To be quite honest, not many of us like methi ki sabzi or fenugreek during our childhood. The green leafy version does not attract us in childhood as aloo tikki does.
But persistent mothers make methi ka parantha or methi theplaa by kneading the dough using methi leaves. Grandma recommends that women in the house swallow a spoonful of methi seeds with water to alleviate abdominal or back pain, especially during menses, or after childbirth or simply arthritic pain. Now Diabetes.co.uk has lauded the anti-diabetic properties of methi.
Over the last few years, several studies have been carried out on the medicinal and functional properties of fenugreek seeds. University of Saud in Saudi Arabia study shows that methi daana or fenugreek seeds have medicinal value. Fenugreek having antidiabetic, antifertility, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, lactation stimulant and hypocholesterolemic effects have been discussed in this review. 
Fenugreek is rich in fibre, protein, and due to its valuable bioactive components has promising therapeutic and application. Antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, hypoglycemic activity, hypocholesterolemic activity are the major medicinal properties of the fenugreek demonstrated in various studies. Based on these, several healthful benefits, fenugreek can be recommended and be a part of our daily diet and incorporated into foods in order to produce functional foods.
Fenugreek to treat Diabetes and Cholesterol:
Multiple studies have been carried out to investigate the potential anti-diabetic benefits of fenugreek. Metabolic symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in humans were seen influenced by the use of methi (fenugreek) and blood glucose levels were seen positively decreasing and the patient’s glucose tolerance improved.
In one study, researchers found that adding 100 grams of defatted fenugreek seed powder to the daily diet of patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes helped lower total cholesterol, LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides.
For centuries they have been (and are still) used by nursing mothers to help stimulate the production of breast milk during pregnancy and following childbirth. Fenugreek’s antiviral properties also help it become a potent herbal remedy for colds and sore throats; also found effective in the treatment of arthritis, hair loss, constipation, upset stomach, kidney ailments, heartburn, male impotence and other types of sexual dysfunction.
Eat methi as a green vegetable or whole seeds or powdered seeds. Or explore another option: Sprouted methi seeds. Germinated fenugreek seeds showed more beneficial than dried seeds due to the fact that the bioavailability of different constituents of fenugreek seed was increased by germination
A word of caution:
Please do not prescribe or overdose yourself on copious amounts of fenugreek or methi. Toxicity could set in. Consult your GP and diabetes healthcare doctor whether you can take it alongside prescribed diabetes drugs. As a result, the dose of your anti-diabetic medication might need to be adjusted.
And yes, Mumma was right! You and I did realise the value of food and nutrition only after we reached this age.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.
Get the Latest health news, healthy diet, weight loss, Yoga, and fitness tips, more updates on Times Now
Diabetes: This iron-rich vegetable helps lower blood sugar, eases constipation and backache – Times Now
