Fenugreek Seeds 100g

Description

Fenugreek seeds come from the fenugreek plant and have been used in alternative Chinese and Indian medicine for thousands of years. They are brown in colour and and about 5mm long.

According to heathline.com, 1 tbsp of fenugreek seeds (11g) has the following nutrients:

Carbs	6 grams
Fiber	3 grams
Protein	3 grams
Fat	1 gram
Iron	20% of the RDI
Magnesium	5% of the RDI
Manganese	7% of the RDI

 

In India, fenugreek seeds have been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) and are thought to help with digestion, breast milk production, diabetes, constipation, hair fall and cholesterol.

It is still a fairly new herb in the Western world and studies are still being undertaken.

 

What do fenugreek seeds taste like?

Raw fenugreek seeds are very bitter. Once soaked in water or cooked in a dahl, they have a sweet, nutty and slightly bitter taste. They add a wonderful flavour to curries and dahls.

 

How should I eat fenugreek seeds?

Fenugreek seeds can either be eaten whole or ground into a powder. Fenugreek seeds powder can be used as a spice in cooking or in a health tonic.

Fenugreek seeds can be used in:

• Curries
• Stews
• Lentil Dahls and Buttermilk Gravy (Khadi)
• Fenugreek Tea
• Fenugreek Health Tonic
• Pickles
• Spice mixes – can create a spice mix for adding flavour to curries

 

Fenugreek Tea – Add 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds to water in a pan and boil for 5 minutes. Strain into a teapot, add honey and lemon and serve.

Fenugreek Health Tonic – Soak 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds in 1 glass of water overnight. Drink the fenugreek seeds infused water in the morning and eat the fenugreek seeds. (They are bitter but you’ll get used to it!)

 

How many fenugreek seeds should I eat per day?

You should consult this with a doctor or ayurvedic practitioner, especially if you have health conditions, but the usual serving is about 1 tsp a day.

 

At what time should I drink the fenugreek health tonic or fenugreek tea?

Drink the fenugreek health tonic early in the morning on an empty stomach.

You can drink fenugreek tea throughout the day. Fenugreek seeds may have an appetite suppressing property, so it may be best to drink this after your meal or in the afternoon if you are trying to avoid excessive snacking.

 

How to store fenugreek seeds?

Store fenugreek seeds in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight or heat (such as your stove) or humidity in an airtight container.

Fenugreek seeds can last for up to 1- 2 years if stored well.

I always find that storing any seeds in the refrigerator increases their shelf life quite a bit. Once open, place your fenugreek seeds in an airtight zip lock bag, place in a container and store it in your refrigerator. You need to ensure that fenugreek seeds are stored in a cold, dry place. Moisture should not enter inside the fenugreek seeds.

 

Do fenugreek seeds have any nutritional benefits?

Some studies have been done in modern science and there are some benefits as well as some adverse side effects.

The benefits of consuming Fenugreek seeds (according to Webmd and healthline.com) supported by scientific research are as below:

• Fenugreek seeds may increase breastmilk production and the rate of weight gain in newly born babies
• Fenugreek seeds may boost testosterone levels and sexual libido in men
• Fenugreek seeds may regulate blood sugar levels and may aid with diabetes
• Fenugreek seeds may reduce painful menstrual periods
• Fenugreek seeds may lower cholesterol
• Fenugreek seeds may help with weight loss as it reduces appetite
• Fenugreek seeds may help with heartburn

 

Do fenugreek seeds have any adverse side effects?

As with all foods, it’s always best to eat a little bit to start out with (if you’ve never eaten it before) to check if you have any side effects.

Fenugreek seeds appear to be relatively safe when consumed in moderation with a few instances of diarrhoea and indigestion.

Fenugreek seeds may cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those allergic to soybeans, peanuts, green peas, and other legumes.

Some report an unusual sweet (maple-like) body odour when sweating or urinating.

Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking fenugreek at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

In Ayurveda, fenugreek seeds are thought to be “hot” in nature, so these should not be consumed if one has intestinal ulcers. Excessive consumption can also cause skin dryness.

Consult your GP or Ayurvedic practitioner if you have any concerns.

 

Do fenugreek seeds have any other uses?

• Fenugreek seeds are thought to help with hair fall and dandruff. Make a paste of the seeds and add it in curd/aloe vera gel/water and apply on the scalp. Rinse off with cold water.
• It is thought that fenugreek seeds paste prepared with rosewater is helpful in cases of dark circles, acne, acne scars, and wrinkles when applied as a face mask.
• Blend 30-40g of fenugreek seeds and pour into a steel vessel. Add 150ml of coconut oil to this, mix and place in the sunshine for 6 days. Filter, store and apply on hair for good hair growth.