Fenugreek is an amazing herb which is a common ingredient in a number of Indian dishes. It is often used in alternative medicine and is also taken as a supplement. Fenugreek is a plant that is about 2-3 feet tall. It has green leaves, small white flowers and pods containing fenugreek seeds. In India, it is a common spice and thickening agent. Because of it’s nutritional values and slightly nutty taste, it is used in a number of Indian dishes. Fenugreek seeds are excellent for people with vata and kapha constitution or prakriti. These seeds are hot in nature and people with such prakriti need additional fire in the body to boost health. However, to enjoy it’s benefits to the fullest, it is imperative that one knows the right time and method of consuming it.
Ayurvedic Properties
- The taste is bitter and pungent
- The potency of methi is hot
- Methi or fenugreek balances vata, improves kapha and is not suitable for pitta dosha
- It is consumed in the form of green vegetable, seeds sprouts, powder and extract
Nutritional facts (1 tbsp methi seeds)
- Calories : 35
- Carbs : 6 grams
- Fibre : 3 grams
- Protein : 3 grams
- Fat : 1 gram
- Iron : 20 % DV
- Manganese : 7 % DV
- Copper : 6 % DV
- Magnesium : 5 % DV
- Apart from this, methi seeds also contain choline, inositol and biotin
- They also contain B group vitamins like zinc, potassium, selenium, folate and phosphorus
Benefits in weight loss
- Loaded with anti oxidants
- Helps in fat metabolism
- Improves exercise performance
- Controls appetite, reduces it by upto 20 %
- Controls blood sugar
- Improves digestion
- Prevents constipation and bloating
- Is anti inflammatory
- Improves strength
- Enhances the fat burning process
Other health benefits of methi
- Lowers bad cholesterol
- Is anti inflammatory
- Cures digestive disorders
- Boosts immunity
- Absorbs and removes toxins from the body
- Improves kidney health
- Boosts brain function
- Prevents gall and kidney stone
- Treats asthma, cold and cough
- Protects the nervous system
- Helps in treatment of joint pain
- Helps with insomnia
- Is very good for the skin
- Helps with hair growth
Also known as the magical pain relief medicine
- Used extensively in back and joint pain
- Used if feeling fatigue or tired
- Methi seeds are burned in coconut, ghee, mustard or sesame seeds with garlic and applied on the affected area for relief
- Few raw seeds can be tied with a bandage on the painful area
- Methi paste can be applied on cuts and bruises
Benefits for male
- Increases libido
- Boosts testosterone
- Increases sperm count in the body
- Improves sexual function
Benefits for women
- Balances estrogen levels
- Treats PCOD and PCOS
- Increases fertility
- Regulates periods
- Assists in milk production
- Reduces symptoms of menopause
- Helps in treatment of UTI
- Treats uterus displacement
- Is very good post C section delivery
How to have methi ?
- Soak 1 tsp methi seeds in 1 cup of water
- Leave it for 16-24 hours
- Next day, you can drink this water
- Methi seeds can be eaten
- Make sure you chew the seeds properly
How to sprout methi ?
- Soak methi seeds in a cup water
- Remove the seeds from water and wrap them in a clean cotton cloth
- Sprinkle some water on top
- Leave for 24-36 hours
Your methi sprouts will be ready
Important tips
- Don’t consume methi regularly for too long
- Have it for minimum of 15 and maximum of 90 days and then give a break
- Discontinue for a few weeks and start again
- Best to be consumed when soaked in water
- Chew the seeds properly
- Can be mixed with milk, curd or buttermilk
- Avoid tea before or after consuming it
- Don’t boil
Who should avoid
- Pregnant women
- If you’re on any specific medication
- People on diabetes, BP or blood thinning medication
- After consulting your physician, try to maintain a gap of at least 2 hours between medication and methi
- Don’t consume methi in excess
- People with thyroid issues should consult a doctor
- People with acid reflux, acidity and gas should consume it small amount
- It is not meant for direct consumption by kids