Fenugreek seeds, commonly found in most Indian kitchens, are also known for their medicinal properties. While its leaves are used to prepare a savoury dish and even paranthas, the amber coloured seeds are full of properties that help treat issues such as diabetes, digestive ailments, and even strengthen bones, among others.
But what is the ideal time to consume these seeds so as to extract the best results from them? Some reports suggest that a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds should be consumed first thing in the morning, but if you find it difficult to develop a taste for it then you can even have it in your curries, dal or other food preparations. A 2015 study published in the International Journal For Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that a daily dose of 10 grams of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water may help control Type-2 diabetes. It mentioned that ‘methi dana (seeds)’ water has the ability to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
What’s the best way to consume it?
Add one tsp of fenugreek seeds in a glass of hot water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Strain and add lemon and a pinch of honey for flavour and enjoy your cup of hot tea.
Here are some of the benefits, as per Rinki Kumari, chief dietician, Fortis Hospital.
* The soluble fibre in fenugreek, or commonly known as methi dana, helps in reducing cholesterol.
* Besides that, it also helps in preventing diseases like colon cancer and helps in dealing with acid reflux or heartburn, upset stomach and constipation.
* To add to that, regularly consuming fenugreek seeds can destroy free radicals in our body, thus preventing wrinkles and dark spots.
* It also stimulates labour and uterine compression.
* Fenugreek is sometimes used as a poultice, this means it is wrapped in cloth, warmed and applied directly to the skin to treat local pain and swelling or inflammation, muscle pain and swelling of lymph nodes.
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Fenugreek seeds are one of the healthiest seeds you can add to your diet. These seeds are thought to have multiple health benefits, such as aiding weight loss, preventing diabetes, lowering cholesterol, and increasing breast milk supply. There are multiple ways to eat fenugreek seeds. You can eat soaked seeds, eat sprouts and seeds together, or add them to a dish for a sweet and bitter touch.
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Pour warm water on 1 cup (240 ml) of fenugreek seeds. First, place the seeds in a bowl or other container. Then, pour the 1 cup (240 ml) of water over the seeds. The type of water you use does not matter. For example, you can use tap water or di
- Fenugreek seeds are often eaten as a weight loss aid, as they are supposed to help digestion.
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Allow the seeds to soak overnight. You can leave the bowl of seeds out on the counter. It is a good idea to cover the bowl if you are worried about bugs or anything getting into the bowl throughout the night.
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Filter out excess water from the seeds. Pour the soaked bowl of seeds, including the water, into a strainer. You can then put the seeds into a storage container or bowl if you soaked more than 1 serving (about 1 cup (240 ml). Place the leftover seeds in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 5 days.
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Eat the seeds on an empty stomach to aid weight loss. If you’re eating the seeds to aid weight loss, it is best to eat on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Simply eat the seeds raw directly out of the bowl. Eating about 1 cup (240 ml) of seeds is recommended. Repeat soaking and eating the seeds on a daily basis in order to notice weight loss.
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Soak the seeds in 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water overnight. Then, drain the excess water out of the bowl in the morning. You can use a strainer to remove the excess water.[1]
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Wrap the seeds in a damp cloth. You can use any type of cloth, but a muslin cloth is ideal to use. Use warm water to dampen the cloth before folding the cloth around the seeds. Place the cloth in a location where it won’t be bothered.[2]
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Wait 3 to 4 days for the seeds to sprout. Check on the seeds the day after you wrap them in the cloth. Typically, it will take a few days for the seeds to sprout. After 3 days, you can remove the seeds if you see that they’ve sprouted. You can rinse the seeds under water, but otherwise, they are ready to eat.[3]
- Store the sprouts in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Add the sprouts to salad or eat them alone. If you’re eating the sprouts to aid weight loss, it’s best to eat them first thing into the morning on an empty stomach. It’s also an option to add them to a salad if you don’t want to eat them alone. Simply toss the sprouted seeds into a salad and thoroughly mix them in with the other ingredients.[4]
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Season side dishes with fenugreek powder. You can use a seed grinder or food processor to grind up the seeds. Once the seeds have been turned into a fine powder, you can use them to flavor the side dish of your choice. Simply sprinkle the powder to add a slightly sweet and bitter taste to your meal.[5]
- It’s also an option to use the powder to flavor meat.
- Store fenugreek powder by putting it into an airtight container. It will last up to 1 year.
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Make a fenugreek paste to add to curry. Use a seed grinder or food processor to grind up the seeds into a fine powder. Then, gradually add water to the powder until you create a paste. Mix the paste in with your curry to add a sweet touch to your meal.
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Roast seeds for stir-fry dishes. Put fenugreek seeds into a pan. Cook them on a medium-high heat setting for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir them during the 1 to 2 minutes. Then, allow them to cool and put 1 tablespoon (15 ml) over your favorite stir-fry dish.[6]
- You can also sprinkle the seeds over curry or salad.[7]
- Fenugreek seeds taste better roasted or blended with spices.[8]
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Question
Can you add fenugreek seeds to different recipes?
John Burson is a Certified Nutritionist, Licensed Herbalist, and Certified Personal Trainer. With over 25 years of experience, John specializes in helping clients lose weight and live healthier lives. John graduated magna cum laude and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Grand Canyon University. He has also earned Thumbtack Top Pro honos for three consecutive years.
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Expert Answer
You can receive numerous health benefits from eating fenugreek seeds in soups, baked goods, salad, and curry. In powdered or crushed form, you can eat fenugreek in capsule form, pancakes, herbal tea, and bread.
Question
Is it good to eat a roasted fenugreek powder on an empty stomach in the morning? I am already skinny and don't want to lose weight.
I wouldn't eat it on an empty stomach, but if you are interested in the other health benefits it offers, use it to season food.
Question
Can I take fenugreek powder with warm lemon water?
Yes, as long as you are OK with the taste. With lemon, it will enhance the fat-burning process.
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You can purchase fenugreek seeds online and at most grocery stores.
It’s also an option to make tea from ground fenugreek seeds.
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Consumption of fenugreek seeds may cause upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea.[9]
Applying fenugreek seeds to your skin can cause mild irritation.[10]
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Things You’ll Need
- Fenugreek seeds
- Bowl
- Water
- Strainer
- Fenugreek seeds
- Bowl
- Water
- Strainer
- Muslin cloth
- Jar
- Pan
- Seed grinder or food processor
- Water
References
About This Article
Article SummaryX
To eat fenugreek seeds, place them in a bowl with 1 cup of water. Then, cover the bowl and let them soak overnight so they can absorb some of the water. In the morning, pour the seeds through a strainer to get rid of the excess water. If you’re eating the seeds to help you lose weight, eat a cup on an empty stomach when you wake up. Alternatively, grind the seeds using a seed grinder or food processor. Once the seeds have reduced to a fine powder, sprinkle them on top of your favorite meal. You can also add water to the powder to make a paste, which you can mix into a curry. For more tips, including how to roast fenugreek sides to add to a dish, read on!
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