Now that winter is on our doorstep, a load full of leafy greens have hit the market. The best one of the lot is methi, also known as fenugreek. From methi paratha to aloo methi—there are numerous things you can cook with it to replenish your nutrient count. But do you know that eating raw methi can actually help you reduce your risk of diabetes? Yes, it’s true!
There are millions of people suffering from type-2 diabetes. And with this disease, come food and other restrictions. If you want to maintain your blood sugar levels, you need to abide by them. That’s why it is always better to start taking precautions before the malady attacks your body. And in this, methi can be your pal.
Having said that, people who have a hereditary predisposition to diabetes might still be at risk, though eating methi can help to some extent.
The main ingredients in methi that help in maintaining blood sugar levels are phytochemical components and essential nutrients such as trigonelline, yamogenin, chlorine, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
“Raw methi has a low glycemic index. This helps in maintaining blood sugar level. Plus, it is also low in calories,” said Dr Aditi Sharma, dietitian at Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad.
According to a study published in the journal AYU, methi can slow down the digestion process. Due to this sugar is released very slowly in the body and your sugar levels stay within the limit.
“Methi is a green leafy vegetable and we know they are loaded with fibre. Fibre are known to reduce blood sugar levels. Basically, raw methi takes care of your gut. If your gut health is fine then the rest of the organs will function well and you don’t have to worry about anything at all,” says Dr Sharma.
Obesity is another cause of diabetes. But if you drink methi juice on a regular basis, then you can stay safe from both excess fat accumulation and diabetes. The study from AYU also suggests that methi helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
“You can have methi juice, but I would recommend you eat this vegetable whole as you get more fibre in that case. You can easily consume 100 grams of raw methi on a regular basis. You can also combine it with things like lentils and carrots for better results,” she added.
Now, we all know that fresh methi is only available in winters. But don’t worry you can easily get fenugreek seeds or powder from your nearest grocery store and use it. Did you know, a study published in the journal Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture suggests that consuming 15 grams of fenugreek powder in your meals can also help you in reducing the increased post-meal glucose level.
But till the time you can get your hands on this leafy vegetable in the winter, keep noshing on it. You can find interesting ways to cook this otherwise bitter veggie because it has everything you and your family need to tackle diabetes.