Fenugreek: Here are 6 reasons to eat this vegetable every day

The parts used in fenugreek in medicine and herbal medicine are its seeds. According to nutritionist Jadielma Galvão, they are able to treat inflammation and digestive problems. In addition, fenugreek tea can help with weight loss, skin care and hair care. Check out more benefits and ways to use this food:

What is fenugreek?

This is a medicinal plant rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. For this reason, fenugreek is an important ingredient for a diet that seeks health care and aesthetics. In addition, it is a seed that acts positively in both the male and female body. See below the main nutrients found in 100 g of the vegetable.

Nutritional information

• Calories: 323 Kcal
• Potassium: 770 mg
• Dietary fiber: 25 g
• Proteins: 23 g
• Iron: 33.5 mg
• Vitamin A: 60 IU
• Magnesium: 191 mg
• Calcium: 176 mg

With so many nutrients, fenugreek is considered a food with laxative, aphrodisiac, digestive and antioxidant properties. “It is used in various situations, such as reducing inflammation, improving intestinal functioning and reducing menstrual cramps”, explains Jadielma.

6 benefits of fenugreek

1. Slimming: tea made with this plant can help in the weight loss process. “Thanks to its high fiber content, it helps to eliminate body fat and also makes you feel fuller”, explains the nutritionist. But, of course, no product is miraculous and, therefore, the patient must combine the consumption of fenugreek with a healthy diet and the practice of physical exercises to influence weight loss.
2. Contributes to breastfeeding: according to Jadielma, this vegetable contains phytoestrogens, phenolic compounds very similar to the female hormone called estrogen. Consequently, consumption of this natural product increases milk production.
3. Skin care: another important role played by the consumption of this plant is the care of skin aspects. In practice, it acts in the fight against acnes and cellulite.
4. Protects your hair: do you want hydrated and shiny hair? So, the tip is to bet on fenugreek in the diet, as it helps in the fight against baldness, accelerates the process of hair growth and also reduces the amount of frizz.
5. Prevents Digestive Problems: It is also possible to treat constipation using tea made with this plant.
6. Increases testosterone: “In general, fenugreek has several benefits, but for men in particular it is very supplemented to increase testosterone levels, the hormone that is linked to sexual abilities”, he concludes.

With all these benefits, the plant becomes an excellent option for those looking to improve their daily diet. It is a healthy choice to complete important meals of the day or to prepare infusions.

How to use

Also according to the nutritionist, this food can be used in cooking, in the preparation of teas and even as a natural skin and/or hair care product. In addition, it can be purchased in the form of capsules that help maintain health. Check out the main uses:

fenugreek tea

This drink is indicated to help with weight loss, digestive problems and also to relieve some of the signs of menopause.

How to do it: put a spoon (soup) of fenugreek in a cup (tea) of cold water. Wait for two hours and put the mixture on the fire. After boiling, wait three minutes. Then pass the infusion through a sieve and drink the tea still warm, without adding sugar.

in cooking

It is possible to make classic dishes using fenugreek as one of the main ingredients, as is the case with the vegan burger indicated by the nutritionist. Learn the recipe below and have a quick and tasty snack option!

how to use: soak 500g of lentils and then cook together with salt and bay leaf. Drain the lentil and let it cool, then mix it with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and seasonings of your choice. Add onion and garlic, 250g of oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of fenugreek. As soon as the dough doesn’t stick to your hand anymore, form the hamburger and put it to bake.

Fenugreek for hair

Make tea with this vegetable and enjoy its benefits involving hair care. As a result, you’ll have healthier, shinier, frizz-free hair.

How to use: prepare fenugreek tea and, after cooling, place the substance at the root of the hair. Apply the tea making circular massages on the scalp. After a few minutes, remove all the natural product.

skin application

Whoever believes that this plant only has benefits in its seeds is wrong. On the contrary: the leaves are also allies of health, especially the skin.

How to use: between your skin care, add a natural mask made with crushed leaves of this vegetable. According to Jadielma, it is indicated to spread the content on the skin, whether on the face, neck or anywhere you want. After a few minutes, remove with ice water.

Fenugreek Capsules

This format is still little used, but it ends up being a more practical alternative to have the main benefits of fenugreek, such as weight loss, improved digestion and increased sexual performance for men and women.

How to use: the amount of capsules ingested daily varies between one or two units. They should be used, preferably, with the main meals of the day. However, as it works as a supplement, it is better to have the dose recommended by a nutritionist.

The nutritionist also takes the opportunity to reveal the amount of grains that can be consumed daily. “The recommended is, on average, three tablespoons a day”, he adds.

Warnings and Contraindications

Although beneficial to health, fenugreek has some contraindications. “It is not suitable for pregnant women, as it can induce labor. It is also not suitable for diabetics who are insulin dependent”, concludes the professional.

This vegetable can be found at free fairs and online or physical health food stores. In capsule form, fenugreek can be purchased at pharmacies as well. If you want to lose weight, get to know other healthy foods to lose weight and diversify your diet.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.