You’ll find fenugreek or methi as its commonly known across India in almost every household. It comes with a distinct aroma and flavour and has multiple health benefits. We as Indians have used it in myriads of ways. Aloo methi is a staple in north Indian homes, also snacks like baked methi muthiya are quite popular. A little less known fact is that methi is a huge part of Persian, Turkish and Afghan cuisine too. While most people identify with the smell, few know of the incredible health benefits of methi. From treating your hair problems to reducing weight, methi sure does a lot!

1. Weight loss

One of many benefits of methi is that helps you help manage your weight. Methi has a compound in it called galactomannan that gives you a feeling of fullness when consumed. It also has soluble fibres that further amplify the feeling of fullness, thus making you even less hungry. Also, methi seeds contain very less carbohydrate content and the high fibre content besides giving fullness feeling increases the body’s metabolic rate. This is known to boost fat burning.

2. Benefits of methi for cholesterol levels

Methi prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. It also reduces the cholesterol levels, LDL and triglycerides while increasing the HDL levels. Methi also consists of a component called steroidal saponins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides.

3. Fenugreek aids digestion

The richness of fibre and antioxidants, make methi amazing for the digestive system. Seeds containing fibre and pectin are found to improve bowel movements. This makes methi very helpful during constipation. Therefore keeping some methi seeds in the kitchen can be very handy.

4. Soothes Sore throats

When you catch a cold or have flu your throat always get affected. The soothing properties in methi seeds are good for sore throats. Its analgesic properties and mucilage contribute as well. Combine fenugreek seeds with tamarind leaves to make a gargle to ease a bad throat.

5. Improves diabetes symptoms

Methi or fenugreek seeds contain amino acids that are known to improve secretion of insulin in the pancreas. This results in lowering of blood sugar level. Moreover, the galactomannan in methi delays the carbohydrates and sugar absorption into the blood. Also, studies have shown that methi seeds improve certain symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. That is why consuming methi for diabetes is considered very beneficial.

6. Can manage and ease Heartburn

 When people think of heartburn relief their thoughts typically include some soothing milk containing product to help, but fenugreek may actually be superior. This is because fenugreek is said to be able to reduce acid secretion in the first instance. Add to that the ability to neutralize acid which means Methi in many ways is better than milk in almost every way.