A common Indian herb, fenugreek is marvelous in its properties with a unique, slightly bitter flavor. From its seeds to leaves, everything is consumed in some form or the other.  They have generally been used in vegetable or meat-based curries, and are popularly eaten as a form of stuffed paratha. Dried fenugreek leaves are a significant garnish on several Indian and Middle Eastern curries owing to its fragrance. They are also used to make imitation maple syrup because of their similarities. Apart from culinary, fenugreek has many potential health benefits which is why its consumption is encouraged. Search for fenugreek leaves in an Indian grocery online today.

Benefits

Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits of this wonderous herb –

·  Insulin Resistance

Insulin sensitivity is a pre-diabetic condition and can come in the way of being in optimum health. Fenugreek is known to have to a positive impact on insulin resistance. It is a good option for individuals that are already suffering from diabetes.

·  Heart Health & Digestion

Fenugreek is known to support heart health by avoiding the hardening of arteries and dissolving high levels of some fats. It is also advantageous in reducing bad cholesterol. Fenugreek seeds are known to be a great source to facilitate smooth digestion. It is also known to offer relief in stomach ulcers owing to its anti-inflammatory effects.

·  For Lactating Mothers

After giving birth, it is natural for some mothers to experience low milk supply. Fenugreek is known to increase a woman’s breast milk supply as it acts as a galactagogue, a substance that helps in boosting milk supply. This triggers the milk ducts and can facilitate smooth milk production in less than a day. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before consuming fenugreek.

Fenugreek uses

Hair Mask

Fenugreek has been used for many years to treat hair loss concerns like alopecia, flaky, and itchy hair. It has properties that induce both strength and shine in the hair. In a bowl, add curd and overnight soaked fenugreek seeds and a spoon of honey. Blend these to form a smooth paste and apply from roots to strands. Use a shower cap to cover your head. Keep this mask on for at least 2 hours and wash it off with lukewarm water.

Face Toner

Soak fenugreek seeds for a night or two and strain its water. Store this strained water in a spray bottle and use it as a facial toner. It will help keep acne off and give you a soft and supple feel.

Weight Loss Drink

In a pan dry roast some fenugreek seeds and blend them in a fine powder. Each night, add a spoon of this powder in warm water and keep it aside for the night. Consume this drink first thing in the morning and notice the change yourself. Order authentic fenugreek from a reliable online Indian grocery store.

Recipes

Methi Paratha

Wash fresh fenugreek leaves and chop them into pieces. In a bowl, add some salt, carrom seeds, wheat flour, chopped fenugreek leaves, some spoons of curd, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, ghee, and knead it in a dough. Keep this dough for 30 minutes to set it. Then make medium-sized balls, and flatten them into a circle using a rolling pin. You can use extra flour to dust the dough. On a tawa, keep the paratha till it turns golden on one side. Add ghee and repeat the process. Cut the paratha into four pieces and serve hot with some curd and pickle of choice.

Aloo Methi

A popular Indian dish, aloo methi is a typical kids’ tiffin recipe. Wash the fenugreek leaves thoroughly and remove the stems. Chop the leaves coarsely and peel the potatoes and dice them into medium size pieces. In a shallow pan, add oil and fry the potatoes till they turn golden brown. Keep the potatoes in tissues to remove excess oil. In another pan, add some oil and green chilies. Once the chilies splutter, toss in the chopped fenugreek leaves and cook till it reduces. Then add in the fried potatoes and sprinkle some salt and spices of choice. Serve with rice, dal, or fresh chapatis.