Health benefits of fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds are tiny, bitter, dicotyledonous seeds of herb fenugreek. Toasted gently, they exhibit strongly aromatic and pungent flavor. Traditionally, fenugreeks have been found use to cure digestive problems and to improve breast milk secretion in the nursing mothers.
In the botany, fenugreek is a small annual leguminous herb belonging in thefabaceae family, genus: Trigonella. Scientific name: Trigonella foenum-graecum. Some of the common names of herb fenugreek include greek-hay, mehti, bird's foot, greek-clover, etc.
An Indian household cannot do without methi or fenugreek seeds and leaves. It is used in almost every Indian preparation be it dal, paratha or curry. But what you might not know is thatmethi or fenugreek is a rich reservoir of medicinal properties that imparts many health benefits. 
Fenugreek is an herb similar to clover that is native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia. The seeds are used in cooking, to make medicine, or to hide the taste of other medicine. Fenugreek seeds smell and taste somewhat like maple syrup. Fenugreek leaves are eaten in India as a vegetable.



Methi/Fenugreek seeds are very small seeds (dana) but have lots of health benefits which are used for years as medicinal, therapeutic and natural home remedies. It is cultivated once in a year belongs to the Fabaceae family. Methi seeds are very familiar component used in various Indian subcontinent dishes. It is famous by different names in different regions. It is called by the name methi in the Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali and Nepali, venthayam in the Tamil, uluhaal in the Sinhala, Helba in the Arabic, menthya in the Kannada, uluwa in the Malayalam, menthulu in the Telugu, Samudra Methi in the Maharashtra (Mumbai) and etc.
The health benefits of fenugreek include relief from anemia, loss of taste, fever, dandruff, stomach disorders, biliousness, respiratory disorders, mouth ulcers, sore throat, diabetes, inflammations, wounds and insomnia. It is beneficial post pregnancy in lactation and helps in improving digestion, as well as in various hair care applications. It is also shown to reduce cholesterol levels and protect heart health, while simultaneously boosting the immune system and protecting you against flu and various infections.Here are given some important health benefits of fenugreek seeds 


 Lowers blood cholesterol

According to studies [fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of the low density lipoprotein (LDL). They are known to be rich source of steroidal saponins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides. Here’s how to reduce cholesterol levels naturally.Reduces Cholesterol: Research studies show that fenugreek consumption helps to reduce cholesterol level. Fenugreek helps to reduce the level of low density Lipoprotein (LDL) significantly, which can prevent various conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Fenugreek is a rich source of fiber, which scrapes excess cholesterol off of the arteries and blood vessels of the body. By reducing cholesterol content in the bloodstream, you reduce the chances of clots forming or becoming stuck in the vessels.

Prevents from Heart Attack

It has a special component called galactomannan (natural soluble fibre) which lowers the heart attack risk.

Helps counter acid reflux or heartburn

One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux orheartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and soothe irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.

Helps you lose weight

Include fenugreek in your 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 your appetite and aiding your weight loss goals.

Reduces Cardiovascular Risk:

 Fenugreek seeds contain 25% galactomannan. This is a type of natural soluble fiber which specifically relates to a reduction in cardiovascular disease.
Remedy for fever and sore throatFenugreek, 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 to relieve cough and pain from sore throat. 

Controls Diabetes: 

Fenugreek helps to alleviate type II diabetes. According to one study, it may also help people with Type I diabetes. Studies done by Indian researchers revealed that fenugreek added to type I diabetic patients’ diets helped to drop urinary sugar level by 54%. Because of the presence of the natural fiber galactomannan, fenugreek slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into bloodstream. A certain amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) in fenugreek induces the production of insulin so therefore, 15-20 grams of fenugreek is recommended for controlling blood sugar on a daily basis. By slowly releasing insulin to the body rather than in massive chunks, overall bodily function is improved, and the plunges and peaks of blood sugar won’t be an issue for diabetic patients.It has been established that amino-acid 4-hydroxy isoleucine in the fenugreek seeds has facilitator action on insulin secretion. In addition, fiber in the seeds helps lower rate of glucose absorption in the intestines, and thus help regulate blood sugar levels. Fenugreek seeds are therefore one of the recommendeded food ingredients in the diabetic diet.




Relieves constipation: 

Fenugreek adds bulk to the stool due to its high fiber content. This also makes it helpful in treating constipation and diarrhea, while also relieving minor indigestion

Treats Digestive Problems

It helps in treating the common digestive problems like loss of appetite, stomach upset, stomach inflammation or gastritis and etc.


Induces and eases child-birth

Fenugreek 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 put you at risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth

Cures Memory Loss Problem  -

It is rich in choline and antioxidant beta carotene which are very helpful to cure the problems like memory loss, arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and early ageing
Fenugreek is sometimes used as a poultice. That means it is wrapped in cloth, warmed, and applied directly to the skin to treat local pain and swelling (inflammation),muscle pain, pain and swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), pain in the toes (gout), wounds, leg ulcers, and eczema

Increases breast milk production in lactating women

Fenugreek 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. Here are 10 foods that can increase breast milk supply in mothers

Helps increase breast size

The oestrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women.
Fenugreek contains a wide variety of beneficial nutrients, including iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, as well as vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber. Fenugreek also contains a number ofpowerful phytonutrients, including choline, trigonelline, yamogenin, gitogenin, diosgenin, tigogenin and neotigogens.

Helps prevent colon cancer

The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon from cancer. Here is a detailed information on is a detailed information on cancer

Good for Kidney Trouble: 

Traditional Chinese medicine recommends fenugreek for patients suffering from various kidney conditions..