Benefits of Fenugreek Leaves [Healthy Indian Methi leaves]

Kasuri Methi is also called dried fenugreek leaves, which is the most common ancient spice in the Indian kitchen. It is widely grown in the Kasur region in Punjab; that’s why it is called Kasuri methi. Due to the strong and pungent aroma of this herb, it is used in Indian cuisine.

People are using this herb in the form of seeds, powder, vegetables, and dried leaves. It is not only considered as a spice, it is also used as a medicine from ancient days due to its medicinal properties and health benefits of this herb.

One of the amazing characters about this herb is, it has a rich nutrient level and has great benefits for skin and hair. Moreover, it is also used in cosmetics because of its health benefits. In Ayurveda, this herb is used to treat Diabetes, Improper digestion, cancer, Ulcer, Heart problem, etc.

Common Names of Kasuri Methi

  • Botanical Name: Trigonella Foenum-graecum
  • Tamil Name: Ularnta ventayam ilaikaḷ (உலர்ந்த வெந்தயம் இலைகள்)
  • English Name: Dried Fenugreek Leaves
  • Malayalam Name: Uluva ila
  • Hindi Name: Kasuri Methi, Kasoori Methi
  • Telugu Name: Mentikoora
  • Kannada Name: Menthya Soppu
  • Bengali Name: Methi Pata
  • Marathi Name: Vāḷalēlyā mēthīcī pānē (वाळलेल्या मेथीची पाने)
  • Marathi Name: Giloya
  • Gujarati Name: Sūkā mēthī nā pāna (સૂકા મેથી ના પાન)
  • Nepali Name: Sukēkō mēthīkō pāta (सुकेको मेथीको पात)

ORGIN OF KASURI METHI 

Fenugreek is scientifically known as Trigonella Foenum-graecum, and it belongs to the family Fabaceae. The origin of this herbal plant is Europe and West Asia, later it is widely cultivated in Mediterranean countries and India because of its medicinal uses. In India, these fenugreek plants are widely grown in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharastra.

This is an important spice crop for its fresh, dried leaves, seeds, and tender shoots. The Kasuri methi is one of the oldest cultivated species worldwide. It is an annual plant that is available in all seasons. The Fenugreek Seeds are well known for their slightly bitter taste and distinct aroma, which is commonly used as a spice.

Fenugreek plants are considered as a semi-arid crop that is mostly cultivated in low or moderate rainfall regions. It is grown in cool seasons at low temperatures under 10 to 15 degrees celsius. This herb can grow in any kind of soil under different climate conditions so that it is cultivated in Asia, Europe, America, and Australia.

The Fenugreek plant has a good value as fodder, food, cosmetics, and medicine. In Egypt, this herbal plant has been cultivated since 1000 BC. Fenugreek is an important part of the Indian diet for more than 3000 years.

Nutritional Value of Kasuri Methi

Methi leaves are proved as a good remedy for arthritis. Consuming the methi leaves twice a day helps to clean the wastes from the body. The methi leaves and seeds are rich in dietary fiber that contains high levels of protein. The important nutrients of the methi leaves are iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin folic acid, and vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K.

The Nutrients present in 100 gm of Kasuri Methi:

  • Calories: 323 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6 gm
  • Protein: 23% of DV
  • Carbohydrates: 58% of DV
  • Calcium: 40% of DV
  • Fat: 6% of DV
  • Potassium: 770 mg
  • Sodium: 67 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 30% of DV
  • Iron: 186% of DV
  • Magnesium: 47% of DV
  • Vitamin A: 1% of DV
  • Vitamin C: 5% of DV

What is Kasuri Methi

The dried Fenugreek leaves are called Kasuri Methi. In India, fenugreek is called Methi and it is one of the popular spices that have great extensive in cooking and medicine. Apart from dried Kasuri methi leaves, the fresh leaves and seeds are also used for various dishes.

The fenugreek seeds are most commonly used to prepare pickles and some vegetable dishes. The dried fenugreek leaves are also used as animal food. In India, the fresh fenugreek leaves are used as greens, and also it is used in dal and gravies. The dried fenugreek leaves are popularly called Kasuri methi in India, and it is mainly used in gravies because of its nice aroma.

Difference Between Methi and Kasuri Methi Leaves

The Kasuri Methi is the dry form of Methi that does not have much difference. Although these two have some small differences in nutritional value. Because of its dry process, Kasuri methi has 83-85% low vitamin C compared to Methi.

Another main difference between methi and Kasuri methi is its aroma and taste. Kasuri methi contains more aroma and taste compared to methi, so most people use Kasuri methi in cooking. Moreover, you can store this Kasuri methi for a long time, but, if you store fresh methi leaves, it gets spoiled quickly.

PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF KASURI METHI

Kasuri methi is well-known for its wide range of medicinal properties. You can use the Kasuri methi not only to refresh your taste buds and also to get great health benefits. In Ayurveda, this herb is used to treat digestion problems. It also has some medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, hypocholesterolemic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. Here, we’ve mentioned some health benefits of Kasuri methi for you to know. It is a boon for diabetic and thyroid patients.

Helps to Treat Gastrointestinal Problems

Due to the presence of antioxidant properties of Kasuri methi, it is used to treat various kinds of gastrointestinal problems. Kasuri Methi has a good amount of fiber, which helps to smoothen constipation. Regular consumption of Kasuri methi helps to get good relief from diarrhea, inflammation, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Improve Digestion

Kasuri Methi has a good amount of water-soluble fiber, which reduces the risk of constipation and improves bowel movements. Adding Kasuri methi in their food is a good idea for kids who do not eat well. This helps to improve their digestion. In Ayurveda, Kasuri methi is highly beneficial to treat indigestion and flatulence.

Antioxidant Property

Kasuri Methi has a great level of antioxidant properties, which helps to reduce oxidative stress. The antioxidant property of this herb is a major reason for many health problems that helps to get rid of free radicals.
Regular consumption of Kasuri methi improves the immune system and reduces oxidative stress. You can consume this herb in the form of Kasuri methi powder, Kasuri methi, fresh methi leaves.

Kasuri Methi Controls Diabetes

Kasuri Methi is one of the best ayurvedic medicines to treat diabetes. It has a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps to reduce the LDL, triglycerides in the blood, and helps to control the glucose metabolism level of the body. Regular consumption of Kasuri methi will help to treat Type II diabetes. Dietary fiber also helps to improve the insulin function of diabetic patients. The diabetic patient’s body does not easily metabolize carbohydrates, but by consuming Kasuri methi will improve carbohydrates tolerance.

Anti-cancer Property

The whole methi plant has a high level of anti-cancer property. Adding Kasuri methi in your diet will make you healthy, and also it keeps you free from various health issues including cancer. Most people think that Kasuri methi can be added only with gravies, but it’s wrong; you can add this herb in all types of dishes like chapatis, methi mutter malai, paneer butter masala, etc. You can also add this in stir-fries and bread.

Treats Ulcer

The Kasuri methi has anti-ulcer properties that can be used to treat ulcers and also helps to soothe stomach aches. Consuming Kasuri methi soup is good herbal medicine for stomach ulcers. To prepare the soup, first, you have to fry the Kasuri methi leaves slightly in the pan and then crush the fried leaves using your hand. Now boil the vegetables with coconut milk and salt and add the crushed Kasuri methi leaves to the soup. Regular consumption of this soup is a good remedy for stomach ulcers.

Kasuri Methi Reduces Cholesterol

Due to the chemical compounds present in Kasuri methi, it can lower the cholesterol level in the blood. The fiber of this Kasuri methi will reduce the absorption of cholesterol from intestines and helps to reduce triglycerides and LDL levels in the blood. This increases the HDL level in the blood. 

If you consume Kasuri methi daily , it will show a great impact on the blood lipid level. So people who are suffering from lipid fluctuation can consume this herb. Simply soak 100 gm of methi leaves in water overnight and consume the strained water the next morning. This shows great results in your cholesterol level. The dietary fiber in Kasuri methi acts as food to the bacterias in the gut. This removes volatile fatty acids and blocks the cholesterol protection in the liver.

Prevents Respiratory Problem

Kasuri methi is mostly used in winter to treat respiratory problems. This herb will help to cure congestion and allergies in the respiratory tract and also maintains the body mucus levels. Hence Kasuri methi lowers the risk of chronic attack. It is also used as a throat cleaner to get better relief from cough. Just cut and sprinkle the Kasuri methi or methi over the dishes that is enough to get good relief from a respiratory problem.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Kasuri Methi is also like fenugreek seeds, which help to reduce platelet aggression. Thus, it reduces the chance of unanticipated blood clots in the heart. We already know Kasuri methi reduces the lipid level and so it strongly protects your heart from atherosclerosis. It also regulates the blood flow throughout the body. Due to the presence of antioxidants in kasuri methi, it protects the body from internal damages. It also acts as a shield to protect your body from chronic diseases.

Kasuri Methi for Kidney Stone

Many researches have proved that Kasuri methi effectively treats kidney stones and it is one of the ancient herbs that has been used to treat kidney problems. Moreover, Kasuri methi is also used to treat mouth ulcers, boils, and beriberi diseases.

Kasuri Methi For Breastfeeding Mother

Ayurveda says methi is rich in diosgenin stimulation that helps to improve the milk flow in breastfeeding mothers. Daily consumption of any form of methi will increase breast milk. In villages, people make fenugreek porridge for breastfeeding mothers. Methi leaves have a high amount of iron and calcium that helps to increase breast milk. It is recommended to add fresh methi leaves or Kasuri methi in the daily diet of breastfeeding mothers.

Kasuri Methi Reduces Fever

The Tea prepared by using Kasuri methi powder is a great remedy to reduce the body temperature in case of fever. So you can use this Kasuri methi as a home remedy for fever.

Improves Bone Health

Kasuri methi is rich in Vitamin K, which is good for bone metabolism. Bone Metabolism is the process of removing mature tissues from the bone and are replaced by new tissues. If the bone has injuries like bruises or fractures, vitamin K plays a major role in the healing process. 

Vitamin K also prevents bone loss and prevents osteoporosis. One cup of fresh methi leaves gives 110 mg calcium, which is 18.4% of RDA. Calcium will make your bone very strong. If you continuously lose calcium from your bone, it is recommended to consume calcium-rich foods like Methi, Methi pakoda kadhi, and Moong Sprouts wrap.

Controls Menopause Symptoms

Most Women are suffering from menopause in their late 40s or 50s. Before they enter the menopause stage, they will pass some symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes, fatigue, irregular periods, breast tenderness, and vaginal dryness. Consuming Kasuri Methi will help to treat the menopause symptoms.

Prevents Anaemia

Methi Leaves have a good amount of folate, which is important for the multiplication and rapid growth of WBC and RBC in the bone marrow. One cup of fresh methi leaves has 21.07mcg folate that is 10.57% of RDA, and it gives 7.57% iron of RDA. Consuming the methi leaves before and during pregnancy is very good for them.

Kasuri Methi for Weight Loss

If you are going on a calorie-free diet then you should check the ingredients that contain low calories and full of nutrients. In this case, methi leaves are an excellent choice for you, it is filled with high nutrients that makes you overfill for a long time. One of the best ways of adding methi in your dietary food is to add it over the stir-fried vegetables. It gives a nice aroma and flavor to the food, and also helps to keep a stable blood sugar level.

Kasuri Methi Reduce Blemishes

Kasuri Methi shows great results in reducing marks and blemishes on the face. People who have some prominent marks and spots on their skin can try the dry Kasuri methi.

You can simply apply this Kasuri methi on the face or just mix the Kasuri methi powder with a few drops of water and apply the paste on the face and allow it for some time to settle. Finally, wipe your face using a wet cotton cloth. Continue this process, and you can see the difference in a few weeks.

Kasuri Methi For Skin

Kasuri Methi has antioxidant properties, which play a vital role in skin health. Free radical is the major reason for skin damage, and premature aging. The antioxidant property of Kasuri mathi effectively fights against free radicals and prevents your skin from premature aging. 

Due to the presence of vitamins and minerals, it gives you glowing skin. You can also use Kasuri methi externally to maintain your skin health. Just give a general massage to your skin using Kasuri methi paste or water extract of Kasuri methi leaves. This process will remove the dead cells from the skin and replace them with new cells, which gives fresh and radiant skin. Kasuri Methi is also used to prevent other skin problems like sunburn, acne, and pimples.

Kasuri Methi For Hair

Kasuri methi leaves give great benefit for hair while consuming it internally or applied externally. This herb is rich in zinc and iron, and also it has a good amount of moisturizing and antifungal properties, which helps to reduce scalp dryness.

Applying the paste of Kasuri methi leaves with curd on the scalp helps to treat dandruff. Apply this mask twice a week on the head for 20 to 30 minutes and wash it with shampoo that shows great results. Applying the Kasuri methi leaves with coconut milk on the skin will prevent grey hair, hair loss and also makes your hair soft and silky. Applying the boiled coconut oil with fenugreek seeds on the scalp for at least one hour twice a week will reduce hair fall.

Kasuri Methi Side Effects

Kasuri Methi has a lot of health benefits and has no side effects. Consuming a high amount of Kasuri methi will rarely cause some side effects, so it is recommended to consume in moderation. 

The Kasuri methi is naturally bitter in taste, but it does not show bitter taste if you add a small amount to the gravies. If you consume it in large amounts, it will cause some allergies and also cause problems in breathing, nausea, and swelling. If you experience these problems, then it is better to consume Kasuri methi after consulting a doctor. 

Consuming Kasuri methi will help to maintain the blood sugar level, but if you consume in excess, it will severely reduce the blood sugar level. So, it is recommended to add a small amount of Kasuri methi to your dietary food. 

Pregnant women should also consume a low amount of Kasuri methi otherwise it may cause some problems in their labor. If you are already taking any medicine, it is better to take Kasuri methi before two hours of taking medicine.

How to make Kasuri Methi at home?

  • Clean the methi leaves and remove the trash and thick stems.
  • Wash the leaves to remove the dirt.
  • Drain the leaves and finely chop them.
  • Take a tray and place a clean cotton cloth over it. 
  • Spread the chopped leaves on the tray.
  • Cover the tray with another clean thin cloth.
  • Put the tray under sunlight and allow it to dry well.
  • It will take 2-3 strong sunny days for the leaves to dry.
  • Rub the leaves between your palm to get a coarse powder.
  • Store that powder in a dry container and use it for up to 6 months.

Note: Using the desi type methi to make Kasuri methi will add more taste to your food.

How To Use Kasuri Methi?

The process of using kasuri methi is very simple, take the required amount of kasuri methi leaves in a pan and start heating the pan in low flame. Heat the pan and let the leaves get heated, it will take 2-3 minutes and then off the flame. Allow it to cool down and then crush the roasted leaves with your hand and add it over the recipes.

Final Words

Kasuri Methi is rich in protein, fiber, and iron, it will add some exotic flavor to Indian Dishes. It is one of the best ayurvedic medicines to treat diabetes and heart problems. It also has some other benefits.

Here, in this article, we’ve provided all the health benefits and nutrient value of this herb, which is great for your healthy life.

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