<-- Picture of Fenugreek Seeds
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek (Hindi name: Methi, Tamil name: Menthium or Venthayam, botanical name: Trigonella foenum-graecum) is both a herb and spice, the leaves are used as herbs and the seeds as spice. Fenugreek seeds (Hindi name: dana methi) are hard and yellowish brown. Methi has grown wild in India, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Ancient Egyptians have grown it as cattle fodder and also used it to treat fever. The powder is strong aromatic flavor and bittersweet taste.
The fenugreek seed (methi) is diuretic, carminative, lactagogue and astringent. Fenugreek seed is used as a spice and as a yellow dyestuff in India. It is an important ingredient for making sambar. It is also used in many medical conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, stomach trouble, etc. It can be used as a poultice for boils.
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Benefits of Fenugreek
- 25 - 100 grams of fenugreek seeds eaten daily can diminish reactive hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
- Fenugreek leaves and seeds help in blood formation. They are good for preventing anemia and rundown conditions.
- Including fenugreek seed in lactating mothers increases the flow of milk.
- A paste of the fresh fenugreek leaves, applied on the face prevents pimples, blackheads, dryness of the face and early appearance of wrinkles.
- For dandruff remedy.
- If you add half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to the lentil and rice mixture while soaking, dosas will be more crisp.
Fenugreek, The Natural Viagra
A recent study (June 2011) by the Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine in Australia revealed that fenugreek seeds (Fenugreek seeds hindi name) contain phytochemicals, saponins which may have an effect on the production of sex hormones and may help the body maintain normal testosterone levels. Saponins also have antimicrobial, cholesterol lowering and anti-cancer properties.
Fenugreek is available whole and dried, or as a dull yellow powder, ground from the roasted seeds.
Fenugreek Methi recipe: Methi chana sabji
Fenugreek Seeds Nutrition
Parameters | Value per 100g |
| Moisture Protein Fat Minerals Fibre Carbohydrates Energy Calcium Phosphorus Iron | 13.700 gm 26.200 gm 5.800 gm 3.000 gm 7.200 gm 44.100 gm 333.000 K cal 160.000 mg 370.000 mg 6.500 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Carotene Thiamine Riboflavin Niacin Folic Acid (Free) Folic Acid (Total) Choline | 96.000 µg 0.340 mg 0.290 mg 1.100 mg 14.500 µg 84.000 µg 1161.000 mg |
| Minerals & Trace Elements | |
| Magnesium Sodium Potassium Copper Manganese Zinc Chromium Phytin Phosphorus | 124.000 mg 19.000 mg 530.000 mg 0.710 mg 1.030 mg 3.080 mg 0.064 mg 151.000 mg |
Source: National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad, India. www.ninindia.org
Tips for Storing & using Fenugreek
Buy and store your fenugreek in whole form, if possible. If you want to use it in powder form, then grind or powder them in a grinder or mortar & pestle just prior to using because they rapidly lose their freshness and flavour once ground.
Fenugreek whole or powdered should be stored in airtight containers in a cool dark place.