Health Benefits of Methi (Fenugreek)

People have used plants as medicine for a very long time. Methi (fenugreek) is one such plant. It helps treat some illnesses. Methi (fenugreek) is known as "मेथी" (Methi) in Hindi. New studies show that Methi (fenugreek) is very useful. It may help with many diseases. It is also used to make medicines, especially steroid hormones. Methi (fenugreek) has a long history of use in Ayurveda medicine and is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, often taken as a dietary supplement. Ayurvedic texts highlight Methi's ability to aid digestion, balance hormones, and reduce inflammation.This herb may offer various health advantages. This article covers everything you need to understand about Methi (fenugreek), including its benefits, potential side effects, and applications.

What is Methi (fenugreek)? 

Methi (fenugreek) (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a plant that is found all over the globe and belongs to the Fabaceae family. The leaves and seeds of Methi (fenugreek) are used for various purposes in different countries, including medicinal applications (such as anti-diabetic, lowering or managing diabetes and cholesterol levels, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties) as well as culinary uses (such as in stews with rice in Iran, adding flavour to cheese in Switzerland, making syrup and bitter drinks in Germany, mixing seed powder with flour for flatbread in Egypt, preparing curries, dyes, and consuming young seedlings as vegetables). In Africa, people use roasted Methi (fenugreek) instead of coffee. It also helps keep grains safe from insects. It is used in making perfumes, too.

Methi (fenugreek) is a small plant with hair on it. It grows up to 30-60 cm tall. It belongs to the legume family. The plant typically reaches around three feet tall, featuring three-part leaves; the slender stems support tripartite, toothed, grey-green obovate leaves measuring 20-25 mm (3/4-1 in). The plant includes active ingredients such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. Methi (fenugreek) is an ancient medicinal herb that has been widely used as both food and medicine. It is recognized for its hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects and its anti-inflammatory properties.

Chemical composition of Methi (fenugreek) seeds

Protein & Amino Acids

• Globulin - Albumin - Lecithine: 25.4 g
   

Vitamins

• Vitamin A: 1040 IU
• Vitamin C: 12 mg
• Niacin: 6 mg
• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): 0.6 mg
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.41 mg
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.36 mg
• Nicotinic Acid: 1.1 mg
• Folate: 57 µg
   

Minerals

• Calcium: 176 mg
• Iron: 33.5 mg
• Zinc: 2.5 mg
• Phosphorus: 296 mg
• Magnesium: 191 mg
• Manganese: 1.22 mg
• Selenium: 6.3 µg
  
  What are the applications of Methi (fenugreek)?
• Methi (fenugreek) can alter the texture of food due to its significant amounts of proteins and fibres, particularly a soluble dietary fibre known as gum (approximately 20.9 g/100 g in the seeds) and neutral detergent. The fiber content and its flavour components affect the organoleptic characteristics of various foods. 
• Methi (fenugreek), both fresh and dried, imparts a sweet, nutty, and somewhat bitter flavor to culinary preparations.
• Methi can be incorporated into nutrition bars, yoghurts, dairy products, and health drinks. Pure Methi powders or total dietary fiber can be blended with fruit juices, spice blends, and seasonings. 
• It can also be developed into tablets or capsules combined with other vitamins and nutrients for direct supplementation. Additionally, it may be used in milkshakes, soups, dressings, desserts, and candies or to enrich bakery flour for products like pizza, bread, bagels, muffins, cake mixes, noodles, tortillas, flatbreads, and both fried and baked corn chips.

Methi (fenugreek) extracts are used in numerous products, including:

• Soaps and Cosmetics
• Products include tea, garam masala spice blend, condiments, and counterfeit maple syrup. 

What are the benefits of Methi (fenugreek) (methi)?

• Helps with diabetes & cholesterol: It lowers bad cholesterol. It also helps control blood sugar.
• Good for digestion: It cleans the blood and removes bad stuff from the body. It helps break down mucus. This makes the stomach and intestines clean. It also helps with memory.
• Stops hair fall: It has protein that makes hair strong. It functions as a natural remedy for baldness and thin hair. It has lecithin, which keeps hair soft and healthy. It also helps remove dandruff and lice.
• Aids in weight loss: The fibre content in Methi (fenugreek) promotes a feeling of fullness, even when consumed in small amounts. Soaking a few Methi (fenugreek) seeds in water and chewing them on an empty stomach in the morning can be helpful.
• Acts as a remedy for skin issues: Methi (fenugreek) seeds are an excellent beauty component, preventing wrinkles, blackheads, pimples, dryness, and rashes.
• Beneficial for beauty & health: Methi (fenugreek) helps achieve hormonal balance in women, which may promote breast enlargement and improve lactation in breastfeeding women.
• Enhancing breast milk production: Methi (fenugreek) might assist in boosting breast milk production and facilitating its flow. For centuries, practitioners of traditional Asian medicine have suggested Methi (fenugreek) for this reason.  The authors of a 2018 meta-analysis found that consuming Methi (fenugreek) significantly improved breast milk production in four out of five studies. Nevertheless, the studies were relatively small and had a considerable potential for bias.  Individuals can take between 1 to 6 grams (g) daily to enhance breast milk production. Taking higher amounts of 25 g or more per day might reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which could be detrimental.  
• Increasing testosterone and enhancing sperm count: As per a 2017 study, consuming fenugreek (methi) seed extract for 12 weeks led to a rise in sperm count for 85% of participants and an increase in testosterone levels for 90%. Researchers also noted improvements in mental clarity, mood, and libido.
• What this means: If you're struggling with low testosterone or fertility issues, methi might help naturally boost hormonal balance and reproductive health. Additionally, it was an open-label study without a control group, meaning the participants knew they were taking Methi (fenugreek), which might have affected their perceptions of its impact.  
   

Potential side effects and safety of Methi (fenugreek)  

Some common adverse effects associated with Methi (fenugreek) include:  

• Diarrhea: This condition is characterised by loose or watery stools, often resulting from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Chronic diarrhea can also stem from digestive disorders.  
• Nausea refers to a sensation of discomfort or unease in the stomach, which may be accompanied by an urge to vomit.  
• It often indicates illness, underlying medical conditions, treatment reactions, and medications.  
• Stomach discomfort,  
• The urine, sweat, or breast milk develops a maple-like scent,  
• Dizziness,  
• Headaches.  

Specific individuals have experienced allergic reactions to Methi (fenugreek), though this occurrence is uncommon.  

Looking to improve your nutrition? Read more about healthy ingredients like Suji and Bottle Gourd to make informed dietary choices!
 

Some caution to exercise

• Pregnant individuals should refrain from using Methi (fenugreek) in high doses as it may heighten the risk of birth anomalies. Nevertheless, consuming Methi (fenugreek) in culinary amounts is deemed safe. It remains uncertain whether high doses of Methi (fenugreek) are safe for those who are breastfeeding.  
• Anyone with a medical condition or who is taking prescription drugs or other supplements should consult a healthcare professional before starting Methi (fenugreek) supplements.
   

Summary

For centuries, Methi (fenugreek) has been utilized to address various issues, including fluctuating blood sugar levels and low testosterone. Many individuals use it to enhance lactation. 

Additionally, Methi (fenugreek) may provide other health advantages, such as managing cholesterol levels, decreasing inflammation, and aiding in weight loss. We need more detailed studies to truly claim these.

Those with health issues or who are on prescribed medications should consult a physician before using Methi (fenugreek) supplements. With TruePal, you can stay proactive about your health. Book your health test with TruePal and stay healthy!
 

FAQs

1. What happens if we eat methi seeds every day?

Fenugreek seeds provide numerous health benefits, including managing blood sugar levels, boosting heart health, hormonal balance, and skin health. They also improve weight control, digestive health, immunological function, and menopausal symptoms.

2. What time of day is ideal for methi consumption?

Consume Methi In the morning, soak 1 to 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water for at least 4 hours or overnight (about 8 to 10 hours). Strain the water in the morning and consume it without food. 

3. What are methi's adverse effects?

Diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive tract symptoms are possible side effects of fenugreek; headaches and dizziness are uncommon. Excessive dosages could result in a dangerous blood sugar decrease. Some people may experience adverse reactions to fenugreek. 

4. What are the benefits of fenugreek (methi)?

 Fenugreek (methi) is packed with health benefits:

• Fenugreek Tea: Supports digestion and gut health as it is rich in soluble fiber, acting as a prebiotic.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Helps reduce joint pain and inflammation.
• Fenugreek Water Benefits: Aids in weight management, blood sugar control, and overall metabolism.
• Traditional & Ayurvedic Uses: Used in Ayurveda for improving digestion, reducing cholesterol, and enhancing overall wellness.
• Hormonal Health & PCOS: Helps balance hormones and manage PCOS symptoms naturally.