Fenugreek - A Miraculous Herb with Impressive Health Benefits
Fenugreek is an herb of the same family as soy. One can use its leaves, twigs, roots, or fresh & dried seeds for flavoring agents and supplements. It is a multi-purpose herb that has been used for thousands of years to flavor food, improve health, and soothe skin ailments. There is even evidence that the ancient Egyptians knew about the benefits of fenugreek, considering its seeds have been found in the tomb of Tutankhamen.
Over the last decade, Fenugreek has gained global popularity for its numerous health benefits. Fenugreek has proven its "A Miraculous Herb" title, because of the positive effects on treating arthritis, asthma, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, treat a sore throat, cure acid reflux, male, and female vitality, etc.. Fenugreek, commonly known as "Methi" in Hindi, has now found the permanent place in Indian pantries.
Facts about Fenugreek:
- In various areas of North America, women eat the concoction of ground fenugreek seeds, sugar, and oil to gain weight.
- In Egypt, it is used as a yellow dye.
- The dried leaves of fenugreek are used as an insect repellent for grain storage.
Nutrition Value of Fenugreek:
Every 1 tbsp of fenugreek seeds contain:
- Calcium: 7mg
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2.16g
- Folate, DFE: 2 micrograms (µg)
- Iron: 1.24mg
- Magnesium: 7mg
- Niacin: 0.061mg
- Phosphorus: 11mg
- Potassium: 28mg
- Protein: 0.85g
- Riboflavin: 0.014mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Thiamin: 0.012mg
- Total dietary fiber: 0.9g
- Total fat: 0.24g
- Vitamin A: 2 international units (IU)
- Vitamin B-6: 0.022mg
- Vitamin C: 0.1mg
- Zinc: 0.09mg
Health Benefits of Fenugreek:
This sweet, nutty flavored herb has many health benefits, let's have a look at those:
- Diabetes: Studies conducted on the effect of fenugreek seeds on diabetes patients found that they help in controlling blood sugar and decreases insulin resistance. And, so it is recommended to diabetes patients.
- Cholesterol: Studies show that consuming fenugreek seed reduces bad cholesterol.
- Breastfeeding: Fenugreek tea is a healthy addition to the diet for promoting breast milk production as fenugreek seeds are among the most potent herbal galactagogues that promote lactation in humans.
- Heart Health: Fenugreek seeds have a notable effect on heart health, it counteracts the stress that occurs during a heart attack.
- Aid Digestion: Fenugreek tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to aid digestive issues. The water-soluble fiber in fenugreek helps treat constipation.
- Protects Liver: A damage to the liver can have a serious impact on one's health as it cleanses your body of toxins, and it happens because of alcohol intake. Fenugreek seeds protect the liver from alcohol toxicity.
- Weight loss: Fenugreek seeds help in limiting the accumulation of fat and increase the metabolism of lipids and glucose that help in weight loss.
- Menstrual Cramps: Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help in reducing the pain of menstrual cramps as well as the symptoms connected with menstruation.
- Premature Aging: Fenugreek tea extracts antioxidants, which help prevent the symptoms of photo-induced aging of the skin.
- Treat Dandruff: Fenugreek leaves and seeds are used to treat dandruff. After you are done shampooing, rinse your hair with the fenugreek tea, it will treat dandruff.
Side-Effects:
- Consuming fenugreek seeds during pregnancy may cause growth retardation in the child, so avoid use if you are pregnant.
- As fenugreek tea can lower blood sugar, consuming it along with other medications may cause problems, so consult your doctor before consuming it.
Make a space in your pantry for this miraculous herb that has numerous impressive health benefits. You can add fenugreek seeds in the tampering of your dish or use dried fenugreek leaves i.e., Kasuri Methi for garnishing. Both of these you can find at Vasant Masala's Online Masala store. Vasant Masala is one of the oldest spices manufacturers in Gujarat delivering 100% fresh & authentic spices at your doorstep.
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