Fenugreek leaves are a well-known herb all over the world. It’s also called methi leaves. They are collected from fenugreek plants, which are basically shrubs.
Fenugreek leaves are medically helpful herbs. They have a lot of health benefits and can be used both internally and externally.
That to be said, fresh fenugreek leaves are herbal elements, and it has been popular as a traditional medicinal item, therefore.
Here, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information on fenugreek leaves including dried fenugreek leaves, and fenugreek leaves substitute.
We’ll also let you know about the usage of this herb, its benefits, and even the potential side effects one might face.
Table of Contents
What is fenugreek leaves?
Fenugreek leaves consist of three small leaflets. And the bunch is not usually considered as a part of a leaf.
The plant is a shrub, hence small in size. This particular plant is widely used in the Indian region, with the name of “Methi”. Fenugreek leaves can be stored in various ways as well.
For example- as dried leaves, and as leaf substitutes. There’s lucky news, these stored versions of fenugreek leaves are just as good as the fresh ones too!
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How to use the fenugreek leaves?
The main usage of fenugreek leaves comes from consuming them. Though there are a lot of day-to-day products (like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hair oil, etc) that use fenugreek flavors.
But here we’ll provide you with the household ways to use them.
- Fenugreek leaves are edible in their raw forms. So, the usage is quite simple.
- You can either eat it in its raw form or can use them in the cooked foods as a tastemaker ingredient.
- Well, then there is fenugreek leaves juice as well. You can simply drink the extracted juice of fenugreek leaves.
- Fenugreek leaves have some external usages too. The paste or juice of fenugreek leaves can be used as an ointment and can be mixed with hair, and skin packs as well.
- And lastly, the dried version of fenugreek leaves is quite good too. You can consume it just like that, or make tea using them. All will be simply beneficial to your health.
Nutrition values of fenugreek leaves
They use fenugreek leaves as herbal medicines for a reason, these leaves are so rich in nutrition facts. Let’s take a good look at them-
- Fenugreek is low in carbs. Every 100 grams of fenugreek leaves contain 5g of carbs. That amount is surprisingly low considering the high amount of calories that they contain.
- Every 100 grams of fenugreek leaves can provide you with 5g of protein. Though the amount is just the same as carbs, remember the comparison. The human body needs less protein than carbs. So, the same amount is actually good if you take the comparison into account!
- Well, like most greens, fenugreek leaves are also rich in vitamin A. Every 100 grams of fenugreek leaves has 447 micrograms of vitamin A. Such a great amount, isn’t it?
- Every 100 grams of these green leaves can provide you with 0.28 mg of vitamin B2, fenugreek leaves are really rich!
- This one is exclusive for the fresh fenugreek leaves only. Once they’re dried, or the extracted juices are stored for long, they’d lose the value. Every 100 grams of fresh fenugreek leaves contain 91 mg of vitamin C. The amount is insanely high though!
- It’s not like the fenugreek leaves contain protein and vitamins only. They contain some important minerals as well. Magnesium is one of them. Every 100 grams of fenugreek leaves contain 59 mg of magnesium!
- Iron is a basic mineral that the human body needs regularly. Mostly because they are essential to keep the blood inside fine by maintaining a proper hemoglobin level. Every 100 grams of fenugreek leaves contain 8.8 mg of iron. Good grace to be honest.
- Copper is just another important mineral for the human body, they’re important to keep the nervous system stable. And for the fenugreek leaves, every 100 grams of them contain 0.26 mg of copper. These herbal leaves are really something!
So, with all these amazing nutrition values, we can clearly see why fenugreek leaves are so precious to herbal practitioners.
Dried fenugreek leaves
Though fresh and raw fenugreek leaves have lots of perks, it’s not always possible to acquire raw and fresh leaves.
There are geographic and seasonal differences. A great way to get the benefits from this amazing herbal plant is by using the stored version.
This is when dried fenugreek leaves come!
The procedure is simple. One just needs to dry the raw leaves in sunlight. And when the leaves turn brownish, it is safe to say that they are all set and ready to go!
Well, dried fenugreek leaves are just as awesome as the fresh ones, there is something that will still be missing. Vitamin C.
We know that this vitamin does not stay intact for long.
But apart from that, all other nutrients will be exactly the same.
And for the usage, these dried leaves are good to eat. You can make dried fenugreek leaves tea as well, you can use them as a tastemaker while you cook food!
They’ll help!
Also read: Dried figs: All the nutrition facts, health benefits, and side effects.
Fenugreek leaves substitute
As good as fenugreek leaves are, you might not always have them around.
In that case, fenugreek leaves substitutes are there to save the day.
There are some other herbs and ingredients that can be used as a substitute for fenugreek leaves. Let’s take a good look-
- Celery leaves are a great substitute for fenugreek leaves. Not only are their usages similar, but their nutrition values are also very similar too! And guess what, the flavors to both extracts are similar as well!
- If you’re looking for a fenugreek leaves substitute while cooking, mustard greens are a great option. They’d add a unique flavor to your dish!
- Curry leaves are just another great substitute for fenugreek leaves. They’d be just as flavorful and nutritious as fenugreek leaves.
Well, so you see, fenugreek leaves have a few substitutes that you may use whenever you’re running out of fenugreek leaves themselves. So, worry not! Staying healthy is all that matters!
Health benefits of fenugreek leaves
Fenugreek leaves have a lot of benefits in their bag. Being a herbal shrub with a lot of nutrients, that’s it.
Let’s take a peek at the benefits that fenugreek leaves have to offer.
- The low carb with a good amount of dietary fibers that fenugreek leaves contain is beneficial for people with diabetes, and people with heart or blood diseases.
- The dietary fibers are helpful for athletes, and aspiring athletes as well. They will help keep body fats away, as well as provide a good blood circulation system. That is beneficial.
- The massive amount of vitamin A that fenugreek leaves contain is beneficial for your eyes, and skin. They’re helpful to boost up your immunity too!
- Vitamin B helps the immunity as well as bone and teeth health. Additionally, they help with the nervous system to a small extent as well.
- Vitamin C is not found in any cooked food. They are found in raw fruits and vegetables only, making them a hard catch. Their main work is to keep you in good health. To be specific, this vitamin keeps the diseases away, making your body immune and resistant. Fenugreek leaves contain a good amount of vitamin C, making them an immunity booster!
- Iron is known as a crucial factor for blood health. Iron is responsible for hemoglobin level, which means, iron deficiency can cause severe anemia. But there’s nothing to be afraid of. Fenugreek leaves are surprisingly enriched in iron. That means, they will be damn helpful to deal with anemia.
- Magnesium helps your enzymatic activities inside your body. That to be said, the overall activities of the human body are controlled by the enzymatic reactions and they produce the energy required too. Fenugreek leaves contain a good amount of it, they are really helpful to keep one energetic.
- Copper helps blood health along with iron. The fact that fenugreek leaves have a good amount of copper, means that they are way too helpful to deal with anemia and other blood-related diseases.
- The huge amount of antioxidants that fenugreek leaves possess can easily be identified as a blessing. They can help you stay energetic, stress-free, and youthful if you ask!
- Another reason why they are helpful for people with diabetes is they help to control the glucose level after meals. Many herbal practitioners hence recommend having fenugreek leaves juice in the morning.
- Regular consumption of fenugreek leaves can significantly reduce the chance of getting osteoporosis. Bone health is important. And, as fenugreek leaves are rich in minerals and vitamins, they can make the bones strong and as a result, the skeleton structure gets stronger.
- Fenugreek leaves are great medicines to cure mouth ulcers. The remedy is simple, boil fenugreek leaves in double the amount of water. Gargling with the fenugreek water regularly can heal mouth ulcers before you’ll even notice.
- They are good for the new mothers. Fenugreek leaves can stimulate breast milk production. Feeding new mothers fenugreek leaves is an old Indian practice. The main reason behind this has been to increase the amount of breast milk so that the newborn baby can be fine.
- The external usages of fenugreek leaves are beneficial too. Mixing the leaves extract with hair oil and applying them helps reduce hair fall significantly. They also keep the hair strong, shiny, and soft.
- Not only hair, but the external usage of fenugreek leaves to your skin is also helpful too. Using these herbal leaves on your face pack can reduce wrinkles and pimples. Fine from both inside and outside, isn’t that great?
So, all these benefits are nothing to look down upon.
In the later part, we’ll discuss the probable side effects that fenugreek leaves might pose.
Probable side effects of fenugreek leaves
Nothing is flawless in this world. Even our favorite fenugreek leaves might pose some potential side effects if the user is not careful. Let’s take a look.
- If the individual is allergic to fenugreek, the usage (both external and internal) might trigger an allergic reaction. That could easily lead to asthma attacks as well.
- Overuse of fenugreek leaves might cause low blood sugar, as they are usually working to keep the blood sugar level low to control diabetes. Don’t overuse them, please!
- The overuse might cause gastric troubles as well. Especially if you’re drinking less water and eating dry and fried foods mostly.
To avoid the side effects, one should not intake more than 8 grams of fenugreek leaves a day. This is the safe extent to consume fenugreek leaves.
Related FAQs:
Fenugreek leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried. They are a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, curries, and salads.
To eat fresh fenugreek leaves, simply wash them and add them to your favorite dish. You can also chop them up and add them to smoothies or yogurt.
To cook fenugreek leaves, you can saute them in oil, add them to soups or stews, or steam them.
Dried fenugreek leaves can be rehydrated by soaking them in water for a few minutes. They can then be used in the same way as fresh or cooked leaves.
Fresh fenugreek leaves will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can extend their shelf life by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and storing them in a sealed container.
Dried fenugreek leaves will last for about 1 year in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
So, here it was. The description of fenugreek leaves, dried fenugreek leaves, their substitute, their nutrition values, along with the pros and cons.
We’d remind you once again, if you ever seem to have any troubles regarding your health, contact a doctor in person.
Hope it was useful.
