Fenugreek seeds

🌿 Fenugreek Seeds – Full Information

🔬 Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum

👄 Common Names:

• Methi (Hindi/Urdu)

• Fenugrec (French)

• Hulba (Arabic)

• Abesh (Amharic)

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🌍 Origin & Botanical Info

Fenugreek is a plant native to the Mediterranean, South Asia, and North Africa. The seeds are small, golden-brown, hard, and angular, with a bitter yet slightly sweet aroma. They have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and cooking, especially in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and African herbalism.

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🍽️ Nutritional Profile (per 100g dried seeds)

• Calories: ~323 kcal

• Protein: 23–26g

• Fibre: 24–26g (very high)

• Fat: 6g (mostly healthy fats)

• Carbs: ~58g

• Iron: ~33.5 mg (very rich)

• Calcium: ~176 mg

• Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese

• Vitamins: B6, B1, folate

• Phytochemicals: Saponins, alkaloids (e.g. trigonelline), flavonoids

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⚕️ Health Benefits

🔸 Digestive Health

• Acts as a mild laxative and carminative.

• Helps with bloating, constipation, and appetite regulation.

🔸 Blood Sugar Control

• Slows down carbohydrate absorption.

• Helps reduce blood glucose spikes (good for diabetics).

• Improves insulin sensitivity.

🔸 Cholesterol & Heart Health

• Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.

• Supports heart health through high fibre and antioxidant activity.

🔸 Women’s Health

• Supports lactation (galactagogue) in breastfeeding mothers.

• Helps ease PMS, menstrual cramps, and possibly menopausal symptoms.

🔸 Hormonal & Sexual Health

• May increase libido and testosterone levels in men.

• Balances estrogen levels in women.

🔸 Weight Loss

• Increases satiety and reduces appetite naturally due to high fibre (especially galactomannan).

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🧴 External Uses (Topical & Cosmetic)

• Hair care: Strengthens hair, reduces dandruff and hair fall (used as powder or soaked seed paste).

• Skin: Soothes inflammation, acne, and wounds.

• Face masks: Acts as a gentle cleanser and hydrator.

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🍵 How to Use

🧂 Culinary

• Toast lightly and grind for spice blends (e.g. curry powders, berbere).

• Add soaked seeds to lentils, sauces, or stews.

• Sprout for salads.

🍯 Medicinal/Herbal

• Fenugreek tea (soaked or boiled seeds).

• Fenugreek water: Soak overnight and drink in the morning.

• Powdered form: Added to smoothies or capsules.

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⚠️ Precautions & Side Effects

• High doses may cause:

  • Digestive upset (gas, diarrhoea)

  • Body odour resembling maple syrup

  • Uterine stimulation (avoid in high doses during pregnancy)

• Can interact with:

  • Blood thinners

  • Diabetes medication

• Not recommended for people with chickpea or legume allergies

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📦 Storage Tips

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from light.

• Use airtight containers to preserve flavour and potency.

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🧪 INCI Name (for cosmetics):

Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (Fenugreek) Seed Extract/Powder