Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek, or Methi (Hindi), Trigonella foenum-graecum (botanical name), Leguminosae family, seeds are very popular as a spice. People also have recognized the leaves of the plant as a powerful herb. The herb grows about 2 feet in height. Fenugreek has slender stems and the tripartite, serrated leaves appear in light green color. Each fenugreek seed shell or pod produces around twenty brownish yellow seeds. The bitter, spicy, pungent, aromatic seeds appear oblong, small, flat and hard.

The fenugreek seed has minimum level of total carbohydrate (2.2g) and Sugars (0.9g). The spice has total fat (0.2g) as well as saturated Fat (0.1g). It has low level of protein (0.9g).

The rich bio-active chemical substance present in fenugreek is known as polysaccharide galactomannan. The seed also presents another bio-active substance called saponins. The two alkaloids i.e. trigonelline and choline, volatile oils etc, make the spice the most favorite one.

Nutrition Data on Fenugreek:

Fenugreek seeds are enriched with minerals like Potassium (28 mg) and Sodium (2 mg), iron, phosphates,

Vitamins Available:

Fenugreek seed is enriched with vitamin A, vitamin B₁ and vitamin C. The seed comprises trigonelline, saponins, flavonoids, and other alkaloids. The seed has rich fiber and protein.

Calorie Value in Fenugreek:

One tablespoon of fenugreek seed comprises 11 calories. The seed has good dietary fiber (0.9g - 3%)

Health Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are showing good response in:

using as a spice and digestive aid

improving the milk secretion in lactating mothers

protect against cancers of the breast and colon

lowering type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride as well as low-density lipoprotein

Source:

1. Calorie Count - Calories in Fenugreek Seed - http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-fenugreek-seed-i2019

2. Fenugreek Seeds - http://www.fenugreek-seeds.com/

3. Recipe Zaar - Fenugreek - http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=326