Fenugreek Seeds Health Benefits, Uses And Its Side Effects

Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with light green leaves and small white flowers, it consists of seed pods containing 10-20 small, yellow-brown, flat, pungent, aromatic seeds, which have a somewhat bitter taste.

Interesting facts: Fenugreek is commonly known as – Greek hay.

It is native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe and western Asia and is widely used in the Indian subcontinent as well. Fenugreek has three important purposes: its leaves can be dried and used as herbs, seeds can be ground into a spice while the plant matter can be consumed as a vegetable.

Fenugreek seeds are rich in phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. The seeds are rich in dietary fiber and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) like tannin, hemicellulose and saponin form a significant part of these seeds. The different phytochemical compounds present in fenugreek seeds are choline, trigonelline diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin and other

Fenugreek consists of protein, fats, carbohydrate, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin K, Ribo flavin, Thiamin, folate, niacin, sugars, fibres and water.

Amazing seeds with lots of nutritional properties helps in curing various health conditions. You can find fenugreek in different forms such as fenugreek powder, fenugreek capsules, fenugreek tea, and more. Mentioned below are the best health benefits of consuming fenugreek seeds.

You can also soak some fenugreek seed in water and used it for different purposes such as hair regrowth, weight management, and skincare. We also discuss the uses of fenugreek seed in a different way and other items such as coconut water, buttermilk, etc.

Fenugreek seeds has a wide variety of uses and most of its beneficial effects can be attributed to the presence of saponins and fibers. It can also be used for herbal healing. Fenugreek works against both internal and external inflammation and can be either taken by mouth or used to form a paste that can be applied on the skin to heal inflammation.

Fenugreek seeds extracts are can be found in soaps and cosmetics. Fenugreek is used as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice (seeds), and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and micro greens). Sotolon is the chemical responsible for fenugreek's distinctive sweet smell.

Cuboid-shaped, yellow- to amber-coloured fenugreek seeds are frequently encountered in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent, used both whole and powdered in the preparation of pickles, vegetable dishes dal, and spice mixes such as panch phoron and sambar powder. They are often roasted to reduce bitterness and enhance flavour in cooking.

Inspite of all its beneficial effects, consumption of fenugreek can have a few side effects. It can cause diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, gas, 'maple syrup' odour in urine, coughing, nasal congestion, wheezing, facial swelling, and allergic reactions.

Fenugreek is native to the Middle and Near East and is widely used in the Indian subcontinent. Fenugreek seeds have been found in ancient tombs of Egypt, including Tutankhamen’s. This points to the fact that ancient Egyptians understood the importance of fenugreek seeds. Romans tried fenugreek with wine in the first century A.D. During the same period, it was grown as a staple in Galilee.

The largest producer of fenugreed seeds is India. Fenugreek production in India is concentrated in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand , Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab.

Fenugreek seeds is used both as a spice, herb or as a vegetable. It can be grown in both spring and summer while it can be cultivated throughout the year in the tropics. It can be grown in both the ground and in containers. It can be grown from seeds and requires a temperature range of 10-32 degrees centigrade. It is best grown on neutral soil with a pH range between 6-7.