FENUGREEK (Trisonella foenum- sreacum)
Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family fabaceae with
leave consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated
worldwide as a semi-arid crop and its seeds are common ingredients in dishes
from the Indians sub continent.
Nutritional values
Fenugreek leaves
nutrition: Fenugreek
or methi leaves is very rich in vitamins and minerals and they get easily absorbed
by the body. Some major ingredients include calcium, potassium, phosphorus,
iron and dietary fiber in its naturally occurring form as in other vegetables.
The availability of vitamin k is as good as spinach. The protein rich fenugreek
leaves can be treated as a wonder herb. 100gms of fenugreek leaves contributes
to about 50 calories of energy.
Fenugreek seeds
nutrition: Fenugreek or methi seeds
are also very rich in dietary fiber and can provide about 65% of daily value
requirement in about 100gms of seeds and mainly comprise of NSP or non starch
polysaccharide, a very important ingredient for the control of cholesterol and
other toxins. The presence of 4-hydroxoyisoleucine promotes insulin formation.
The phyto-compounds contribute greatly to its medicinal properties. The mineral
components include iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium;
magnesium and copper provide essential control on body fluids, blood pressure
and heart rate. The vital nutrient and vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, folic
acids, niacin, vitamin A, C and B6.
About a spoonful of fenugreek sprouts
give you just 12 calories and about 0.9g fiber, 0.24g fat, 0.85g protein,
1.24mg iron, 11mg phosphorus, 7mg calcium, 7mg magnesium and 28mg potassium.
Health Benefits of Fenugreek
Ø As poultice fenugreek is used
sometime to treat inflammation, lymphadenitis condition (swelling of lymph
nodes), gout and eczema.
Ø Fenugreek is often used to treat
problems related to digestive system such as stomach upset, as well as
constipation condition and gastritis.
Ø Some conditions that leads to heart
ailments such as arteries hardening, medically known as atherosclerosis, high
levels of blood fat including triglycerides and cholesterol. Fenugreek will
help to reduce such symptoms.
Ø Fenugreek was found to be very useful
in treatment of kidney problems, beriberi disease, boils and mouth ulcers,
bronchial condition, swelling of skin tissue called cellulites condition, tuberculosis,
and persistent cough, chapped lips, to combat baldness, diabetes and cancer.
Ø Some studies indicated the use of
fenugreek to treat condition of erectile dysfunction and hernia.
Ø Fenugreek was found to be very useful
to help milk flow in breast feeding mothers.
Ø Fenugreek leaves alleviate arthritis
condition and rheumatism. Being a rich source of iron, fenugreek leaves are
very useful in treating anemic condition.
Ø Herbal tea made out of fenugreek
powder is very good in bringing down body temperature during high fever.
Ø Fenugreek paste is also use in
treating burning sensation in hands, feet, palm and soles.
Uses of Fenugreek
·
The
seeds are used to make medicine.
·
Fenugreek
is used for digestive problems such as loss of appetites, stomach upset,
constipation and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) and for high bloodlevel of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides.
·
Women
who are breast feeding sometimes use fenugreek to promote milk flow.
·
In
manufacturing, fenugreek extracts are used in soaps and cosmetics.
·
Fenugreek
leave are eaten in India as a vegetable.
·
In
food, fenugreek is included as an ingredient in spices blend. It is also used
as a flavoring agent in imitation maple syrup, foods, beverages and
tobacco.
Method of preparing
Fenugreek Tea
Ingredients
o
1
teaspoon of fenugreek seeds for each cup of tea.
o
1
cup of water for every teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.
o
Loose
tea leaves and or herbs (optional)
Steps
o
Lightly
crush the fenugreek seeds, use a mortar and pestle or place the seeds on a
wooden chopping board and crush with the flat blade of a large kitchen knife.
o
Boil
the water in a kettle, electric water heater or sauce pan. Pour the desired
amount of boiled water into a tea pot, small jug or other container.
o
Add
the crushed fenugreek seeds. You may supplement with other herbs and or loose
tea leaves.
o
Cover
and steep the seeds for at least 3minutes.
o
Strain
through a regular tea strainer into a cup.
o
Sweeten
with honey, sugar or Stevie.
o
Drink
hot or cold.
Gall,Alevtina & Zerihun,S.(2009).Ethiopian traditional
and herbal medications and their interaction with conventional drugs.
Rombauer & Irma.(1997).Joy of cooking. New York:Simon and
Shuster incorporated,pp 375.ISBN 0-684-81870-1.
Tarla,D.(2012).Fennel seeds, Indian recipes, retrieved from http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-fennel-seeds-4010
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