THE WONDERS OF METHI

Methi, Greek hay, or fenugreek, is a commodity that can be found in Indian, Turkish, and Persian cuisine, but it has also been used in Egypt, Greece, Italy and South Asia, mainly because of its many health benefits. It contains proteins, fiber, vitamin C, B6, and K, minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesiun and zink and iron alkaloids and even a compound called diosgenin, which has estrogen-like properties. It is high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. 

There are two popular varieties of fenugreek known as Kasuri Methi or Champa Methi; and Marwari Methi. Both varieties are scented and recommended for cultivation. The height of a Methi plant is approximately 2-3 feet (60-90 centimeters). It is a robust herb characterized by its green leaves, small white flowers, and pods. 

It is a nutrient-rich herb known for its numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, blood sugar control, and heart health.

Digestive Health: Methi is known to alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation due to its high fiber content. It can also promote better nutrient absorption. It helps to cleanse the body of toxins, soothes the stomach during digestion and helps prevent constipation. There are also various components that help to calm inflammation of the digestive system by coating the walls of the stomach and intestines. It can also relieve heartburn if you drink it as a tea.

·        Grind one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds for each cup of tea you want to make.

·        Add the ground fenugreek to a tea strainer, with or without other tea, although it is recommended to combine them with others for taste.

·        Place the tea strainer in a glass and add a cup of boiling water for each teaspoon of fenugreek you have ground. Steep and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

·        Drink the tea hot (reheated) or cold, you can add sweeteners or milk for taste.

·        You can also upgrade the tea with a little nutmeg, honey, and lemon.  

 

Blood Sugar Control: The soluble fiber in methi helps slow down the absorption of sugar in the blood, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Studies suggest that it can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. It is very useful for diabetics because of the galactomannan, a natural fiber in fenugreek which slows down sugar absorptions. Additionally, fenugreek contains amino acids that contribute to insulin production.

Heart Health: Methi can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease. Its potassium content also aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure. You can crush and sprinkle some of its seeds on the food you prepare every day, helping yourself balance your cholesterol levels.

Since it contains a high amount of galactomannan and is an excellent source of potassium, fenugreek helps maintain normal blood pressure and heart rate.

Weight Management: The fiber in methi promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overall food intake and assist in weight management. If you chew a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds soaked in water each morning on an empty stomach, you can take advantage of its soluble fibers, which will expand in your stomach and suppress your appetite during the day.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Methi contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate conditions like arthritis and asthma. 

Hormonal Balance: Fenugreek is known for its phytoestrogen content, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances, particularly in women experiencing menopausal symptoms. 

Skin and Hair Health: Methi can be used in face packs to improve skin health by reducing acne and promoting a clear complexion. It is also beneficial for hair, helping to prevent dandruff and promote hair growth. Simply soak the fenugreek seeds in coconut oil overnight, boil the solution and apply it to your hair. Leave it for about 3 hours, and repeat every day for a week.

It soothes skin infections and reduces scars. Studies have shown that fenugreek helps to treat various skin problems such as pustules, blisters, burns, eczema, and gout. Take a tablespoon of Methi seeds and grind them into powder. Mix the powder with warm water. Take a clean piece of cloth, dip it in a mixture and clean the skin with it.

Eases labour: Fenugreek is especially useful as a natural relieving drug during childbirth because it causes contractions in the uterus. It also helps to reduce labor pain, but it is important not to consume too much as this may endanger the fetus.

Breast Milk Production: Fenugreek is often recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may help increase milk production. So it is high on the list of foods that all lactating women should eat, and studies have shown a more than 500% increase in milk production just 24-72 hours after fenugreek consumption. This is due to a high concentration of diosgenin, a compound that has been shown to have estrogen-like properties.

Eases Menstruation related discomfort: Fenugreek contains compounds called diosgenin and isoflavone, which have estrogen-like properties, and help reduce stressful symptoms of the menstrual cycle such as cramps, hot flashes, and mood swings. In addition, women are more sensitive to iron deficiency during menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation and fenugreek may help compensate for that.

Treating Anaemia:  The leaves of fenugreek are rich in Iron and thus help in blood cell formation. Apart from Iron, it is also rich in zinc, sodium, potassium and certain other trace minerals which are really good for health.

Cures Halitosis: Halitosis which is characterized by a foul smell from the mouth. This can be naturally cured with the use of fenugreek. One should take herbal tea prepared with fenugreek. The unpleasant odour occurring from the mouth can be due to several reasons; lack of nourishment, gum decay, cavity, any kind of disease, lack of personal hygiene and many more. The fenugreek tea taken regularly will help remove these accumulations from such spots where mouthwash and toothpaste can never penetrate.

Cures 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. Here are 5 foods that relieve sore throat.

 

Culinary Uses

Methi can be consumed in various forms, including fresh leaves, dried leaves, and seeds. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine to enhance the flavor of dishes like curries, parathas, and dals. 

·        A well-known flatbread called “Methi ke parathe“ is prepared using Fenugreek leaves.

·        Methi is even used as a condiment to prepare snack items.

·        Dried leaves of the fenugreek are used for flavouring meat, fish and vegetable dishes.

·        Seeds of fenugreek are also used as a cosmetic item; like in face packs, hair masks, and many more.

·        Fenugreek seeds and leaves are also used as an ingredient in herbal tea.

·        The seeds are sprouted and taken as a snack item or cooked.

·        The green leaves are used to prepare curry called ‘saag‘; or also used to cook different curry items.

 

Methi fenugreek has an antioxidant-rich composition, meaning they have relatively high amounts of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and other antioxidants. This helps combat oxidative stress. The galactomannan content in Methi is believed to improve your heart health by reducing cholesterol levels. It is a rich source of protein, which can help repair tissues and build lean muscle mass. Besides, it boosts satiety and reduces hunger cravings. And it is packed with dietary fibre that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar levels.