People with diabetes must take great care of the food they consume and the lifestyle they lead, since it has a direct influence on their blood sugar levels. Diabetes patients are at a higher risk, especially during the current Covid19 epidemic. People's physical activity has decreased as a result of the lockdown, and they have been sitting in the same area for hours at a time for work.
Furthermore, eating a high-calorie diet has exacerbated the problem. As a result, it's become critical to include specific foods in your diet that will help you maintain your blood sugar under control. Fenugreek, also known as methi dana, provides several health advantages for diabetics. Methi is an aromatic plant with a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses. It is a significant element in curries and other Indian dishes.
Small round leaves and long pods with unique bitter-tasting seeds characterise this plant, which is commonly grown in South Asia, North Africa, and areas of the Mediterranean. The leaves are marketed as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens) or as an herb (dried leaves), while the seeds are used as a spice, both whole and powdered. Methi, in addition to being a popular cooking ingredient, offers a variety of health benefits and is included in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. You can find some authentic methi dana at Vasant Masala.
Methi for Diabetes
Methi Dana is high in soluble fibre, which slows the digestion and absorption of carbs, lowering blood sugar levels. These properties of methi show that they might be useful in the treatment of diabetics; it is basically anti-diabetic.
Several studies have been conducted to look into the anti-diabetic properties of methi. Several clinical investigations have shown that fenugreek seeds for diabetes can reduce blood glucose levels and increase glucose tolerance in people, which can help with most metabolic symptoms associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers in India discovered that putting 100 grammes of dried fenugreek seed powder into the regular diet of people with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes lowers rising blood glucose levels, improves glucose tolerance, and lowers high cholesterol, LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Another controlled experiment indicated that integrating 15 grammes of powdered fenugreek seed into a food consumed by people with type 2 diabetes decreased the spike in post-meal blood glucose, while another research found that eating 2.5 grammes of fenugreek twice per day for three months controlled blood sugar levels in patients with mild, but not severe, type 2 diabetes.
How to Consume Methi for Diabetes Patients
Fenugreek for diabetes or methi dana for diabetes can be consumed in a variety of ways by diabetic patients. You may use it in significant amounts in cuisine or soak it in water overnight and then eat it. Here are several options for consuming it.
Fenugreek sprouts: Just like sprouted grains and lentils, methi sprouts have several health advantages. Before going to bed at night, soak fenugreek in water. Remove the water on the second day in the morning and knot it in a moist cotton cloth. In 1-2 days, you'll see that the fenugreek has sprouted. It's advisable to consume only a small quantity at a time.
Fenugreek water: Methi water for diabetes might also help you regulate your blood sugar levels. In a glass of water, soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds overnight. The next day, filter it and consume it on an empty stomach.
Fenugreek Tea: Fever can be treated well using herbal drinks prepared with fenugreek seeds, lemon, and honey. Slightly crush 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds. Soak for 3 hours in hot water. Strain the water, add 1 tea bag or tea leaves, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of honey for taste, and sip your hot herbal tea.
Benefits of Fenugreek
Reduces Cholesterol Absorption- Contains saponins, which aid in the reduction of cholesterol absorption from fatty diets, particularly harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Aids Weight Loss- Weight reduction is aided by the fact that it is a natural soluble fibre source that suppresses hunger, boosts energy supply, and modifies glucose metabolism.
Increases Breast Milk Supply- Fenugreek possesses galactogogue qualities, which assist nursing moms in producing more breast milk.
Prevents Cancer- Fenugreek's mucilage binds to meals, allowing toxins to be flushed from the body and therefore preventing cancer.
Note: Consult your doctor and diabetic healthcare team before taking methi to treat your diabetes to make sure it's safe. When used in conjunction with prescription diabetic medications, fenugreek, like other blood sugar-lowering herbs, has the potential to produce hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). As a result, you may need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine