Author: Namratha Gopal
Fenugreek (also known as methi) is a plant Trigonella foenum-graecum from the soy family. Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinally used plants with its base in both traditional Indian and Chinese systems of medicine. It is a common household spice and thickening agent which are used in many Indian dishes for their nutritional profile and slightly bitter-sweet and nutty taste. Knowing what fenugreek seeds are, let’s explore their benefits and how they can be used-
Health benefits of fenugreek seeds
- Studies have shown that at least four compounds in fenugreek have anti-diabetic properties. They primarily reduce intestinal glucose absorption, delay gastric emptying and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Fenugreek helps in stimulating the breast milk production and ease the flow.
- Due to the fibre content in fenugreek, it leads to a feeling of fullness and suppress the appetite which in turn helps in weight loss by cutting down on overeating.
- Many studies have proved that fenugreek seeds help to boost testosterone and sperm count. The results also indicate that it consistently improved alertness, mood and libido.
- The high antioxidant flavonoid content in fenugreek seeds reduces inflammation.
- Fenugreek seeds contain 48% dietary fiber which helps in regulating the cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure. Also reduces the risk of heart diseases and improve overall heart health.
- Fenugreek works as pain reliever from long ago as in traditional systems of medicine due to the compound called alkaloids present in it. So it is been used by many women for to ease period cramps.
Nutritional value of fenugreek seeds – as per 1 tablespoon (11.1gm)
- Calories – 35cal
- Fiber – 3 grams
- Protein – 3 grams
- Carbs – 6 grams
- Fat – 1 gram
- Iron – 20% of the daily value
- Manganese – 7% of the daily value
- Magnesium – 5% of the daily value
- Cholesterol – 0gram
Ways to use fenugreek seeds
Healthcare
- Fenugreek seeds are great when used as a whole or ground seeds in combination with masala powders, dry rubs for meat etc.
- Fenugreek seeds can also be used to make herbal tea that is packed with health benefits.
- They are added to curries, chutneys and seasonable veggies roast to bring out an aromatic flavor.
- There are so many ways that you can eat fenugreek seeds. Either soak it overnight in water and have them in the next morning, or grind them into a fine powder and sprinkle to your favorite foods and have it. You can have it as sprouts in the form of salads or can be eaten raw on an empty stomach that helps in weight loss.
- Consuming fenugreek soaked water is very beneficial for diabetic and cholesterol controlling levels.
Beauty Recipes
Fenugreek seed face mask
Soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in the water and grind it in the morning with raw milk. Apply this paste evenly over face and wash it after 15mins. This mask is super beneficial since it reduces blemishes and dark circles as fenugreek seeds contain vitamin K and vitamin C.
Anti-acne fenugreek sleeping mask
Soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in the water overnight or for some good amount of time and add 2 tablespoon of commercial aloe vera gel. Give it a good mix and store it. Apply this mask before going to bed and wash it in the morning. This mask is very helpful in getting the bright skin with no acnes and their marks left.
Get rid of pigmentation
Take a mixing bowl and add 2 teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder and add rose water to form the paste. Apply it all over your face and neck and wash it after 20mins. Do this twice a week for best results.
Anti-dark spot treatment with fenugreek water
Soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in the water for some 2 hours or so and apply it all over the face with the help of cotton ball or if you have spray bottle, spray it over your face and keep it for 30mins and wash it. This helps to get rid of dark spots, tan and pigmentation around mouth.
Note: You can use your own fenugreek face masks with right and compatible ingredients and test what suits you
Fenugreek seeds for hair
Fenugreek seeds are rich in iron and protein which are 2 essential nutrients that are responsible for hair growth. They also contain composition of plant compounds including flavonoids and saponins. These compounds are the one that helps to induce hair growth. These seeds are something that’s definitely a boon for your hair and scalp.
Get silky and shiny hair with methi
Detangle your hair and spray overnight fenugreek soaked water to all over your scalp and use it as pre-shampoo mask. This adds shine to hair and helps in hair growth as well.
Fenugreek hair growth oil
Soak the fenugreek seeds powder in coconut oil for 2 days. Strain this mixture and use it as hair oil. Be consistent to see visible results.
Get rid of dandruff
Mix equal quantities of fenugreek soaked water and diluted apple cider vinegar. Apply this mixture all over your scalp with the help of cotton ball. Wash it after 45mins and follow up with shampoo and conditioning.
Hair fall controlling mask
Take some fenugreek leaves and boil it to squeeze out some juice. Now take a blender and add soaked fenugreek seeds, fenugreek leaf juice and some curd to it. Blend this to paste and apply all over the scalp and hair. Get amazed with this super effective hair mask.
Note:
You can use your own fenugreek hair masks with right and compatible ingredients and test what suits you. Can mix the paste with oils, curry leaves, aloe vera gel or use fenugreek powder with hibiscus powders, marigano powders, amla powder to form the paste with black tea, green tea decoctions, curd etc. Do check out the hair growth remedies on our blog for more such recipes.
