How to Use Fenugreek Seeds for Diabetes?

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Fenugreek and Diabetes

Come winters and my amma (my paternal grandmother) would set out to make all kinds of laddoos at home – panjiri, dry fruit, besan, gond and what not.

But the most peculiar ones that I found of them all were the literally bittersweet methi ladoos that she would make for herself. Amma had type 2 diabetes and would swear by the antidiabetic power of methi or fenugreek.

Is Methi (Fenugreek) Good for Diabetes?

Methi or fenugreek is an important leafy green, herb and spice used in Indian cooking. However, the most potent form of its consumption is said to be in the form of methi dana or fenugreek seeds.

Trigonella foenum graecum or fenugreek seeds are loaded with soluble fibre which is fundamental in lowering blood sugar level by the virtue of controlled breaking down of food and absorption of carbohydrates. People with diabetes may benefit from fenugreek seeds.

Does Fenugreek Reduce Blood Sugar?

According to a 2017 controlled study conducted in Telangana, adding fenugreek seeds to one’s diet can have a synergistic effect on reducing the fasting blood glucose and HbA1c level.

According to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, 5gms of fenugreek powder twice a day before meals for three months resulted in a considerable decrease in fasting blood glucose level and postprandial (PP) blood sugar level for people with diabetes.

It also showed significant decline in the LDL or bad cholesterol levels of the patients.

Let’s Look at this below video which covers the seven wonders of your spice box, Which are also rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help control your diabetes and provide numerous other health benefits.

Glycemic Index of Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds, because of their hypoglycemic properties, work well towards lowering the glycemic index of rice and wheat heavy diets traditional to our country.

According to the Comparative Study of Fenugreek Seeds on Glycemic Index, addition of fenugreek seeds to rice/wheat-based diet 15 minutes before the meal caused a significant reduction in glycemic index.

It was beneficial to them when it came to the long term control of their blood glucose levels and to the prevention of complications due to hyperglycemia.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Fenugreek Seeds?

Apart from their antidiabetic properties, fenugreek seeds also have a plethora of other health benefits.

They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect the cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
They help stimulate breast milk production during pregnancy and childbirth.
They are used as an herbal remedy for colds and sore throats due to their antiviral properties.
They help do away water retention and bloating, as well as aid weight loss.

The Best Way to Consume Fenugreek Seeds

1. Soaked

The most prevalent and effective way to include methi dana in your life is by drinking fenugreek tea. 10 gms of methi dana soaked overnight in a glass of hot water and drunk first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, can work wonders for people with diabetes.

You can also chew on them if you are feeling heroic and don’t mind the bitterness.

2. Sprouted

Sprouted fenugreek seeds are easier to digest and are significantly less bitter. You can use sprouted seeds in a chat, salads, or simply munch on them as a snack (you can salt, pepper and a dash of lemon juice).

To sprout your methi danas, wash the seeds thoroughly and soak them overnight. Next day, drain them thoroughly, wash and tie them in a muslin cloth.

Repeat the process for 5 days till the seeds sprout with tiny green leaves. Store them in an airtight container to make them last upto a week.

3. Dry roasted

Another way of adding fenugreek seeds to your diet is by dry roasting them and then using them in your tadkas for dals and raitas.

Dry roasting them lowers their bitter taste and impart a nutty flavor to them. Dry roasted methi dana can also be added to your daily chapati dough as whole seeds or in powdered format.

Practice caution

Fenugreek seeds have strong hypoglycemic properties.

Hence, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor about the amount of fenugreek seeds to be included in your diet, especially when you are on blood glucose lowering and blood thinning medication.