Trigonella foenum-graecum, or simply fenugreek seeds, is a true health booster. The seeds are packed with medicinal properties and nutrients and can help prevent various ailments and keep your body healthy. In India, fenugreek seeds are widely popular as a spice and lentil. Indians often buy bulk fenugreek seeds to add to their daily cooking.
Its unique bitter-sweet flavour can enhance your food’s taste while improving your immunity. Once you start using this spice, I bet you will make it a pantry staple in your kitchen. In this article, we have discussed how you should use fenugreek in your diet and some reasons why you should do so.
How to consume fenugreek seeds?
From fenugreek lentil porridge to tea and sprout salad, you can add fenugreek seeds into your diet to reap its health benefits. You can also add ground fenugreek powder as a spice in various dishes, such as soups, stews, and curries. Moreover, consuming fenugreek tea first in the morning is a great way to leverage the benefits.
To make a quick fenugreek tea, follow this recipe:
- Add 1 tablespoon of whole fenugreek seeds or powder to a pot.
- Pour 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil on a high flame.
- Once it comes to the boiling point, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 6-7 minutes.
- Now strain the tea into a teacup and add a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the taste.
- Enjoy this fenugreek tea hot.
Why should you use fenugreek seeds?
Helps in weight loss
Fenugreek is made of natural fibres that can swell and fill the stomach. This leads to suppression of appetite and hence supports weight loss. In addition, the seeds have 75% of water-soluble fibres, which aids in easy digestion and metabolism, two of the most critical factors for healthy weight loss. Moreover, it is also believed to burn fatty tissues from the body, which can speed up your weight loss journey.
Cures fever and sore throat
Fenugreek contains diosgenin, saponin, and alkaloid compounds, which have healing properties. Thanks to these chemicals, fenugreek seeds can help cure viral fever and increase your body’s immunity. Moreover, the mucilage compound found in the seeds has soothing effects on the throat. It clears mucus, cleanses sore throats, and stimulates the immune system. Furthermore, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help fight infection and inflammation in the body.
Aids in digestion
Bad digestion often invites an array of health issues, and fenugreek seeds can effectively prevent this root cause of the diseases. Fenugreek regulates bowel movement thanks to its high fibre content. In addition, its antioxidant properties flush out toxins that create digestion-related issues such as constipation. The soluble fibres absorb water and add bulk to the stool, preventing constipation, while the antioxidants also cure stomach ulcers.
Prevents hair loss
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of iron and protein, two crucial nutrients for healthy hair growth. Iron produces haemoglobin in the blood, which carries oxygen to blood cells and promotes hair growth. Although it is a widely used remedy for hair loss, researchers have not found any evidence to support the claim.
Fights dandruff
Dandruff is a common hair problem mainly due to dry scalp and fungal infection. Fenugreek has antibacterial and antifungal properties that fight off the dandruff-causing bacteria from your scalp. Moreover, it also offers much-needed moisture to your scalp and hair. And therefore, it not only cures dandruff but also provides smooth, silky, and shiny hair strands.
Gets glowing skin
Fenugreek has a diosgenin compound that offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can cure acne from your skin. In addition, its moisturising properties help prevent dry skin, one of the main culprits for increased sebum production that leads to a breakout. Moreover, its skin-lightening properties lighten the scars and pigmentation, leaving spotless and glowing skin.
Regulates blood sugar level
Fenugreek is said to be a powerful remedy against high blood sugar levels. This is because its fibre and chemical content slows down the body’s consumption of carbohydrates and sugar. Additionally, the amino acid called hydroxyisoleucine increases glucose-induced insulin release. This means it stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, which converts blood glucose into energy and stores it in the body cells. This regulates the blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
Some interesting hidden facts about fenugreek seeds
- The taste and aroma of fenugreek seeds resemble maple syrup.
- When exposed to heat, its bitter taste decreases.
- It has been used since ancient times as fenugreek stashes have been found in tombs of pharaohs.
- In ancient Rome and Greece, it was used as animal feed.
- Dried fenugreek can also be used as a natural insect repellent.
- Besides culinary and medicinal purposes, it also has many industrial uses.
Looking at its myriad health benefits, adding fenugreek seeds to your diet would be a wise decision. Since it is excellent as a spice, feel free to use it in your curries and soups. There are many online retailers where you can find bulk fenugreek seeds and other whole spices online. So you don’t have to leave your home searching for these seeds. Buy them in a minute from online spice suppliers.
