Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds: Incredible Health and Beauty Benefits

Fenugreek commonly known as Methi is an annual, multi-purpose herb with green leaves and small white flowers. These flowers consist of seed pods containing tiny, yellow-brown, hard, pungent seeds that have a bitter taste. Fenugreek seeds (methi seeds) are commonly used in Indian kitchen for its various culinary purposes. However, its usages are not limited to the kitchen but beyond it.

Fenugreek seeds are highly recommended for various health and beauty benefits. These seeds are a common ingredient in Indian curries, as well as Turkish, Persian, and Egyptian cuisine.

Nutritional Value of Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers that are great for our health. One tablespoon of fenugreek seeds containing 35 calories and several nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fat, magnesium, manganese, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, etc.

Best Ways to Consume Fenugreek Seeds

One of the best ways to have it by drinking fenugreek seed water. There are some more 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

Other than culinary uses, Fenugreek seeds may also help with migraine and joint pains. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory nature.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

These amazing seeds have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. From giving you the best flavor to your food, fenugreek seeds help in relieving various ailments. Here are some incredible benefits of fenugreek seeds:

1. Makes Your Hair Healthy

We all face various hair problems such as dandruff, hair fall, and dry hair, etc. If you are tired of trying different shampoos and medications then it’s time to go for some natural therapies. 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 that 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.

2. Get Radiant and Acne-free Skin

Acne and its scars are the most common problem, especially in teenagers. Due to recurrent acne, your skin may get damaged and look dull and unhealthy. Fenugreek seeds contain a Diosgenin which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help the skin to fight against acne. It also destroys free radicles in our body which is responsible for wrinkled skin, dark spots, and infections.

Germinated fenugreek seeds are full of antioxidants that help to delay the aging process and moisturize your skin. Apply fenugreek seed paste with honey on the face at night and wash it off in the morning giving you acne-free and radiant skin. Also, a face pack prepared from fenugreek seed paste with gram flour and curd exfoliates the skin and removes dark spots and dark circles.

3. Enhance Weight Loss

Consuming fenugreek seed water daily on empty stomach can boost your metabolism which ultimately helps in weight reduction. It is full of natural fibers which will help to reduce your calorie cravings and suppresses your appetite. These seeds give a feeling of stomach fullness which can reduce overeating and lead to weight loss.

4. Blood Sugar Regulation

Fenugreek seeds are an excellent remedy to control and prevent diabetes. It helps to increase insulin sensitivity and action which leads to lowering the blood sugar level. You can have fenugreek seed water or simply soaked seeds to control blood sugar levels.

5. Helps in the Digestion

For those who are suffering from hyper-acidity or bowel problems, fenugreek seeds work like magic for them. Its regular consumption can reduce acidity problems and digestive problems. To get benefit from fenugreek seeds for digestive problems, add grated ginger to its paste, and eat one tablespoon before your meals. Fenugreek water helps to flush out the harmful toxins from your body and it helps in improving your bowel movement.

6. Enhance Milk Production in New Mothers

Fenugreek seeds are widely used to enhance milk production in new mothers. It contains phytoestrogen which helps to increase milk production in lactating mothers. Drinking fenugreek tea increases milk level and also helps to gain weight in infants.

7. Alleviate Menstrual Cramps

Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce menstrual cramps and other menstrual-related issues. Researchers assume that it relieves pain due to the presence of alkaloids in it. It was found that fenugreek seed powder reduces these cramps and other problems like fatigue, nausea, etc.

8. 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.

9. Controls Cholesterol Levels

Fenugreek seeds contain flavonoids that lower the bad cholesterol or LDL in our bodies. Soaked fenugreek seeds amazingly reduce high cholesterol levels.

Researchers say Fenugreek seeds may help in supporting the body to cope with cancer. Fenugreek seeds are believed to contain rich amounts of iron, calcium, Vitamin A and C, sulphur, and chlorine.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Fenugreek Seeds Benefits for Females

Fenugreek seeds are packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, iron, magnesium, and manganese, and are a rich source of phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.

Here are some of the potential benefits of fenugreek seeds for females:

• Enhances breast milk production: Fenugreek seeds have been traditionally used to promote lactation in breastfeeding mothers. Studies suggest that the galactagogue properties of fenugreek may help increase milk production.
• Regulates menstrual cycle: Fenugreek seeds contain diosgenin, a compound that can help regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual cramps.
• Reduces menopausal symptoms: The phytoestrogens in fenugreek seeds can help alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopausal symptoms.
• Improves fertility: Fenugreek seeds have been shown to improve ovarian function and increase fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Promotes skin health: Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage and promote healthy, glowing skin.

Did you know the extracts of Fenugreek seeds might aid in heart illnesses? Fenugreek seeds are believed to control cholesterol levels and hence, might help in protecting our hearts.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Overall, fenugreek seeds can provide a range of health benefits for females, especially in terms of reproductive health and wellness.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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