What is fenugreek?

1. Have you ever heard of fenugreek? No? Then don't worry because you're probably not alone. But that doesn't mean this medicinal herb should remain unfamiliar to you. In fact, I even recommend that you use fenugreek regularly.

1. Why? Because fenugreek has some amazing benefits that can promote your health and improve your life. How do you wonder? It all starts with inflammation. As recent research has shown, fenugreek can reduce inflammation both internally and externally ... but beyond that, it can also improve your sex life, reproductive function, and baby nutrition!

1. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this important herb.

1. Fenugreek is an annual plant with light green leaves and small white flowers. It belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae) and is also known as Greek hay (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum). The fenugreek plant grows to about 50 centimeters high and the seed kernels contain 10-20 small, flat, yellow-brown, scented and aromatic seeds.

1. Fenugreek seeds have a somewhat bitter taste that is comparable to celery, maple syrup or burnt sugar and is therefore often used to make medicine. But fenugreek takes on a much more pleasant flavor when cooked. The seeds are the most commonly used part of the fenugreek plant and are usually dried and ground. The leaves are often also used for cooking.

1. Fenugreek can also be used to make a paste, which can be applied to the skin to help heal the inflammation and fenugreek extracts are often found in soaps and cosmetics.

1. Fenugreek extract and fenugreek oil are best known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antitumorogenic properties. Grown mainly in North Africa and the Middle East, especially Egypt and India, it has a long history as an ingredient in traditional medicine. A particular compound of the fenugreek can be used as a gum and as an emulsifier, allowing it to act as a stabilizer and thickener in food. It is also used as a spice and as a flavoring agent in food preparation.

Fenugreek Nutrition Facts

1. One serving - 1 tablespoon - fenugreek seed contains:

1. Fenugreek has a long history as a culinary and medicinal herb. It was one of the spices used by the ancient Egyptians to embalm bodies and the Greeks and Romans use it to make cattle feed, which is also where the Latin name Foenum graecum which means Greek hay comes from. It was also grown in large quantities in the Charlemagne imperial gardens. The first known use of fenugreek is described on an ancient Egyptian papyrus scroll, dating back to 1500 BC

1. Fenugreek is native to Southern Europe, the Mediterranean and Western Asia. It is grown in many countries from Western Europe to China for its aromatic seeds, and it is still used as animal feed in some parts of Europe and North Africa. Fenugreek is an indispensable ingredient in Indian curries.

1. Fenugreek seed is often used for cooking and has long been used in many cultures as a medicine for ailments caused by menopause and digestive problems. It was also often used to induce labor.

1. Today, fenugreek is mainly used as a remedy for diabetes and loss of appetite, as well as to stimulate milk production during breastfeeding. It is also applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and is thought to have many benefits for skin health.

Fenugreek protects against cancer

1. One of the best ways to add fenugreek to your diet is to make fenugreek parathas or gajar methi and consume it at least once a week. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components present in fenugreek help prevent the production of free radicals, so it actually has a protective effect against cancer.

Fenugreek can improve immunity

1. Drinking fenugreek water or any other drink made from fenugreek on an empty stomach not only increases immune health, but also prevents the development of a wide variety of infectious diseases. All you have to do is soak a few fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight and then finish the drink the next morning.

Fenugreek helps with fever and a sore throat

1. When taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey, fenugreek can reduce fever and help the body to recover. It also has a soothing effect on the airways and throat, which can relieve coughs and sore throats.

Fenugreek helps during labor

1. Pregnant women should add fresh fenugreek leaves to curries or a vaghar. It not only induces and facilitates labor by stimulating uterine contractions but it also reduces pain during labor. (But beware! Excessive intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or premature delivery.)

Fenugreek helps with weight loss

1. To lose weight, chew some vigorous fenugreek seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fiber in fenugreek swells when soaked, which will leave you feeling full and less appetite.

Fenugreek can reduce inflammation of the skin

1. Soak a few fenugreek seeds in some water for four or five hours. Then make a fine paste and apply it to a clean cloth or compress. Then apply it to the skin with burns, acne, scars from pimples or on an irritated skin. Since these seeds have antibacterial properties, it helps relieve various skin problems.

Fenugreek aids digestion

1. Add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to your food or mix it with a methi mung dal (lentil dish) to get rid of indigestion and other stomach problems. Since fenugreek helps flush out harmful toxins from the body, it improves digestive tract health and also helps reduce bloating and flatulence.

Fenugreek helps against heartburn

1. Soak some fenugreek seeds in some water and drink this solution to get rid of acid reflux naturally. This helps so much because the outer layer of the fenugreek seeds becomes mucilaginous when swallowed and this softens the irritated lining of the stomach.

Fenugreek can control blood sugar

1. Use methi sweets (made from fenugreek seed and palm sugar) to maintain the sugar levels in the body every morning. It contains galactomannan, which is a naturally soluble fiber that slows down the absorption of sugar from the blood. It also contains an amino acid that causes insulin production.

Fenugreek promotes breast milk production

1. It is good for breastfeeding women to consume fenugreek. The presence of diosgenin in fenugreek, a compound with hormonal properties, increases milk production in breast-feeding mothers.

Fenugreek provides extra iron in the body

1. Eat fenugreek or a tomato fenugreek curry regularly to ensure the body is getting enough iron. Since fenugreek has a high iron content and it is combined in a curry with potatoes or tomatoes, both of which also contain decent amounts of iron, the body will get enough of this important component.

Fenugreek can reduce the risk of heart problems

1. By adding more fenugreek to your diet in either curries (with other vegetables) or paratha with sweet potatoes, you can enjoy its many health benefits. This leafy vegetable is an excellent source of potassium and galactomannandie, which will lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack by improving blood flow in the body.

Fenugreek helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body

1. Make an herbal tea from fenugreek once or twice a day to lower your cholesterol levels in the blood. To make this you can roast some seeds for 2 minutes on a low heat. Then let the seeds cool for a few minutes and then make a fine powder. Add this powder to warm or cold water and enjoy it. Fenugreek contains saponins, a type of steroid, which will reduce the absorption of cholesterol from fats and reduce the cholesterol that is already present in the blood by promoting the production of bile.

Fenugreek Can Help Prevent Pimples

1. Make a paste of the fenugreek leaves by soaking a few leaves in some water. Then apply the paste to your pimples and leave it on overnight and wash your face with lukewarm water the next morning. Fenugreek's anti-bacterial property prevents blemishes from erupting.

Fenugreek can reduce acne scars

1. Boil some fenugreek seeds in some water for 15 minutes. Let it cool and strain it and apply the liquid to the scars with the help of a cotton ball. Do this for at least a week or until you get visible results.

Fenugreek can help reduce hair loss

1. Soak some fenugreek seeds in some water. Apply this paste (you can also add some yogurt to it) on your scalp and leave it on for at least an hour. Then wash your hair with cold water. For effective results, do this regularly and even daily in the beginning. The hormone present in fenugreek plays an important role in maintaining the hormonal balance in the body which can prevent hair loss.

Fenugreek can help reduce itching on the scalp

1. Soak a few fenugreek seeds in some water overnight. The next morning, smear the solution on your scalp and leave it on for a while. Fenugreek's antibacterial properties help to reduce itching of the scalp and prevent bacteria build-up.

Fenugreek can help get rid of your dandruff

1. Make a coarse paste from soaked and swollen fenugreek seeds. Apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it on for a few hours. Then wash your hair thoroughly and use a mild shampoo. Fenugreek not only reduces the excessive secretion of oil from the skin, causing flakes and dandruff, but it also has an anti-fungal effect on the skin.

Fenugreek can reduce menopausal and menstrual problems

1. Women can eat or drink fenugreek seeds or add them to curries and use the fenugreek leaves to make theplas or parathas. Since fenugreek contains decent amounts of diosgenin and isoflavones that have an estrogen-like effect in the body, it can relieve hot flashes, mood changes, menstrual cramps and menstrual discomfort.

Fenugreek can relieve pain

1. Use the fenugreek leaves to make a pasta or dish to relieve joint pain. Fenugreek has an anti-analgesic action and contains diosgenin which can relieve arthritic pain and reduce joint pain.

1. Like any medicine, fenugreek can cause side effects, some of which are quite serious. Only use fenugreek if you have discussed this with your doctor.

Bleeding

1. The ingredients in fenugreek that can cause harmful effects include coumarins, which can thin the blood and cause bleeding in some people. It is not entirely clear whether the dose in fenugreek is high enough to cause this effect. People who have bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinning or anticoagulant medications should not take fenugreek without their doctor's approval, as it can potentially cause bleeding in these cases. Signs of possible bleeding include blushing easily, vomiting blood or very dark stools, sometimes even with blood.

Pregnancy

1. Because fenugreek at high doses stimulates uterine contraction, its use during pregnancy can cause contractions which could lead to premature birth. Fenugreek has the same effect as oxytocin, a drug proven to cause uterine contractions in guinea pigs. Using the herb for cooking is scientifically safe, but supplements should not be taken at any time during pregnancy. It is best not to use them without your doctor's approval.

Diabetes

1. Fenugreek can increase insulin emissions, which in turn can lower blood glucose levels. While this may be helpful for diabetics, when combined with the diabetes medications, fenugreek can cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can cause irritation, tremors, sweating, hunger and nervousness and in severe cases, if not treated, can lead to death or the patient into a coma. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking these supplements.

Diarrhea

1. Fenugreek can cause stomach irritation, including diarrhea. An infant or small child who develops diarrhea can become dehydrated as a result. Watch for signs of diarrhea or dehydration in your baby if you are taking fenugreek to promote milk production. Signs of dehydration include a decrease in the number of wet diapers, loose skin, or a sunken soft spot on top of the baby's head.

Allergic reactions

1. Fenugreek belongs to the same family as chickpeas and peanuts, so if you have an allergy to any of these foods you can also have an allergic reaction from fenugreek. Look for signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, bumps, shortness of breath, a stuffy nose, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or getting sick. If severe allergy symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

1. You should actually have fenugreek in your kitchen cupboard as standard. The more you use it, the more familiar you become with it.

1. To get you started, I'll give you a few recipes using Fenugreek.

Chicken and mushroom masala with fenugreek, turmeric and curry

1. Servings: 4-5

1. Ingredients:

1. Ingredients for the masala:

1. Preparation:

Roast chicken with fenugreek

1. Servings: 4 - 6

1. Ingredients:

1. Preparation method:

1. As you have read, fenugreek can make an important contribution to your health. I have it at home as standard, and I use it more and more.

1. I also regularly buy a nice piece of cheese with Fenugreek. Have you ever tasted that?

1. How do you use Fenugreek? Will you let me know if the above recipes are good?

1. Theepicentre.com/spice/fenugreek/

1. Foodfacts.mercola.com/fenugreek.html