Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)

Traditionally, fenugreek seeds have been used as a condiment to promote better health and as a potent hair potion. But recent research indicates that they can do much more than that. From adding flavor to dishes and controlling diabetes to inducing labor, fenugreek seeds have had diverse benefits for your skin, hair, and health. The seeds are used in cooking, to make medicine, or to hide the taste of other medicine. Fenugreek seeds smell and taste somewhat like maple syrup. Fenugreek leaves are eaten in India as a vegetable.

Fenugreek is taken by mouth for digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). Fenugreek is also used for diabetes, painful menstruation, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, arthritis, poor thyroid function, and obesity. It is also used for conditions that affect heart health such as "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis) and for high blood levels of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides.

Fenugreek is used for kidney ailments, a vitamin deficiency disease called beriberi, mouth ulcers, boils, bronchitis, infection of the tissues beneath the surface of the skin (cellulitis), tuberculosis, chronic coughs, chapped lips, baldness, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and exercise performance.

Some men use fenugreek for hernia, erectile dysfunction (ED), male infertility, and other male problems. Both men and women use fenugreek to improve sexual interest.

Women who are breast-feeding sometimes use fenugreek to promote milk flow.

Fenugreek is sometimes used as a poultice. That means it is wrapped in cloth, warmed, and applied directly to the skin to treat local pain and swelling (inflammation), muscle pain, pain and swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), pain in the toes (gout), wounds, leg ulcers, and eczema.

In foods, fenugreek is included as an ingredient in spice blends. It is also used as a flavoring agent in imitation maple syrup, foods, beverages, and tobacco.

In manufacturing, fenugreek extracts are used in soaps and cosmetics.

How does it work?

Fenugreek appears to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulate insulin. Both of these effects lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Skin Benefits

1. Have Anti-Aging Effects

Fenugreek seeds can have surprising benefits for your skin, including eliminating the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
What You Need

• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

What You Need To Do

1. Blend the fenugreek seeds and yogurt till a smooth paste is formed.
2. Apply this paste on your face.
3. Keep it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

Why Does It Work
Germinated fenugreek seeds show a significant amount of antioxidant activity and fight the free radicals that accelerate the process of aging .
Yogurt has lactic acid that gently exfoliates your skin . It also leaves your skin feeling smoother and softer.

2. Cure Acne

Those who are suffering from acne can give fenugreek seeds a try because they are very effective in getting rid of acne.
What You Need
4 tablespoons fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in water
4 cups water
What You Need To Do

1. Add the fenugreek seeds to water and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Strain the water and let it cool.
3. Using a cotton wool, dab the water onto your face twice a day. Store the excess in the refrigerator.

Why Does It Work
Fenugreek has a compound named diosgenin that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties . This helps fenugreek fight against acne.

3. Moisturize Skin

Fenugreek seeds can help moisturize and nourish your skin and removes all traces of dryness.
What You Need

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seed powder
• 1 tablespoon water

What You Need To Do

1. Mix fenugreek powder and water to make a smooth paste.
2. Using a cotton ball, apply the paste all over your face.
3. Keep it on for half an hour. Rinse with water.

Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds prevent your skin from getting coarse or dry. The slippery texture moisturizes your skin.

Hair Benefits

4. Prevent Hair Loss

Fenugreek is extremely effective in strengthening the hair from the roots and treating follicular problems.
What You Need

• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup coconut oil

What You Need To Do

1. Place the coconut oil and fenugreek seeds in a mason jar. Seal the jar and store it for three weeks in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
2. Strain the oil and use it for oil massages.

Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have hormones that help promotes hair growth. They are a good source of protein and nicotinic acid that strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage.

5. Add Shine

To make your hair look shiny and glossy, try using a fenugreek hair mask.
What You Need

• 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup water

What You Need To Do

1. Soak the whole ground seeds in boiling water and leave them overnight.
2. When the seeds turn slimy to touch, grind them into a paste. Apply the mixture on your scalp and roots, and then along the whole length of your hair.
3. Keep it on for 30 minutes and wash it off.

Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds contain lecithin, an emulsifying substance . When soaked in water, the seeds produce a slippery substance that imparts shine to your hair.

6. Fight Dandruff

Dandruff is a common hair ailment, and it generally surfaces during winter.
There are various treatments and procedures to treat dandruff. One of the most basic and effective cures is using methi seeds. They are also an effective cure for dry scalp and dermatitis.
Why Does It Work
Dandruff is usually caused by a dry scalp or fungal infection. Fenugreek helps remove dandruff .

7. Prevent Premature Graying-

A part of folk medicine, fenugreek seeds have been used for a long time to prevent the graying of hair. 

Why Does It Work -Fenugreek seeds have properties that help hair retain its pigment. This helps delay graying.

Health Benefits

8. Help Control Diabetes

Diabetics are often recommended to include fenugreek seeds in their diet because of the positive effects they can have on their health.
Why Does It Work
Studies conducted on the effect of fenugreek seeds on type 2 diabetes have produced favorable results.  It was found that fenugreek seeds help control blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance.

9. Prevent Heart Attacks

Fenugreek seeds display a significant effect on cardiovascular health. They protect the heart from serious damage during a heart attack.
Why Does It Work
Heart attacks are a major cause of death, and they occur when an artery leading to the heart gets clogged. Fenugreek seeds prevent further damage to the heart and counteract the oxidative stress that occurs during a heart attack.

10. Help Prevent Cancer

Studies have shown that the oil extracted from fenugreek seeds can help fight cancer.
Why Does It Work
A study conducted to investigate the anticancer effects of fenugreek found that fenugreek oil fights against certain cancer cell lines.

11. Alleviate Menstrual Cramps

Studies have shown that fenugreek seeds can also help in reducing the pain of menstrual cramps as well as other symptoms associated with menstruation.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which is why studies sought to investigate the effect they might have on the pain caused by menstruation . It was found that fenugreek seed powder substantially reduced the pain and symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and nausea.

12. Improve Breast Milk Production

In Asia, fenugreek seeds have been used by women to increase their breast milk production.
Why Does It Work
This herb contains phytoestrogen that boosts milk production in lactating mothers . Drinking fenugreek tea seems to increase the supply of breast milk in mothers, which promotes weight gain in the infants.

13. Reduce Cholesterol

Research has proven that fenugreek seeds help to lower the cholesterol level, especially the ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDL in our body.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have a flavonoid named naringenin that lowers the lipid levels in those with high cholesterol.

14. Help Reduce Pain From Arthritis

Arthritis is a disorder that causes inflammation in one or more joints. This causes severe pain, and more than the regular wear and tear of the joint muscles.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce the pain caused by arthritis.
Both my husband and I take this powder along with turmeric and dry ginger powder each morning on empty stomach mixed with little water, as it surely takes care of our joint pains.

15. Aid Digestion

For those suffering from stomach ailments, fenugreek can be a boon.
Why Does It Work
It is an effective treatment for gastritis and indigestion. It helps prevent constipation as well as digestive problems created by stomach ulcers. This is because it is a natural digestive tonic, and its lubricating properties help soothe your stomach and intestines.

16. Help In Weight Loss

If you are seeking to lose weight, adding fenugreek seeds to your diet is a must.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds prevent the accumulation of fat and improve the metabolism of lipids and glucose that help in weight loss.

17. Improve Kidney Function

Ingesting fenugreek seeds has been linked to better functioning kidneys.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have polyphenolic flavonoids that improve kidney function and prevent the deterioration of cells by forming a membrane around them.

18. Protect Liver

Your liver cleanses your body of toxins. An injury to the liver can have a serious impact on your health. One of the main causes for decreased liver function is excessive alcohol intake, and studies have shown that fenugreek seeds are very effective in controlling the impact of alcohol on your liver.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds protect the liver from alcohol toxicity. Excessive alcohol intake can cause chronic liver damage. The polyphenolic compounds present in fenugreek seeds reduce liver damage and help metabolize the alcohol.

Side Effects & Safety

Fenugreek is LIKELY SAFE for people when taken by mouth in amounts normally found in foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts used for medicinal purposes (amounts larger than normally found in food) for up to 6 months. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, and a "maple syrup" odor in urine. Fenugreek can cause nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, facial swelling, and severe allergic reactions in hypersensitive people. Fenugreek might lower blood sugar.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Fenugreek is LIKELY UNSAFE in pregnancy when used in amounts greater than those in food. It might cause malformations in the baby, as well as early contractions. Taking fenugreek just before delivery may also cause the newborn to have an unusual body odor, which could be confused with "maple syrup urine disease." This odor does not appear to cause long-term effects.
Breast-feeding: Fenugreek is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth to increase breast-milk flow in the short-term. Some research shows that taking 1725 mg of fenugreek three times daily for 21 days does not cause any side effects in infants.
Children: Fenugreek is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in children. Some reports have linked fenugreek tea to loss of consciousness in children. An unusual body odor resembling maple syrup may also occur in children drinking fenugreek tea.
Allergy to plants in the Fabaceae family: People who are allergic to other plants in the Fabaceae, including soybeans, peanuts, and green peas might also be allergic to fenugreek.
Diabetes: Fenugreek can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use fenugreek.

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