The word fenugreek sounds unfamiliar but you all know what it is. Well, here in India it is popularly called as methi seeds and you will definitely find them in your kitchen. What make fenugreek interesting are its three distinct uses—leaves can be dried and used as herbs, the seeds can be used as a spice and the plant itself can be used as a vegetable.
Good for breastfeeding mothers
You might have heard people saying that women should eat ‘methi ke laddo’ during their pregnancy as well as when lactating. The reason behind this is the presence of diosgenin in it. This can help increase the amount of milk that is produced by the breasts, and the magnesium and vitamin content of fenugreek also helps to improve the milk’s quality to keep the infant healthy after birth.
Minimizes symptoms of menopause
Fenugreek contains the chemicals diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones, which are similar to the female sex hormone, estrogen! When there is loss of estrogen, it causes menopausal symptoms. So, eating it helps to reduce menopausal symptoms like mood swings, depression, cramps, and abnormal hunger pangs. It also helps to monitor a number of other hormones as well!
Lowers cholesterol
Fenugreek consumption helps reduce cholesterol levels, especially low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) significantly. This can prevent various conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. It is a rich source of fibre, which scrapes excess cholesterol off the arteries and blood vessels of the body.
Controls Diabeties
Fenugreek helps to alleviate type II diabetes. It induces the production of insulin. Therefore, 15-20 grams of fenugreek is recommended for controlling blood sugar on a daily basis. By slowly releasing insulin into the body rather than in massive chunks, the overall bodily function is improved, and the plunges and peaks of blood sugar will not be an issue for diabetic patients after that.
Relieves constipation
Due to its high fibre content, fenugreek helps add bulk to stool. This as well makes it helpful to treat constipation and diarrhoea, while also relieving minor indigestions.
