18 Astonishing Benefits Of Fenugreek
Seeds (Methi) For Skin, Hair, And Health
Fenugreek is a herb whose leaves and seeds have been used
since millennia. Fenugreek, commonly referred as ‘Methi’ in Hindi, ‘Menthulu‘
in Telugu, ‘Vendhayam‘ in Tamil, ‘Uluva‘ in Malayalam, ‘Menthe‘ in Kannada,
‘Meth‘ in Punjabi, ‘Methi Dane‘ in Marathi and ‘Methi‘ in Bengali, has made a
permanent place for itself in many households. Traditionally, fenugreek seeds
have been used as a condiment to promote better health and as a potent hair
potion. But recent research indicates that they can do much more than that.
From adding flavor to dishes and controlling diabetes to inducing labor,
fenugreek seeds have had diverse benefits for your skin, hair, and
health.
What Fenugreek Seeds Can Do For
You
Skin Benefits
2.
Cure Acne
Hair Benefits
5.
Add Shine
Health Benefits
15.
Aid Digestion
Skin Benefits
1. Have Anti-Aging Effects
Fenugreek seeds can have surprising benefits for your skin,
including eliminating the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
What You Need
·
1 tablespoon fenugreek
seeds soaked overnight
·
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
What You Need To Do
1.
Blend the fenugreek seeds
and yogurt till a smooth paste is formed.
2.
Apply this paste on your
face.
3.
Keep it on for 30 minutes
and then rinse with cold water.
Why Does It Work
Germinated fenugreek seeds show a significant amount of
antioxidant activity and fight the free radicals that accelerate the process of
aging (1).
Yogurt has lactic acid that gently exfoliates your skin (2). It also leaves your skin feeling smoother and softer.
2. Cure Acne
Those who are suffering from acne can give fenugreek seeds a
try because they are very effective in getting rid
of acne.
What You Need
4 tablespoons fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in water
4 cups water
What You Need To Do
1.
Add the fenugreek seeds to
water and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
2.
Strain the water and let it
cool.
3.
Using a cotton wool, dab
the water onto your face twice a day. Store the excess in the refrigerator.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek has a compound named diosgenin that has
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (3). This helps fenugreek fight against acne.
3. Moisturize Skin
What You Need
·
1 teaspoon fenugreek seed
powder
·
1 tablespoon water
What You Need To Do
1.
Mix fenugreek powder and
water to make a smooth paste.
2.
Using a cotton ball, apply
the paste all over your face.
3.
Keep it on for half an
hour. Rinse with water.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds prevent your skin from getting coarse or
dry. The slippery texture moisturizes your skin (4).
Hair Benefits
4. Prevent Hair Loss
Fenugreek is extremely effective in strengthening the hair
from the roots and treating follicular problems.
What You Need
·
1 tablespoon fenugreek
seeds
·
1 cup coconut oil
What You Need To Do
1.
Place the coconut oil and
fenugreek seeds in a mason jar. Seal the jar and store it for three weeks in a
cool place, away from direct sunlight.
2.
Strain the oil and use it
for oil massages.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have hormones that help promote hair
growth (5). They are a good source of protein and nicotinic acid that
strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage.
5. Add Shine
What You Need
·
2 tablespoons fenugreek
seeds
·
1 cup water
What You Need To Do
1.
Soak the whole ground seeds
in boiling water and leave them overnight.
2.
When the seeds turn slimy
to touch, grind them into a paste. Apply the mixture on your scalp and roots,
and then along the whole length of your hair.
3.
Keep it on for 30 minutes
and wash it off.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds contain lecithin, an emulsifying substance (6). When soaked in water, the seeds produce a slippery
substance that imparts shine to your hair.
6. Fight Dandruff
Dandruff is a common hair ailment, and it generally surfaces
during winter.
There are various treatments and procedures to treat dandruff.
One of the most basic and effective cures is using methi seeds. They are also
an effective
cure for dry scalp and dermatitis.
Why Does It Work
7. Prevent Premature Graying
A part of folk medicine, fenugreek seeds have been used for
a long time to prevent the graying of hair.
Why Does It Work
Health Benefits
8. Help Control Diabetes
Diabetics are often recommended to include fenugreek seeds
in their diet because of the positive effects they can have on their health.
Why Does It Work
Studies conducted on the effect of fenugreek seeds on type 2
diabetes have produced favorable results (9).
It was found that fenugreek seeds help control blood sugar and decrease insulin
resistance.
9. Prevent Heart Attacks
Fenugreek seeds display a significant effect on
cardiovascular health. They protect the heart from serious damage during a
heart attack.
Why Does It Work
Heart attacks are a major cause of death, and they occur
when an artery leading to the heart gets clogged. Fenugreek seeds prevent
further damage to the heart and counteract the oxidative stress that occurs
during a heart attack (10).
10. Help Prevent Cancer
Studies have shown that the oil extracted from fenugreek
seeds can help fight against cancer.
Why Does It Work
A study conducted to investigate the anticancer effects of
fenugreek found that fenugreek oil fights against certain cancer cell lines (11).
11. Alleviate Menstrual Cramps
Studies have shown that fenugreek seeds can also help in
reducing the pain of menstrual cramps as well as other symptoms associated with
menstruation.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic
properties, which is why studies sought to investigate the effect they might
have on the pain caused by menstruation (12). It was found that fenugreek seed powder substantially
reduced the pain and symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and nausea.
12. Improve Breast Milk Production
In Asia, fenugreek seeds have been used by women to increase
their breast milk production.
Why Does It Work
This herb contains phytoestrogen that boosts milk production
in lactating mothers (13). Drinking
fenugreek tea seems to increase the supply of breast milk in
mothers, which promotes weight gain in the infants (14).
13. Reduce Cholesterol
Research has proven that fenugreek seeds help to lower the
cholesterol level, especially the ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDL in our body.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have a flavonoid named naringenin that
lowers the lipid levels in those with high cholesterol (15).
14. Help Reduce Pain From Arthritis
Arthritis is a disorder that causes inflammation in one or
more joints. This causes severe pain, and more than the regular wear and tear
of the joint muscles.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
that help reduce the pain caused by arthritis (16).
15. Aid Digestion
For those suffering from stomach ailments, fenugreek can be
a boon.
Why Does It Work
It is an effective treatment for gastritis and indigestion.
It helps prevent constipation as well as digestive problems created by stomach
ulcers. This is because it is a natural digestive tonic, and its lubricating
properties help soothe your stomach and intestines (17).
16. Help In Weight Loss
If you are seeking to lose weight, adding fenugreek seeds to
your diet is a must.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds prevent the accumulation of fat and improve
the metabolism of lipids and glucose that help in weight loss (18).
17. Improve Kidney Function
Ingesting fenugreek seeds has been linked to better
functioning kidneys.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds have polyphenolic flavonoids that improve
kidney function and prevent the deterioration of cells by forming a membrane
around them (19).
18. Protect Liver
Your liver cleanses your body of toxins. An injury to the
liver can have a serious impact on your health. One of the main causes for
decreased liver function is excessive alcohol intake, and studies have shown
that fenugreek seeds are very effective in controlling the impact of alcohol on
your liver.
Why Does It Work
Fenugreek seeds protect the liver from alcohol toxicity (20).
Excessive alcohol intake can cause chronic liver damage. The polyphenolic
compounds present in fenugreek seeds reduce liver damage and help metabolize
the alcohol.
Fenugreek seeds should not be consumed by pregnant women
because it can lead to early contractions (21). Consuming fenugreek seeds right before delivery can also
cause a newborn baby to have an unusual body odor.
Fenugreek seeds interact with certain oral medications,
including anti-diabetic drugs and anticoagulants. If you are using these
medications, it is better to consult your medical practitioner before including
fenugreek seeds in your diet.
Additionally, children should not be given fenugreek in any
form. Consuming fenugreek tea has been linked to loss of consciousness in
children
