Is fenugreek safe? Is it good to eat fenugreek seeds daily? What are the side effects of fenugreek? What does fenugreek do to your body? Learn more on the health benefits of fenugreek below…
It is practically hard to imagine an Indian dish without the taste of fenugreek in it. However, besides being used as a spice, the native fenugreek plant of Asia is brimming with extraordinary benefits. It is member of the Fabaceae family and preferably grows on the drier parts, with comparatively higher temperature.
There is a range of fenugreek’s health benefits which are not hidden from any. From achieving glowing skin to silky and shiny hair, and diabetes to cholesterol, the benefits of Fenugreek seeds are all around.
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With such myriad of the goodness of fenugreek, parts of the United States, Mediterranean and Africa have also adorned the majestic plant.
What Is Fenugreek and What Fenugreek Does?
Fenugreek plant belongs to the soy family which is loaded with vitamins, minerals and other nutritional values which are primarily used in treating several health diseases. Fenugreek or Methi seeds are loaded with an array of vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, Vitamin C, folic acid, Vitamin K and Vitamin A.
Apart from this, it also has a huge number of essential minerals such as selenium, magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium, copper, zinc potassium, etc. Such a high count of vitamins and minerals makes up for most of the nutritional values of fenugreek seeds.
Thus, it is of no surprise why it is considered to be an essential food supplement and is recommended in our regular diet.
Fenugreek seeds are highly beneficial in treating any kind of inflammation, stomach or kidney ailments, fever, breastfeeding, hormonal disorders, diabetes, cholesterol and other kinds of diseases.
It also helps in maintaining healthy looking skin and is added in most of the herbal cosmetic products available in the market.
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How to Consume Fenugreek Seeds?
Before looking for ways fenugreek can benefit you, you must know how much fenugreek to take and how to consume fenugreek. Here are some of the ways to follow:
- Fenugreek taste might not seem pleasant enough for direct consumption. However, if you love munching on fenugreek seeds, add a tablespoon of them in your salad and have them fresh.
- If you want to absorb most of the nutritional values of fenugreek, boil one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and have it as a light brew. You can also add honey or lemon for added taste.
- Soak 50 gms of fenugreek or methi seeds in a glass of water overnight, and sip it down as the first thing next morning.
Using fenugreek extract or paste on acne can reduce inflammation and also prevent future outbreaks. Hence, you can make a paste of one tablespoon methi dana and apply it for 15 minutes on the affected areas.
There are several ways fenugreek can benefit you. Hence, if you want to check the top fenugreek uses, here is a list to follow.
Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds
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Testosterone Booster
Fenugreek for male fertility is highly recommended for people who have lower sperm count, decreased sperm motility, reduced testosterone levels, etc. The hormone testosterone maintains the normal sexual characteristics (both primary and secondary) of the male.
Any decrease in the levels might cause difficulty in family planning or other ailments. Thus, among the various benefits of fenugreek for men, maintenance of normal hormone levels is considered primary.
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Weight Loss
Among the primary benefits of fenugreek, loss in weight is miraculous. Innumerable people are advised to include fenugreek or methi seeds in their regular diet. Not just in form of spice, fenugreek tea made from boiling a handful of seeds can work wonders in weight loss.
It curbs the feeling of hunger and thus fenugreek for weight loss have been used by people since long.
One should always ask the doctor before consuming fenugreek seeds and powder or any kind of fenugreek supplement in case of severe health diseases like cancer.
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Breastfeeding
Fenugreek or methi dana is also prescribed to breastfeeding mothers. A number of new moms have difficulty in producing enough milk for the baby. In this case, fenugreek for breastfeeding can work wonders.
Fenugreek seeds work as an effective galactagogue in the body which includes the production of milk in new mothers.
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Maintaining Sugar Levels
Fenugreek benefits for diabetes are always recommended by Ayurvedic specialists. A combination of fenugreek seeds and powder often helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels.
If you are wondering what fenugreek does; fenugreek extracts mostly form a sticky base in the intestine which reduces sugar absorption in the body and thus assists in better excretion.
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Better Hair Growth
Fenugreek benefits for hair have been appreciated since eternity. It is mostly because of the nutritional values of fenugreek which boosts hair growth in both men and women, even at an older age.
Besides consuming fenugreek supplements, one can apply fenugreek paste on the scalp to get rid of flaky scalp or dandruff.
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Fenugreek Side Effects
Apart from the innumerable health benefits of fenugreek seeds, it might not suit everyone. Hence, you are advised to ingest it in small amounts and check about the side effects first. Consumption of fenugreek or methi seeds can cause:
- Flatulence or enhance problems of gastritis
- Dizziness
- Allergic reaction
- Diarrhea severe loose motion
- Asthma
- Decreased blood sugar levels
Anything excess is never healthy. Thus, one should always consume fenugreek or methi seeds in controlled amounts, and stop ingesting fenugreek supplements in case of any sign of side effect.
Wrap Up – Benefits of Fenugreek
There are several other health benefits of fenugreek which cannot be ignored. It not only helps in maintaining and enhancing external beauty but also keeps our internal self-healthy. Among the best fenugreek benefit, its curing properties in various types of cancer is phenomenal.
Apart from this, it also helps in maintaining normal menstrual cycle in women and prevent PCOS, which are considered as the best fenugreek uses. Besides, it also helps in case of albumin toxicity, heart burns and several other diseases.