Fenugreek Seeds – Benefits For Hair Regrowth And Skin Care + Increasing Milk Supply

Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds or methi dana, belong to the family Fabaceae and are cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop.

Scientifically named Trigonella foenum-graecum, it is an annual plant about 2 feet tall, a herb that is also considered a legume. Furthermore, it is one of the oldest medicinal plants and is presently grown in the United States, India, the Middle East, Egypt, Argentina, Spain, and France.

Nutritional profile

It contains a wide variety of essential nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and copper, as well as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C and E.

In addition, the seeds contain dietary fiber and complete protein, plus many phytochemicals, like – trigonelline diosgenin, choline, gitogenin, yamogenin, neotigogens, and tigogenin.

Health benefits of fenugreek seeds

Benefits for hair regrowth        

It is an effective natural remedy to manage hair problems because it contains important nutrients such as – protein, vitamin B3, lecithin (a compound known to strengthen and moisturize hair), and other nutrients that effectively bring back the natural black color of the hair and nourish the scalp.

Combining these seeds with coconut oil will work really well in controlling hair problems.

That way, the coconut oil becomes loaded with the nutrients from the seeds, plus, you achieve double the benefits of both the methi seeds as well as the coconut oil.

Ingredients for fenugreek powder for hair:

  • 200g seeds;
  • 200 ml pure coconut oil.

Method

First, you need to grind the seeds into a fine powder.

Then, pour it out into a bowl and add the coconut oil and a tablespoon of water, and blend it thoroughly.

Mix the above into a paste.

Apply the paste to the scalp.

Keep for 30-40 mins and wash later.

Regular use will show results by strengthening the roots and rebuilding hair follicles, thus, it helps reduce overall hair loss.

More importantly, repeat this ritual 2-3 times a week for at least 1 month and you will see great results.

Benefits for skin

These seeds are a natural anti-aging home remedy too.

It repairs damaged skin cells, combats free radicals in the body, and regenerates new ones, and fights wrinkles and early signs of aging.

Method

Firstly, grind the seeds. Add water to it and blend it till it forms a paste.

Apply this paste to your skin and allow it to dry before washing it off with warm water.

Apply two times a week and you will be left with firm and toned skin.

Increased breast milk production

If your milk supply is low, before using any prescription medications, you might want to try using a natural galactagogue.

When consumed, this food or herb increases a lactating mother’s milk supply.

According to a 2014 study at the Department of Pediatrics and Obstetric, Cairo, consuming tea from these seeds increases breast milk production.

You can achieve this in 3 ways:

  • taking these seeds as a supplement in a form of a capsule. It is recommended to take three capsules three times a day, at a total of 3,500 mg daily.
  • drink a herbal tea from the seeds – two to three cups per day. Add 1 tbsp of seeds to 1 cup of boiling water. You can also ingest the remaining seeds after.
  • eat the seeds.

Mothers usually notice an increase in production 24-48 hours after starting the supplementation.

Other examples of herbal galactagogues are – milk thistle, blessed thistle, anise, fennel, and nettle. Don’t forget, your milk supply is driven by the stimulation which your baby provides while nursing.

Other health benefits of methi dana

Lowers blood sugar levels

The seeds control the blood sugar levels which can benefit diabetes patients.

One reason is the content of a natural soluble fiber named – galactomannan, which slows the rate of sugar absorption into the blood.

Furthermore, the amino acids in these seeds promote insulin secretion in the pancreas that in turn lowers blood sugar levels.

According to a 2009 study at the Diseases Research Center, Iran, a daily dose of 10 grams of these seeds soaked in hot water may help control type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss

The plant has a lot of dietary fiber in it (100g of seeds contain 24,6g of fiber –  65% of the recommended daily intake) and when chewed, it helps you to feel satiated, hence lessening your craving for food.

Fiber also slows down your body’s conversion of carbohydrates to sugar which helps you lose weight and stabilize blood glucose levels.

In addition, dietary fiber reduces the absorption of calories from the food you consume.

Boosts your energy

Every cell of your body needs oxygen, and muscle cells need oxygen for physical exercise.

As anyone with iron anemia will tell you, fatigue and weakness are strongly related to too little iron. 100g of these seeds contain 33,5 mg of iron – 419% of the recommended daily intake.

Brain health

Copper is an essential trace mineral in many different body systems. It is found in all the tissues but is stored mainly in the liver. This mineral helps create the myelin – a fatty white substance that covers all the nerves in the body like insulation on wires in a house. Additionally, this trace mineral is important for the normal growth and development of children.100g of these seeds contain 1,1 mg of copper – 123% of the recommended daily intake.

Prevents cognitive decline

Omega-3 fatty acids (also known as alpha-linolenic acids) are necessary for human health, but the physical body can’t produce them on its own.

There are now more than 20,000 published studies on the health benefits of omega-3 for the human body.

According to some of these studies, a reduced intake of omega-3 fatty acids and too much omega-6 is linked with an increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.100g of these seeds contain 1,4 mg of omega-3 – 89% of the recommended daily intake.

Increases muscle mass

Your body uses protein to repair and build tissues.

Perhaps not surprisingly, many studies concluded that eating plenty of protein can help increase muscle strength and mass.

Furthermore, protein-rich foods are good for preventing weight gain since they increase satiety.

100g of these seeds contain 23g of complete protein – 41% of the recommended daily intake.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Strongest Natural Herbal Muscle Relaxers

Selection and storage

Trigonella foenum-graecum is usually available in seed, capsules, and powder form.

After purchasing, it can be stored in a dry, cool place for up to 6 months. However, if you grind the seeds, try using them within 7 days.

Side effects of methi seeds

They should not be ingested by pregnant women because it can lead to early contractions.

Some individuals are allergic to this herb, and people who have chickpea and peanut allergies may have an allergic reaction to the plant.

Image source – https://pixabay.com/photos/fenugreek-seeds-spices-cooking-3395799/

ALSO READ: Hip Pain – Metaphysical & Spiritual Meaning

Sources

http://www.pediatricsciences.com/article/view/1050000487
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19839001
https://examine.com/supplements/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658077X15301065

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