Fenugreek seeds. Useful properties, application, recipes, reviews

Fenugreek seeds are considered an integral part of medicine and diet. The product is nutritious, therefore it is used for medicinal and health-improving purposes. Below you can familiarize yourself with the chemical composition, useful properties, as well as the features of the plant's use in the treatment of various diseases.

What is this plant

Fenugreek is an annual crop that belongs to the legume family. It prefers to be cultivated in clay soil and in sunny areas. In this regard, it grows massively in Eastern Europe, Iraq, Iran, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The plant can also be found in Morocco, Argentina, India, Egypt and Ethiopia.

The flowering stage begins in May or June. The culture reaches a height of about 60 cm. The foliage is small, ternary, with teeth at the ends.

Fenugreek seeds (the useful properties of the plant are given for informational purposes) ripen inside the fruits, which reach about 10 cm in length. Up to 20 seeds are formed inside them.

There is a special type of plant - blue fenugreek. It is widespread in the Mediterranean and is also found in Europe. Since the herb is characterized by a rich smell, it is in great demand in the culinary field.

The spice utskho-suneli is prepared from this plant. Initially, the inflorescences with fruits are dried, after which they are subjected to grinding. This spice is suitable for making basturma. To give the green cheese a characteristic shade and rich smell, crushed foliage is used.

Composition and useful properties

Fenugreek seeds (the beneficial properties of the product will depend on its chemical composition) are considered a storehouse of useful substances necessary for the human body. The chemical composition of the plant includes vitamins of groups A, C, E, PP, as well as essential and fatty oils with carbohydrates, proteins, lignin, cellulose, antioxidants and alkaloids.

Among the mineral elements, the product contains the following:

• iron;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus.

The calorie index is low. 100 g of the product contains about 36 kcal. In this regard, the plant acts as a useful dietary supplement.

The beneficial properties of seeds have a wide range of applications, so the plant is able to cope with many diseases:

• The high fiber content makes you feel full very quickly. This feature is suitable for those who strictly adhere to a diet.
• Restores and maintains eye health at the proper level. Participates in the process of hematopoiesis.
• Restores the required amount of potassium, which is part of cells and body fluids. This regulates the blood pressure with the heart rate.
• Gives the body tone and increases resistance to various viruses and infections.
• It can be used in case of diabetes mellitus, since the product inhibits the process of sugar penetration into the blood. Also in the seeds there is a special amino acid that affects the production of insulin.
• The activity of the nervous system is normalized. As a result, insomnia, pain in the head go away, a person is less likely to succumb to mood swings and an oppressed emotional state.
• Seed-based decoctions can improve the condition in men who have decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
• Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Can bind and flush out toxins from food. Useful for the prevention of colon cancer. When the seeds are consumed, intestinal motility improves, and constipation also disappears.
• Prevents the risk of developing reflux and heartburn. This is due to the mucus obtained from the seeds. For this, the product must be soaked in water. The mucus covers the diseased areas of the intestines and affects the accelerated healing of wounds.
• With regular use of seeds, hormones can be normalized.
• The seeds can be used for coughs and bronchitis, as well as for maintaining heart health.
• Herbal decoctions and spices stabilize the general condition, improve well-being, and also relieve unpleasant symptoms during the menstrual cycle and menopause.
• Strengthens the formation of red blood cells, and also restores blood. Can be included in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
• Eliminates dandruff, blackheads with acne, as well as minor inflammations. At the same time, the product prevents hair loss and thinning.

In this case, the seeds of the plant act as an aphrodisiac.

Fenugreek has the following main medicinal properties:

• antibacterial;
• anticarcinogenic;
• diuretic;
• fortifying;
• expectorant;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antifungal;
• stimulating the production of breast milk;
• tonic.

Indications and contraindications

Fenugreek seeds (the beneficial properties and harm of the plant are assessed for each individually) are allowed to be consumed with the following indications:

• High cholesterol. The seeds can be eaten in any form. The main thing is that the disease does not develop, which in the future will have to be treated with the help of pills.
• Excess body weight. Seeds should be consumed in the event that it is not possible to independently control food intake. Due to the special properties of the product, you can force the body to eat in a small amount.
• Low hemoglobin levels. To eliminate the problem, you can use the seeds in their pure form or as a spice.
• With frequent colds. The product is especially important for a wet cough and sore throat.
• Skin problems. The product removes blackheads with inflammation, wrinkles and oily sheen.
• Digestive problems. As a result, you can get rid of constipation and diarrhea.
• Severe pain during the menstrual cycle. Instead of pain relieving injections and pills, you can use plant seeds to get rid of various spasms.

  

However, the plant may be contraindicated in the following conditions:

• an allergic reaction to this type of plant;
• asthma;
• high levels of prolactin and estrogen, as well as thyroid problems;
• children under 10 years old;
• uterine bleeding;
• exacerbation of intestinal and stomach diseases;
• tumor formations;
• first trimester of pregnancy.

Since seeds contain a large amount of dietary fiber, they can reduce the effects of other medicines. The product should be used with caution in case of diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.

It is not recommended to consume excessive amounts of seeds. Also, during the treatment with fenugreek, the smell of sweat and urine may change. However, this is considered a normal state of the body.

How to use

Pure fenugreek seeds have a bitter taste. In this regard, before use, they need to be fried. After heat treatment, the taste becomes softer, and also a nutty flavor appears. The product can be used whole or ground. To preserve the beneficial properties, the seeds are usually brewed in the form of tea or soaked in water, leaving overnight. Due to this, they will retain a large amount of fiber.

Also, the seeds are suitable for flavoring food components. Their compounds have a maple smell, so they are often used to create an imitation of maple syrup.

In the culinary field, seeds include:

• baked goods;
• first courses, cereals and salads;
• bakery products;
• cold snacks and cheese;
• tea and warming drinks.

The seeds can act as an essential additive to enhance the aroma and flavor of a dish. To increase the shelf life of the product, it must be stored dry. This ensures that the seasoning is edible for 12 months.

If you add plant seeds to a dressing, sauce, vegetable salad, or soup, there will be a slight mushroom flavor.

Precautionary measures

Fenugreek seeds (beneficial properties are determined by the correct adherence to the intake of a medicinal plant) can cause an allergic reaction, nosebleeds, severe pain in the stomach and intestines, nausea and diarrhea. Side effects are possible if you do not adhere to the daily dosage of the product.

Method of administration and dosage

Fenugreek seeds are considered a complementary alternative therapy for a wide range of diseases. Before taking a herbal product, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional, since a self-made diagnosis will not always be accurate and correct. Otherwise, you can harm the body and worsen the state of health in general.

Folk recipes for the use of the product in the treatment of various diseases:

Pathology	Features of influence	Mode of application
Sore intestines	When seeds enter the gastrointestinal tract, they create a protective film that covers mucous membranes and eliminates inflammation. As a result, gastritis or ulcers do not progress. Also, the product contains a large amount of dietary fiber, which removes free radicals with toxic substances. Thanks to this, the risk of developing oncology in the intestine is prevented.	1. 1 tbsp. l. sprouted fenugreek seeds must be combined with a similar volume of wheat germ, 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal and 1/2 part celery root. 2. The composition should be supplemented with 20 g of flax seeds, 30 ml of honey and 40 ml of lemon juice. 3. The mixture needs to be stirred. 4. The composition must be taken 4 times a day without taking into account the established meal schedule.
Hypothyroidism	Due to the organic acids contained in fenugreek, the acid-base balance is quickly restored. However, medication is also needed to treat the disease.	1. 40 g of seeds are required to be brewed in 125 ml of boiling water and insisted for 20 minutes. 2. Pour 15 ml of apple cider vinegar into the finished mixture. 3. The remedy should be taken in 2 tbsp. l. in the morning on an empty stomach.
Constipation	There is a bitter taste in the seeds, which manifests itself during the biting of the fruit. Substances that provoke bitterness contribute to the elimination of excess mucus from the body that accumulates on the intestinal walls. When the mucus is removed, the absorption of nutrients will improve, while the intestinal motility is normalized.	1. Milled seeds must be combined with milk in a ratio of 1:20, respectively. 2. The composition should be boiled at medium heat for about 5 minutes, then cooled. 3. The filtered mixture should be taken 100 ml before meals. It softens and heals the organs of the upper digestive system.
Cough	Stimulate the production of antibodies, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, neutralize unfavorable microflora in lungs and throat, neutralize streptococci and staphylococci, and also give mucous membranes the necessary food. The seeds contribute to the elimination of dry cough, which has arisen against the background of colds. They also quench thirst and have an expectorant effect.	1. Grind barberry with caraway seeds and fenugreek seeds in a mortar. 2. 1 hour l. the mixture should be washed down with 200 ml of water. 3. You need to start taking food after 40 minutes. To enhance the effect, you need to drink about 2 liters of warm purified water per day.
Climax	During menopause, it helps to normalize estrogen levels.	1. 30 g of seeds must be crushed and supplemented with 250 ml of boiling water. 2. The composition must be left for 2 hours to infuse. 3. Take three times a day, 100 ml before meals.
Mastopathy	The disease is characterized by excessive proliferation of connective tissues. The seeds help stop overgrowth and also relieve pancreatic and thyroid disorders. Thanks to this, the hormonal background will be normalized, in case of violation of which this pathology occurs.	1. 100 mg of dried seeds need to be boiled in liquid for about 7 minutes. 2. The composition must be ground and combined with 70 ml of honey. 3. The tool is required to be consumed in the morning before meals and before bedtime.
Flatulence	The action of the product stops the activity of putrefactive microorganisms. To eliminate the problem, the seeds can be used as an herbal decoction or as an additive for regular meals. The infusion allows you to prevent excess gas accumulation, as well as to normalize digestive activity.	1. 3 tbsp. l. dried seeds must be supplemented with 200 ml of warm liquid. 2. The mixture must be insisted for 50 minutes, then filtered and cooled. 3. The product should be used 3 times a day in the amount of 75 ml. The shelf life of the infusion is 2 days. However, it must be stored in the refrigerator compartment.
Oncology	Infusion based on birch mushroom, nettle and fenugreek seeds helps to improve the patient's condition with cancer.	1. A birch mushroom with nettle and dry fenugreek seeds needs to be ground and insisted at room temperature for 2 hours. 2. Previously, the composition must be supplemented with boiling water with sugar. 3. Dry ingredients should be taken in the same amount. For 60 g of dried herbs, 200 ml of liquid is required. 4. The finished product must be consumed three times a day before meals.
Pancreatitis	The disease is caused by inflammation of the pancreas. The toxins produced have a detrimental effect on the kidneys and heart, in this regard, it is required to strictly adhere to the diet. During the diet, it is contraindicated to eat foods that irritate the body. When the seeds are taken, the tissues that are affected by the disease are regenerated. For this purpose, teas are suitable. However, you need to consult with your doctor.	1. 120 g of chopped ginger root must be combined with a pinch of turmeric and caraway seeds, as well as 25 g of seeds. 2. The composition should be supplemented with grated lemon and orange zest. 3. The components must be supplemented with boiling water in the amount of 600 ml and insisted for 2 hours. 4. The product in the amount of 100 ml should be taken at lunchtime and in the evening for 30 minutes. before meals.
Liver pathology	It has a beneficial effect on the liver, cleanses the intestines, and also eliminates hepatosis.	1. Fenugreek seeds with milk thistle and dandelion stalks must be mixed in the same volume and rubbed. 2. The mixture must be supplemented with 200 ml of boiling water, infused for 30 minutes. 3. The composition should be filtered. 4. The product must be taken 4 times a day after meals. The treatment course lasts for 14 days, after which it is required to take a break of 30 days.
Gout	Has a neutralizing effect. The treatment course should last for 10 days. After taking, attacks will rarely appear or disappear completely.	1. 30 mg of grated seeds must be combined with soda, pouring warm liquid. 2. Stir the finished composition. 3. Before meals, you should drink 50 ml of the product. For maximum effect, it is advisable to combine the course with a salt-free diet.
Diabetes	For medicinal and prophylactic purposes, it is advisable to germinate seeds. After taking the remedy, relief is felt. This is due to the fact that the substances present in the composition of the product slow down the absorption of sugar. In this case, amino acid groups are involved in the production of insulin.	1. 4 tbsp. l. dried seeds must be rinsed in cool water and soaked for 12 hours in a closed container. 2. After a while, the liquid must be drained, leaving the raw material for 36 hours, while the container must be closed. 3. It is required to take the remedy in the amount of 1 tsp. l. before eating.

The healing properties of fenugreek seeds are officially recognized by traditional medicine. Due to its diverse chemical composition, the product is able to cope with various health problems. It will be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, liver, sore throat, and relieve pain during the menstrual cycle.

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