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Fenugreek, better known to us as "Methi" & botanically from the Fabaceae family is used as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), a spice (seeds) & also as a vegetable (fresh leaves that are methi & sprouts).
Renowned as one of the healthiest seeds used in cooking & famous for its medicinal properties, fenugreek seeds possess an array of health benefits. Fenugreek leaves or methi leaves, the wonder herb, being rich in vitamins minerals, iron, calcium & proteins increase its culinary value while fenugreek seeds, being a rich source of dietary soluble fibre provides essential control on various health conditions such as body fluids, blood pressure, heart rate & diabetes mellitus.
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FENUGREEK BENEFITS: THE WONDERS OF THE MULTI-TALENTED SEED:
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Prevents Diabetes - Well known to control blood sugar levels in diabetic people by slowing down the sugar absorption rate in the blood.
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Reduces Cholesterol - Contains Saponins, that help reduce the body's absorption of cholesterol from fatty foods, especially the bad LDL cholesterol & triglycerides.
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Aids in Weight loss - Being a natural soluble fibre source & suppressing appetite, it increases the supply of energy & modulates carbohydrate metabolism.
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Increases breast milk supply - Fenugreek has Galactagogue properties helping in the supply of breast milk for nursing mothers.
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Protects from Cancer - The mucilage in fenugreek bind with foods flushing out toxins from the body & thus preventing cancer.
FENUGREEK FOR DIABETES MANAGEMENT
Fenugreek seeds, a source of soluble fibre, contain "Galactomannan", an essential constituent that helps lower the rate of digestion & absorption of carbohydrates. This, in turn, helps lower the blood glucose levels in people with diabetes & improves overall glucose tolerance. Besides this, fenugreek seeds also have an unusual amino acid (4-hydroxy isoleucine), having anti-diabetic properties such as enhancing insulin secretion under hyperglycemic conditions & increasing insulin sensitivity, thus helping in the treatment of type 1 & type 2 diabetes mellitus.
BEST WAYS OF CONSUMING FENUGREEK:
Step 1 Dry roast fenugreek seeds on medium-high heat for one to two minutes, Stir frequently & add 1 teaspoon over Indian curries, salad and stir-fry dishes.
Step 2 Soak 1 teaspoon overnight in water & gulp the next morning with 1 glass of water.
Step 3 Let it boil for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4 Sprout fenugreek seeds by soaking them in water overnight, keeping them in a jar covered with a cloth for a few days until tiny green shoots appear. The sprouted fenugreek seeds can be added to any kind of salad.
Step 5 Herbal teas made with fenugreek seeds, lemon & honey are effective remedies used to treat fevers.
FENUGREEK RECIPES
FENUGREEK SEED TEA:
Step 1 Take 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds & crush slightly.
Step 2 Soak in hot water for 3 hours.
METHI SPROUTS SALAD:
Step 1 Soak methi seeds in water overnight in a jar & cover with a muslin cloth for a few days until you see green shoots appear.
Step 2 Once sprouted completely, make a salad using 2 tbsp methi sprouts, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum or any other veggies of your choice.
Step 3 Season with lemon & pepper & enjoy this healthy salad.
