7 Amazing Health benefits of Fenugreek (Methi)

Fenugreek(Methi) leaves and seeds form an essential ingredient of Indian cooking. You can easily get them in every Indian household. Fenugreek(Methi) leaves can be cooked as a vegetable and can be used in making pulao/rice or can be used to make delicious methi parantha/Indian bread. These seeds can be used in curries. Methi is rich in medicinal properties. It has a little bitter taste. It is not taste and health alone; it is an excellent beauty aid too.  Apart from using methi seeds in cooking, you can also use them as a hair mask. The innumerable health benefits of fenugreek made it be counted among the healthiest foods.

Fenugreek/Methi seed and leaves

Methi Contains

• Protein:
• Every single strand of your hair is made up of protein fiber that means you require an adequate quantity of protein to keep your hair healthy and growing. 100 grams of fenugreek methi seeds contains 23 grams of Protein
• Vitamin C:
• Vitamin C helps boost your immunity.

• Nicotinic Acid:
• Promotes hair growth

• Iron
• An essential mineral and component of hemoglobin.

• Potassium
• Helps to maintain Hypertension/High blood pressure.

Health benefits of Fenugreek(Methi)

# Fenugreek/Methi seeds for Hair

Just the way we care for our other body parts, hair is also an important part that needs proper care too. Who doesn't want healthy and shiny hair without getting exposed to chemicals? There are many natural ingredients in your kitchen that you can use for treating your hair like curd, amla(Indian Gooseberry), coconut oil, fenugreek(methi) and many others. Methi is a wonder spice for hair. It nutritious hair. Methi helps treat hair loss and increases hair growth. Methi seeds prevent premature graying of hair. It is also helpful in treating dandruff.

# Fenugreek/methi for skin problems

Methi can be used in face packs. This will help prevent blackheads, wrinkles, pimples, etc. You can apply fresh fenugreek/methi leaves paste on your face. This will do wonders for your skin.

# Fenugreek/Methi for Weight loss

Weight watches must include fenugreek in their weight loss diet. Chew some soaked methi seeds on an empty stomach in the morning. The natural soluble fibers present in methi will swell and fill the stomach, and this will suppress your appetite and aid your weight loss goal.

# Fenugreek/Methi for menstrual problems

During adolescence, pregnancy and breastfeeding women are more prone to iron deficiency. Anemia affects over 800 million women worldwide. In India, it is classified as a significant public health problem as it is estimated that 52% of nonpregnant women of reproductive age are anemic. Fenugreek contains compounds like isoflavones and diosgenin with estrogen-like protein which help reduce symptoms like pain and menstrual cramps associated with PMS(Premenstrual Syndrome). Presence of these compounds eases menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) are a rich source of iron. Including its leaves in your diet can supply the right amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance the iron absorption.

# Fenugreek Reduces risks of heart disease

Fenugreek(Methi) contains Galactomannan, due to its presence; it helps in maintaining heart health. It is a rich source of Potassium that counters the action of sodium to help control blood pressure also.

# Increases milk production in lactating women

Due to the presence of diosgenin in fenugreek(methi), it increases production of milk in lactating mothers. It was found to be very useful to help milk flow in breastfeeding mothers. This is why it ranks high among the 'must haves' for nursing mothers.

# Helps slightly increase breast size

Fenugreek helps in balancing hormones in women and increase breast size slightly. This is due to the estrogen-like property of fenugreek. By its bitter and peculiar taste it not very easy to consume in large quantities. It may have a similar allergic reaction as that of peanuts because it is in the same group of peanuts.

Caution:

Never take its seeds in excess. By its bitter and peculiar taste it not very easy to consume in large quantities. Fenugreeks have a similar allergic reaction as that of peanuts because it is in the same group of peanuts.

References:
http://www.thehealthsite.com/
http://readanddigest.com/