15 health benefits of methi.(fenugreek) The seeds and leaves ofmethi(fenugreek) are readily available and widely used in Indian kitchen. They have a strongaroma and a bitter taste. But when used in small quantities they impart flavour to your food. It is commonly used in curries, vegetable dishes,dalsand not to forget the mouth-wateringmethi paratha. But did you know thatmethiis a rich reservoir of medicinal properties too?Methicontains protein, fibre, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, iron and alkaloids. It also contains a compound diosgenin whichhas oestrogen-like properties, as well as steroidal saponins. These compounds impart many benefits tomethi– from being your beauty product to being an answer to yourhealth problems! Here are 15 health benefitsofmethi(fenugreek): Increase breast milk production Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must haves’ fornursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the spice which increases milk production in lactating mothers. Induce and ease child birth Fenugreek has been knownto be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could putyou in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth. Ease women’s health problems Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. Thesecompounds also ease menopausal symptoms likehot flashes and mood fluctuations. Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance the iron absorption. Breast Enlargement Want to enlarge your breasts? Include fenugreekin your regular diet. The oestrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women. Reduce cholesterol According to studies fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterollevel, especiallythat of the low density lipoprotein (LDL). Reduce cardiovascular risk Fenugreek seed has cardiovascular benefits due to the presence of galactomannan. It lowers the risk of heart attack. It is also an excellent source of potassium which counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure. Control diabetes Fenugreek is beneficial for people with diabetes. Galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre present in fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into blood. Fenugreek also contains amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin. Aid digestion Fenugreek helps flush out harmful toxins. It relieves indigestion and helps treatconstipation. Cure acid reflux or heartburn One teaspoon of fenugreekseeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of thestomach and intestine and sooth irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak themethiseeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous. Remedy for fever and sore throat Fenugreek when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve cough and pain from sore throat. Prevent colon cancer The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flushthem out. This in turn helpsto protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers. Lose weight by suppressing appetite Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soakedmethiseeds in the morning on anempty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fillthe stomach thereby suppressing your appetite. Cure for skin inflammation and scars Apply a clean cloth soaked inmethiseed paste for effective treatment of skinproblems like burns, boils, eczema, etc. Fenugreek seeds also help in getting rid of scars. Beauty product Fenugreek can be an excellent ingredient for your home-made beauty product. Fenugreek can be used in face packs to help prevent blackheads, pimples, wrinkles, etc. Washing your face with water boiled with fenugreek seeds or applying a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves for twenty minutes on your face can work wonders for your skin. Solution to hair problems Using fenugreek as a part of your diet or as a paste to directly apply on your hair makes your hair shiny and black. Massaging your head everyday with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedyfor thinning of hair and hair fall. What more? Fenugreek is also great to keep the dandruff away.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 01:30:02 +0000
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