod of the plant that has fenugreek seeds, which are used as spices.

In Indian households, this culinary item is used in various forms, such as dried leaves (kasuri-methi), methi seeds, methi powder and fresh green methi leaves as a vegetable. Today, India is the largest producer of methi in the world, and it is grown majorly in the state of Rajasthan. There are several nutritional values present in methi discussed in the next section.

1. Keeps Your Heart Fit

There are several methi benefits, including keeping your cardiovascular functions healthy. As fenugreek is rich in iron, it helps in producing a healthy amount of haemoglobin and helps in carrying oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Additionally, as it is a plant-based source of iron, it can be consumed by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Regular consumption of methi helps in keeping diseases like chronic heart illness and heart blockage at bay.

2. Controls Diabetes

The next benefit of including methi in your meals is that it helps in controlling blood sugar levels in your body. The galactomannan present in methi has anti-diabetic properties. Along with this, it has a low glycemic index which makes it suitable to consume for diabetic people.

Many studies have shown that drinking methi water on a regular basis helps lower the blood sugar levels in the body. It is beneficial for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic people who constantly suffer from high blood sugar levels.

3. Relief from Menstrual Cramps

The iron-rich property and presence of other vitamins and nutrients in methi, benefit people suffering from pain. Methi seeds water and methi tea are considered pain relieving for menstrual cramps and pain after childbirth. The regular consumption of methi by women ensures a less painful menstrual cycle and provides energy to the body.

4. A Good Brain Food

Fenugreek uses and benefits also include improvement in cognitive health. The iron and magnesium present in methi are said to provide support in linking the cognitive system. It keeps the brain healthy and stops the rapid decline of cognitive function.

It may also prove beneficial for older people who are at a greater risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer's, loss of coordination, and hazy memory.

5. Prevention from Cancer

Fenugreek is full of antioxidants, which help eliminate free radicals present in the body. It is known that free radicals can cause DNA damage and even increase the rate of cancer. By reducing radicals, fenugreek lowers the chances of cancer.

Consuming methi seeds with water, consuming methi tea, or adding methi seeds while preparing vegetables are some ways to include it in your diet and prevent the formation of cancer-mutated cells.

6. Good Gut Health

Being rich in dietary fibre, magnesium, and iron makes methi a good friend for your gut. These methi components help maintain healthy bowel movement and support a healthy stomach.

Consuming methi powder with lukewarm water daily in the morning is the best way to improve your gut health and easy bowel movement. Especially if you constantly suffer from issues like indigestion, constipation and acidic gas.

7. Helps in Weight Control

Another methi benefit is that it helps in weight management, as it is rich in fibre. Consuming green leafy methi vegetables helps keep you full for a longer time and provides energy. Moreover, the compound 4-hydroxy isoleucine present in fenugreek helps lower glucose present in the blood, facilitating healthy insulin secretion. All this works together to build a better metabolism and maintain body weight.

8. Methi Benefits for Hair

Consuming methi green leaves as a vegetable can help in boosting hair growth. Moreover, you can make a paste of methi seeds and use it on your hair scalp typically to improve scalp health and nourish hair follicles.

Create Garam Masala Methi can be used alone or in combination; in most Indian cuisines, it is used along with other spices. For this, garam masala is created using fenugreek, coriander, cumin, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Blend these ingredients and create a fine powder(masala), then use it while cooking vegetables, curries, soups or lentils.

It will not only enhance the taste and aroma of your dish but also provide blended health benefits of all these spices.

Bake with Breads/Chapatis Another way to get methi benefits is by adding its dried leaves to your bread or chapatis. Dried methi leaves, also known as “kasuri methi” in Hindi, are used while making Indian bread naan and chapatis.

You can crush methi leaves and add small amounts of it in the dried wheat or white flour. Then, knead the dough using a proportionate amount of water. Bake the dough in the oven or make chapatis on the iron cast pan to enjoy the delicious and healthy methi bread/chapati.

Cook with Potatoes Aloo methi is a popular Indian cuisine. It is prepared by adding methi leaves to potatoes. It is not only a great way to get the methi health benefits but also tastes good.

Cook in Methi Oil Cooking in good quality oil impacts your health positively. As there are several medical properties of methi seeds, using oil extracted from them is beneficial. You can use methi oil to cook your regular vegetables and prepare meals with it.

Sprouted Methi Seeds Methi seeds are known for their slightly bitter taste, but they are also packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, copper, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium and more.

Eating a salad of sprouted methi seeds in the morning can provide you with great health benefits. You can add a dressing of chopped tomatoes, green chilli, onions, olive oil and salt to make it delicious.

• Allergic Reactions It is rare but a possible case, that you might be allergic to methi and might develop allergic reactions like itching, throat irritation, nausea, etc.

• Pregnancy It has been found that excess consumption of fenugreek by pregnant women might cause early contractions or other issues.

• For Children When given fenugreek seeds orally, children might not show any sign of discomfort. However, drinking fenugreek tea for children might result in discomfort.

• Diabetic Although methi helps in controlling high blood sugar, if you are suffering from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), then it is advised that you avoid consuming methi on a regular basis.

Including methi in your diet, eating balanced meals and practising yoga or exercising are some of the healthy lifestyle habits that you adopt for better health. However, even with a healthy diet, several people become victims of diseases.

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Methi in itself is a great food ingredient that has several benefits. Moreover, the use of methi powder as a spice or making vegetables from green leafy methi is very common and highly preferred. You can include it however you like and provide your body with necessary nutrients and vitamins.

However, also keep in mind that excess consumption of anything, including methi, can be harmful. So, just follow a balanced diet and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

• What is the best time to eat methi seeds?

  Taking methi seeds with lukewarm water in the morning is said to be extremely helpful in weight loss and bowel movement. So, take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

• Is methi hot or cold for the body?

  Methi is a warm spice and is considered to keep the temperature of the body warm.

• Can we eat methi seeds without soaking them?

  Yes, there is no harm in taking unsoaked methi seeds with lukewarm water.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the Health Benefits of Methi (Fenugreek). It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.