Health Benefits and side effects of Fenugreek tea (Methi tea)

We find “Methi/ Fenugreek” on our kitchen shelves very commonly. Apart from imparting taste to our food, Fenugreek has many potential benefits to our body. In recent times Fenugreek tea has been gaining popularity due to the wide health benefits it provides to us.

Let us learn more about Fenugreek before diving into the pool of benefits it provides. 

Fenugreek (biological name Trigonella foenum-graecum belonging to the Fabaceae family) is a herb commonly used as a spice in various cuisines of North Africa and West Asia. It is widely used in the cosmetic and soap industry due to its rich fragrance property. Fenugreek tea is also known as Methi tea is a widely used traditional remedy for people with diabetes and for lactating mothers as it improves lactation support after childbirth.

Now you can get the information on the amazing benefits of Fenugreek tea

8 Amazing benefits of Fenugreek tea

Fenugreek tea benefits our health in a variety of ways, here are 8 amazing benefits of Fenugreek tea we can’t miss out on.

1. Lactational Support

Fenugreek contains hormone precursors that may help stimulate sweat glands, which structurally resemble mammary glands and may aid lactation in nursing mothers. According to some research, fenugreek may help produce milk 24–72 hours after consumption.

2. Immune Support

Fenugreek may help the body’s defence system work better by supporting healthy white blood cell activity and response to external stress

3. Could aid in blood sugar regulation:

The soluble fibre and galactomannans found in fenugreek seeds may help control postprandial glucose levels. Fenugreek extract has been shown in both human and animal studies to support glucose metabolism and insulin function.

4. Lipid Profile Regulation

Research indicates that the fibre and saponin content of fenugreek may help manage lipid profiles by lowering total and triglyceride cholesterol levels and possibly promoting HDL cholesterol.

5. Packed with antioxidants:

In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of fenugreek methanolic and aqueous extracts to scavenge free radicals. Its high flavonoid and phenolic content could support antioxidant activity.

6. Potential to Support Skin health:

Fenugreek may help support the natural process of replacing old or damaged cells. It detoxifies the blood and makes blood free from harmful toxins. Replacing traditional tea with Fenugreek tea may help provide clearer and brighter skin.

7. For Weight Management

Fenugreek seeds are rich in natural fibre, especially a type called galactomannan, which may help you feel full for a longer time. This feeling of satiety can reduce the urge to snack between meals, which may support efforts to manage weight.

8. Aid in digestion:

Fenugreek is high in non-starch polysaccharides and dietary fibre, which can help ease digestion and support regular bowel movements. It may also help your body break down food better by supporting enzyme activity.

Fenugreek tea recipe

It’s simple! Even simpler than our traditional milk tea.

Making a cup of Methi tea is a simple task,  collect the compounds mentioned below and follow the steps given thereafter-

Materials required fenugreek tea

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon methi seeds
• A cup of water
• Tulsi leaves
• Teabags or regular tea leaves

After collecting all the above materials make sure to follow the following steps to get the perfect cup of your fenugreek tea!

1. Pulverize Methi seeds into powder-like particles, this can be done either manually or by using a blender
2. Now take a bowl with hot water, and mix honey, methi seeds, tulsi leaves, and tea leaves in it.
3. Cover the bowl mixed with all the contents and allow it to stand still for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the above contents using a sieve
5. Transfer the remaining content to a cup and enjoy your methi tea.

Can too much Fenugreek tea harm you?

Recommended dose – 3 cups per day

Despite the many Fenugreek tea benefits, excess consumption can lead to adverse effects. Below are key considerations:

When to Avoid or Stop Fenugreek Tea

If any person experiences allergic reactions like rhinitis, coughing, wheezing, itching, or a sudden rise in body temperature, then the person should stop the consumption of methi tea immediately.

• In the case of pregnancy, it is better to look for another alternative than methi tea, as its potential to cause harm to the foetus and malformation in development have been seen in some cases.
• It is useful in diabetes, due to its potential to lower blood glucose levels. But excessive use of this can cause hypoglycaemia, which can further lead to hypoglycaemic coma if not checked at the right time.
• Methi is responsible for the delay in blood clotting, hence it is advised to stop the consumption of methi tea before surgery to avoid excessive blood loss from the body.
• Fenugreek, being a potent anticoagulant, should never be consumed along with warfarin or heparin as this could lead to severe blood loss from the body.
• Fenugreek can potentially cause liver toxicity, and is completely restricted for use in patients suffering from liver complications.

6 Fenugreek side-effects you must know

Before sipping a cup of methi tea let us see the potential risk that can be seen in the consumption of Fenugreek tea.

• Consuming this tea can lead to stomach upset followed by stomach pain in the upper abdominal region
• Fenugreeks are unsafe for children and should be avoided to be served to children.
• Sometimes, in very rare cases people consuming methi experience pungent-smelling sweat and urine flow. This side effect is usually seen due to the aromatic nature of Fenugreek and disappears, as the concentration reduces in the body.
• It is a potent uterine stimulant, hence should not be given to a pregnant female. Fenugreek can stimulate uterine contraction even when the fetus is not completely developed.
• Fenugreek can sometimes lead to nausea, vomiting, or bloating.
• Use of Fenugreek along with diabetes medications is strictly prohibited as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemic coma.

References

• Ahmed, A. A., Wang, S. P., & Li, C. M. (2016). Fenugreek: A review on its nutraceutical properties and utilization in food development. Journal of Functional Foods, 19, 420–429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.10.065