METHI MAGIC
देखन में छोट है पर लाभ करे गंभीर
मेथी के मैथ्स को समझ लो तो ठीक हो जाए सब पीर
LETS explore world of enormous benefits inside the small Fenugreek seeds popularly known as Methi .
Methi Magic –
No, no don’t get burdened with “Fenugreek”, its nothing but, Methi found in our Indian kitchens. Scientifically known as Trigonella foenum graecum,Alongwith India it is native to southern Europe and Asia and is an erect annual herb with white flowers and hard, yellowish brown and angular seeds.
Methi seeds and leaves are strongly aromatic and flavourful. Seeds are bitter in taste but lose their bitterness if roasted slightly. They are rich in vitamins such as thiamine, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and C, and are a storehouse of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Methi leaves are a rich source of vitamin K as well.
Isn’t it MAGICAL !
Methi or fenugreek seeds and leaves form an important ingredient in Indian households. It is used in almost every Indian preparation like dal, paratha or curry. But, what we might not know is that methi is a rich reservoir of medicinal properties that imparts many health benefits. Here are some ways which reflects the benefits of methi.
- Lowers blood cholesterol
It helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of low density lipoprotein (LDL). They are known to be rich source of steroidal saponins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Reduces risk of heart disease
Due to the presence of galactomannan, fenugreek plays a key role in maintaining a good heart. It also contains high amount of potassium that counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure.
- Controls blood sugar levels
A Diabetic must include methi (either in the form of seeds or leaves) in their diet. Because galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre present in fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into blood. It also contains amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin.
- Aids digestion
As Methi is rich in fibre and antioxidants, it helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and thus, aids digestion. In some cases, fenugreek tea is used to relieve indigestion and stomach pain.
- Helps counter acid reflux or heartburn
One teaspoon of methi seeds in our food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and soothe irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, we can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.
- Helps you lose weight
Include methi in our weight loss diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing our appetite and aiding in weight loss goals.
- Remedy for fever and sore throat
Methi when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps in relieving cough and pain from sore throat.
- Increases breast milk production in lactating women
Methi ranks high among the ‘must haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the spice which increases milk production in lactating mothers. Fenugreek is used as a galactagogue by nursing mothers to increase inadequate breast milk supply.
- Induces and eases child birth
Methi has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It also reduces labour pain. But, here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could be a reason of miscarriage or premature childbirth.
- Helps reduce menstrual discomfort
Methi contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with fight-estrogen– which is a plant based oestrogen , which helps reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore including green leafy veggies like methi in their diet can supply a good amount of iron. But, make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance the iron absorption.
- Helps prevent colon cancer
The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of methi binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancer.
- Helps soothe skin inflammation and reduce scars
While Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, fenugreek also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that aid in the treatment of various skin problems like burns, boils and eczema. The seeds are known to help in getting rid of scars.
14 Helps treat skin problems
methi can be used in face packs to help prevent blackheads, pimples, wrinkles, etc. Washing your face with water boiled with fenugreek seeds or applying a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves for twenty minutes on your face can work wonders for your skin.
15 Can resolve hair problems
Using methi as a part of your diet or as a paste to directly apply on your hair makes your hair shiny and black. Massaging your head everyday with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedy for thinning of hair and hair fall.
WAYS TO LETS this magic spell on your system –
One can eat soaked seeds, eat sprouts and seeds together, or add them to a dish for a sweet and bitter touch.
Methi can be consumed as –
1 Eating Soaked Fenugreek Seeds
Allow the seeds to soak overnight. You can leave the bowl of seeds out on the counter. It is a good idea to cover the bowl if you are worried about bugs or anything getting into the bowl throughout the night.
Filter out excess water from the seeds. Pour the soaked bowl of seeds, including the water, into a strainer. You can then put the seeds into a storage container or bowl if you soaked more than 1 serving Place the leftover seeds in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 5 days.
Eat the seeds on an empty stomach to aid weight loss. If you’re eating the seeds to aid weight loss, it is best to eat on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Simply eat the seeds raw directly out of the bowl. Eating about 1 cup (240 ml) of seeds is recommended. Repeat soaking and eating the seeds on a daily basis in order to notice weight loss.
2. Eating Sprouted Seeds
Soak the seeds in 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water overnight. Then, drain the excess water out of the bowl in the morning. You can use a strainer to remove the excess water.
Wrap the seeds in a damp cloth. You can use any type of cloth, but a muslin cloth is ideal to use. Use warm water to dampen the cloth before folding the cloth around the seeds.
Wait 3 to 4 days for the seeds to sprout. Check on the seeds the day after you wrap them in the cloth. Typically, it will take a few days for the seeds to sprout. After 3 days, you can remove the seeds if you see that they’ve sprouted. You can rinse the seeds under water, but otherwise, they are ready to eat.Store the sprouts in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Add the sprouts to salad or eat them alone. If you’re eating the sprouts to aid weight loss, it’s best to eat them first thing into the morning on an empty stomach. It’s also an option to add them to a salad if you don’t want to eat them alone. Simply toss the sprouted seeds into a salad and thoroughly mix them in with the other ingredients
3.Adding Fenugreek to Meals
- Garam Masala: There are many versions of this in our Indian blend of spices, but the addition of ground fenugreek seeds balances well with cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cloves, and mace. It is best when added at the end of cooking and can be used in dishes like curries, lentils, or soups.
Roast seeds for stir-fry dishes. Put fenugreek seeds into a pan. Cook them on a medium-high heat setting for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir them during the 1 to 2 minutes. Then, allow them to cool and put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) over your favorite stir-fry dish
- You can also sprinkle the seeds over curry or salad.
- Fenugreek seeds taste better roasted or blended with spices.
- Methi Chutney : chutney made with methi leaves, red chilies, tamarind, jaggery, garlic, and spices. The bitterness in the leaves is well-balanced with the sweet, sour, and spicy ingredients in the dish. Serve methi chutney with paratha, roti, or dosa.
- Caffine free tea –
Lactation Herbal Tea: methi has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years and today is nature’s most popular herb for supporting healthy breast milk production. Blended with methi, cinnamon, fennel, nettle leaf, red raspberry leaf, and dandelion, this caffeine-free tea offers a soothing and delicious moment of relaxation for nursing mothers.
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NUTRISHIP