Introduction
Winter is one of the ideal times to make changes in your diet to get healthier because a lot of nutritious veggies are in season during this time.
There are several green leafy veggies that you can consider that are quite healthful.
Of all these green vegetables, fenugreek or methi leaves are recognised to have a significant impact on your health.
These leaves produce heat in the body that are very effective in stabilizing the body temperature during winters.
Fenugreek is a wonder herb with many potential health benefits.
These aromatic leaves have a light green colour and have a nutty, savoury, and slightly bitter flavour.
It is known as ‘Methi’ in India, and beside the conventional use as a household spice, it is used as a great addition to the traditional Indian dishes.
Fenugreek has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for its many associated health benefits.
Nutritional Profile of Fenugreek/Methi leaves
The health benefits of fenugreek are numerous, thanks to its exceptional nutritional and pharmaceutical profile.
Its seeds are packed with a plethora of essential minerals, and are also a powerhouse of vitamins, including:
· Carbohydrates
· Protein
· Fiber
· Folic acid
· Thiamin
· Riboflavin
· Niacin
· Vitamin C
· Potassium
· Phosphorous
· Sodium
· Calcium
· Copper
· Zinc
· Magnesium
· Manganese
· Iron
What are the Benefits Of Fenugreek/Methi leaves?
Fenugreek leaves as well as its dry seeds have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions since they are nutritionally dense.
Although human studies are limited, some studies suggest that methi has proven health benefits, including:
1. It can help in weight loss
Methi can be a part of your winter weight loss diet. Both fenugreek seeds as well as the leaves can do wonders in weight management.
These leaves contain Galactomannan, a water-soluble component which can keep you satiated for longer and make you eat less.
It can help in suppressing appetite and decreasing dietary calorie intake.
2. Helps in improving cholesterol
Researchers have discovered that methi leaves have powerful properties that lower the cholesterol by a third within minutes of consumption.
Fenugreek supplementation can statistically cause a significant reduction in both cholesterol absorption in the intestines and cholesterol production by the liver which ultimately helps in improving the heart health.
3. Aiding people suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Methi leaves contain some anti-diabetic properties and can be helpful for people suffering from the condition.
Its role in reducing fasting blood glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance in human subjects has been reported in several studies.
A few longer-term clinical trials showed that methi dana soaked overnight and the water drunk empty stomach in the morning can work wonders for people with diabetes.
4. Improves skin health
Methi leaves are highly beneficial in reducing skin ailments.
They contain vitamin C that lightens the skin complexion, gives it a beautiful glow, stimulates collagen synthesis and gives firmness to your skin.
Thus, it prevents wrinkles and also delays ageing signs.
Additionally, it possesses excellent antioxidant properties that help in eliminating the dead skin cells on skin tissue that have accumulated over time.
Here are a few simple ways to incorporate Methi leaves in your diet this winter:
Methi leaves can do more than enhance the taste of your meals.
They can be used in several ways.
1. You can add them in dal, paratha or curry.
2. Methi leaves can be used in salads by adding chopped onions, tomatoes, lemon, some jaggery and spices.
3. Soup made from methi leaves can warm up your winter evenings. Its taste can be enhanced by adding tomatoes, onions, and crushed pepper.
4. Paratha: Fresh methi leaves can be added to the whole wheat flour to prepare a dough which can then be used to make parathas.
5. Aloo methi ki sabzi: This eclectic combination of some finely chopped fenugreek leaves mixed with lightly spiced potatoes make a tasty and delicious preparation.
6. Methi ke Pakode: Use fresh methi leaves to snack on by making deep fried pakode.
7. Methi Saag: This is a traditional Punjabi dish made with blending fenugreek greens in a paste like gravy. Pairing it with rotis or naan.
Final thoughts
Winters, especially in North India are incomplete without methi. The strong flavour of methi leaves add zest and zing to any dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Incorporate methi leaves into your daily diet this winter, not only for its distinctive flavour but also for various health benefits.
