Helath Benefits of Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi), Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Aug 27, 2020
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Fenugreek is also known as ‘Kasuri Methi’. It is a very ancient spice which is used for flavouring various dishes. These leaves are bitter in taste, when added to any recipe it will surely titillate your taste bud. In addition to taste, it has numerous nutritional values as well. Fenugreek leaves is a natural herb which works as a nutritional supplement. The reason why this herb is used by various herb lovers since ages is because it is very effective in battling diseases and also has numerous health benefits.
What is Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)?
This herb’s name “Fenugreek” is derived from the Latin language, which means ‘Greek hay’. Besides dried leaves, fenugreek seeds and green leaves are also for cooking various dishes. The seeds are mostly added in preparation of vegetables and pickles.
The dried leaves of fenugreek are also commonly used as animal’s food. It has various other names like Fenugreek, Bird’s Foot, and Goat’s Horn. In Hindi, it is called ‘Kasoori Methi’ or ‘Kasuri Methi’. It has different names in different regions in India like ‘Venthiya Keera’ in Tamil, ‘Methi Sag’ in Bengali, ‘Menthya Soppu’ in Malayalam, and ‘Menthikora’ in Telugu.Nutritional Value of Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
Fenugreek leaves are acclaimed worldwide for the cure of arthritis. If fenugreek leaves are consumed twice daily, it flushes out all the waste from the body and also cleanses the intestines. Leaves, as well as seeds, are a rich source of dietary fiber and also protein content is high in them.
The important vitamins and nutrients that fenugreek leaves contains are folic acid, thiamin, vitamins A, B6 and C, riboflavin, and niacin. Major nutrition present in fenugreek leaves are potassium, iron, phosphorous, and calcium among others. Vitamin K is also available in fenugreek leaves. About 100grams of fenugreek leaves provides us about 50 calories of energy.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams in Fenugreek leaves
Vitamins and Minerals in Fenugreek leaves
Health Benefits of Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
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Fenugreek leaves reduces cholesterol level
Daily consumption of fenugreek leaves has a great impact on blood lipid levels. Thus for people suffering from lipid fluctuations can benefit immensely from this herb. Thus it cuts down cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and LDL by pulling up their HDL levels. For a great effect, place about 100grams of fenugreek leaves in the water at night and strain the water next morning and consume it
Fenugreek leaves prevents bowel Problems
Fenugreek leaves is very helpful in fighting dyspepsia and poor functioning of the liver. It also helps in curbing gastric problems and various intestinal issues. Fenugreek leaves is commonly used in digestion related problems such as, gastritis, constipation, and stomach upset etc.
Fenugreek leaves balances blood lipids levels
Fenugreek leaves helps in balancing effect on body’s blood lipid levels and helps in curbing hazards like atherosclerosis.
Fenugreek leaves benefits for diabetes
Fenugreek leaves since years is known to be the best means for reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels which in turn helps in fighting symptoms of diabetes.
Kasuri Methi is capable of restraining glucose metabolism. Thus, helps in treating and preventing Type II diabetes. As per various studies, it reduces the formation of blood sugar levels of diabetes by a fair margin.
Fenugreek leaves reduces heart problems
This is one of the most important characteristics of fenugreek leaves that it helps in reduction of platelet creation. Thereby, helps in reducing the chances of unanticipated blood clotting in the heart. Like various other herbs, fenugreek leaves also comprise of strong antioxidants.
Kasuri Methi also helps in protecting other antioxidants that are generated internally from any kind of damage. They are also helpful in shielding the body against a range of chronic diseases.
Fenugreek leaves helps in reducing blemishes
Fenugreek leaves are highly beneficial in reducing blemishes and marks on the skin. People having some prominent spots or marks on the face, should try using fenugreek leaves.
Applying it is also very simple, just mix a few drops of water in fenugreek seed powder and blend till it becomes smooth and then apply the paste on the face and leave it for some time. Then wipe it off using wet cotton and the difference will be seen in a few weeks.
Fenugreek leaves benefits for hair
Applying thick fenugreek leaves or methi paste on the scalp and rinsing it off after 30-40 minutes twice a week promotes lustrous and long hair. It is an excellent replacement for unsafe and chemical shampoos damaging the hair
Fenugreek leaves for kidney stones patients
Various medical researchers have named fenugreek leaves as a very useful medium for battling not only kidney problems but also boils and mouth ulcers and beriberi disease among various others.
Fenugreek leaves helpful to breast feeding mothers
Consume Fenugreek leaves to reduce fever
Herbal tea made using fenugreek leaves powder is an excellent way of bringing the temperature down in case of high fever and thus can serve as the best homemade medicine for fever.
Fenugreek leaves for hair growth
In addition, to making the hair long and lustrous, fenugreek leaves when mixed with coconut milk and applied to the scalp prevents hair loss, greying of hair and also makes the hair silky and soft. One of the biggest problems is greying of hair; this can be prevented by massaging this paste unto the scalp.
Kasuri Methi also help in preventing of dandruff by mixing leaves with a small amount of vinegar and directly applied on the scalp.
Fenugreek leaves benefits for skin
Besides removing spots and blemishes, a face pack made using fenugreek leaves paste mixed with some turmeric powder prevents blackheads and pimples. It can also be used in boiled milk and it will help in preventing lines and wrinkles. It also makes the complexion fair
Uses of Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
It is popularly used for flavoring dishes and making herbal tea. This herb also used for medicinal purposes. It is also used as a topping of “tur dal” and is a seasonal herb in various vegetarian dishes.
Fenugreek leaves or Kasuri Methi is also used in the manufacturing of soaps and cosmetics by various beauty products manufacturers. Since fenugreek reminds of maple syrup it is used by various pharmaceutical companies to cover up the sour taste of medicines and tablets. It is mostly used by natural products or ayurvedic based medicine manufacturers. In beverages, food, and tobacco it is used as a flavonoid.
Kasuri Methi herb is also used in making pickles or salads and in India it is also consumed as a leafy vegetable. It is also used in the preparation of starchy vegetables, raitas for flavoring, and to make the vegetable gravies thick. In some restaurants in India, steamed fenugreek is added in various vegetables for topping.
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Side-Effects & Allergies of Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
There are numerous benefits of fenugreek leaves but only if it is consumed in moderation. Since it is very bitter in taste it is not easy to consume it in a large, quantity but if large quantities are consumed it has an allergic reaction similar to that of peanuts as it belongs to the same category.
With fenugreek, the most common problem is a feeling of nausea. It has great skin advantages but prior to its application on the face; test it on the skin as it has allergic reactions to various types of skin. Pregnant women should avoid consuming it because of its labor inducing effect. If you are on any other medicine then consume fenugreek at least a couple of hours before you take your medicine.
Origin And Cultivation of Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
The fenugreek plant belongs to the family of Fabaceae and is a commercially imported spice crop grown for its seeds, fresh leaves and tender shoots. It is one of the oldest cultivated spice crops in the world.
It’s an annual plant, extensively cultivated as a food crop in India, the Mediterranean region, North Africa and Yemen. The Fenugreek seeds and herbs are well known for their distinct aroma and slightly bitter taste. They are commonly ground and used as a spice.
Fenugreek is a semi-arid crop. The cultivation of this crop is majorly in the moderate or low rainfall areas and cool growing season without extreme temperatures. The plant can tolerate 10 to 15 degrees of frost (Duke 1986).
It is also grown under a wide range of soil and different climatic conditions in many countries of Europe, Asia, Australia and America. Fenugreek has economic value as food, fodder, medicine and in cosmetics. In Egypt, Fenugreek has been cultivated since 1000 BC. Fenugreek has been a part of the Indian diet for over 3000 years.
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