Five reasons why you should consider adding methi to your diet

What is the first thing that you do when you have a headache or any mild ailment? Of course, you consult the doctor, as one indeed should, but you can solve your mild illnesses through simple home remedies. Although I am not advocating DIY remedies over modern medicine, I want to point out their benefits.

Long before advanced medicine, people were dependent on folk remedies, whereas, in India, people were blessed with Ayurveda, an ancient alternative medicine system. Furthermore, Ayurveda includes the usage of many plant-based ingredients, which are aimed to provide relief to severe ailments. Hence, consuming water infused with herbs like carrom seeds in the morning has many benefits.

Similarly, Methi or Fenugreek is a plant whose seeds and leaves have been used for centuries since ancient times. They are tiny amber coloured seeds filled with essential nutrients for our body. It also has several properties which are helpful to tackle a range of common ailments. Especially in the Indian subcontinent, methi is a crucial ingredient for many dishes. Apart from enhancing the flavour of food, it has many other uses. Let us take a look at the many benefits methi provides:

Acts as Antacid

If you are amongst the foodies who love gorging on food whenever they can but also suffer severe acidity and heartburn the next day, then you should consider methi. Soak the methi seeds in a glass overnight and drink the water on an empty stomach. Also, if you have digestive problems wherein you feel bloated after eating any meal, you can try methi water.

We have all been in a situation where after having a late lunch or dinner, we experience a sudden uneasiness. Methi soaked water has proven to strengthen the digestive system and help to overcome problems such as gastritis and bloating.

P.S – Methi seeds are hot in nature; therefore, a tablespoon should suffice to soak in a glass of water. People with intestinal ulcers should skip consuming methi water.

Regulates blood sugar

People with high blood sugar problems go through a host of physical issues such as excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, eyesight problems and vomiting. On the other hand, people with low blood sugar levels experience sweating, tiredness, dizziness, irritability, anxiety and moodiness. Unfortunately, there is no instant cure for issues related to imbalanced blood sugar levels; however, people can take measures and steps that can gradually lead to balance them.

Consuming methi seeds water can regulate blood sugar levels; moreover, it may help tackle insulin resistance, making it more responsive and sensitive. Also, people who have diabetes can have methi sprouts in the morning, which facilitates the slow release of glucose in the bloodstream, further preventing blood sugar spikes.

Lowers cholesterol

Parents often give cough syrups to ailing children who are suffering from cold coughs, but they hate its taste.

Similarly, if you have eaten raw methi seeds, you must have hated them because they tasted bitter, but it has varied health benefits. Despite their taste, methi seeds are an effective solution to lower cholesterol levels.

Besides drinking the methi soaked water, you can also add it to your daily food( curries, dal, etc.).

Methi for hair

Before shampoos and conditioners, people used natural ingredients to wash and manage their hair. Methi was one of the prominent plants, along with soapnut (Reetha) and Senegalia rugata (Shikakai), used as a natural hair cleanser. But nowadays, we have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to hair and body products.

Most of them have artificial and chemical compositions, while some of them have adverse effects on the hair, scalp and skin.

Although genetics play a significant role in causing hair fall in people, lifestyle choices, pollution, stress, and over-styling are substantial reasons. They can soak the methi seeds for a few hours, after which they can grind them to make a paste and apply it as a hair mask. After thirty minutes to forty-five minutes, rinse the hair with a mild shampoo; one can skip the shampoo.

Two to three weeks of carrying out this hair care routine and maintaining a balanced diet can help reduce hair fall. Also, it is beneficial for those who have dandruff and hair thinning issues.

Helps in weight loss

There is no instant formula to reduce weight; one needs to make considerable changes in their diet and follow a workout routine. But it doesn’t hurt to have extra help; that is what methi seeds do; it helps flush out toxins from the body.

Methi seeds are filled with fibre that gives a feeling of fullness, preventing snacking unnecessarily. Hence, it effectively controls hunger pangs by controlling the appetite.