Thanks to its strong and pungent aroma, and its usage as a common herb in Indian cuisine, dried fenugreek leaves or kasuri methi, is sure to leave you mesmerized. Considered a beneficial herb, the cultivation, and usage of fenugreek products have been in effect since ancient times. This herb, with its origins rooted in the Middle East, is known to have analgesic effects. Did you know that in kasuri methi was used for reducing the pain caused to pregnant mothers during childbirth? Not just that, dried fenugreek leaves are also popular for their use as a powerful anti-diabetes remedy. In addition to this, fenugreek leaves, as well as the dried fenugreek leaves, are known for delaying premature greying of hair. This article looks at the complete list of health benefits of kasuri methi, both for overall health and beauty, skin and hair care.
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Table of Contents
Health benefits associated with the consumption of dried fenugreek leaves:
1. High on Fiber
Just like fresh fenugreek leaves, dried fenugreek leaves (called kasuri methi) also contain a significant amount of fiber. Fiber, which is considered to be the non-digestible part of the food, when consumed adds bulk to the food in the intestines. This further increases the body’s metabolism rate and eases the burning of extra fat. Moreover, dried fenugreek leaves consist of water-soluble fibers that are responsible for tackling various digestive problems such as constipation, as they add up bulk to the stool.
Also Read: Methi Dana (Fenugreek Seeds) Health, Skin & Hair Benefits | Fenugreek Leaves For Cholesterol And Diabetes
2. Restricts Diabetic Symptoms
The high quantity of fiber present in kasuri methi or dried fenugreek leaves aids in decreasing the insulin resistivity of various cells in the body. Since we have mentioned that a fiber-filled meal is harder to digest and requires more effort and time to do so, thus it slows down the digestion rate, which further means the slowing down of the absorption of the sugar molecules present in the food. This helps in providing the pancreas with enough time to secrete a sufficient volume of insulin that can easily help in breaking down the sugar molecules and help in controlling the blood’s rising glucose level.
Also Read: Diabetes Diet: What To Eat To Manage Blood Sugar And Keep Diabetes In Control
3. Maintains Cholesterol
The various chemical compositions in dried fenugreek leaves are known to have cholesterol-lowering effects. The presence of a high quantity of fiber helps in restricting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, which helps in the reduction of LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides in the body, as the fiber acts as a food for gut bacteria that discharge volatile fatty acids that restricts the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Also Read: Super Foods To Reduce Belly Fat | Best Diet To Shed Tummy Flab
4. Improving The Kidney’s functioning
One of the major advantages of adding dried fenugreek leaves to your diet (kasuri methi) is that it is linked with the protection of the kidney against various chemicals that are consumed along with the food. Some of these chemicals are pesticides that are added to the vegetables or fruits.
5. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Just like fenugreek seed, the dried leaves of the herb also helps in the betterment of the heart, and aids in the reduction of the lipid level, strongly preventing the occurrence of atherosclerosis, a disease in which the fats and cholesterol get jammed in the arteries. Thus, by helping in the regulated and proper flow of blood throughout the body, the consumption of dried fenugreek leaves or kasuri methi can help in promoting great cardiovascular health.
6. Skincare
Kasuri methi can play wonders on one’s skin health when applied externally, followed by a gentle massage. It is known to remove dead cells from the skin and replacing them with new cells, which results in fresh and radiant skin. Moreover, it is linked with the reduction of blemishes, prevention of blackheads, and when mixed with turmeric powder, it can help in tackling the occurrence of pimples by controlling the oiliness of the skin.
Also Read: Yogurt/Curd For Acne And Pimples: 7 Amazing Skin & Hair Benefits Of Yogurt
7. Hair Benefits
Fenugreek leaves, as well as the dried fenugreek leaves, are known for delaying the premature greying of the hair. By applying it externally and thoroughly massaging it over the scalp, kasuri methi can help the scalp and follicles retain their pigmentation. Moreover, as the dried fenugreek leaves are rich with micronutrients such as vitamin C, and also contain small doses of minerals such as calcium and iron, applying methi is a great source of nutrition for the scalp.
8. Reduces Hair-Fall
Another hair care related property of methi that adds to its popularity. Dried Methi (fenugreek) leaves enable the removal of dead cells from the skin, the same could be applied on the scalp. Once it is rinsed off thoroughly after being applied to the scalp, it opens up the blocked hair follicles, and also increases the rate of nutrition absorption by the scalp, resulting in the growth of a healthy set of hair.
Also Read: Skin and Hair Applications Of Aloe Vera
Side-Effects Of Kasuri Methi
The adverse effects of kasuri methi can be the result of unregulated consumption. However, the side-effects caused by the disorderly consumption of kasuri methi are less compared to its benefits; but still, they are something to be noted.
Some of the side-effects associated with kasuri methi are:
1. Lowered blood sugar level
As discussed previously, the consumption of kasuri methi (fenugreek) helps in maintaining blood glucose levels by increasing the nutrition absorption time and decreasing the insulin resistivity of the body. However, increased consumption of kasuri methi can further reduce the blood sugar level which might be considered dangerous. Thus it is advised to not consume methi seeds alongside your diabetes medicine.
2. Respiratory Problems
High consumption of kasuri methi may cause an irregular pattern in breathing in adults, which may act as a leading cause of asthma.
3. Irritation and Allergies
Though the reports of the allergies occurring due to the consumption of kasuri methi have been rare, they are still considered a serious issue. Some of the symptoms shown by people allergic to kasuri methi are problems in breathing, nausea, and swelling of the face. Thus, it is advised to consult your doctor if you experience any of these side effects upon consumption. Those at risk should anyway first, consult your doctor before including kasuri methi into your diet.
Now that you are aware of the different benefits as well as side-effects associated with the consumption of kasuri methi, you can make a more informed decision on how to make it a part of your diet in a way of maximizing its beneficial nature, and suppressing its adverse effects.