Methi also known as fenugreek, is a herb commonly used in Indian cuisine. Its seeds and leaves are used in traditional medicine because of their health benefits. You might think "Is methi good for diabetes?". Let's understand how it works and how you can add it to your diabetes diet.
Is Methi Good for Diabetes?
You may have heard from someone to take 1 spoon of methi seeds (fenugreek), soak them in water overnight, and drink the water in the morning to lower your blood sugar levels.
Whenever someone suggests you eat a certain food, it's important to analyze the food before consuming it.
First, you should check the nutritional value, PFf value, and glycemic load of methi seeds (fenugreek). This will help us decide Is methi good for diabetes or not.
Nutritional Value of Methi Seeds (Fenugreek):
- Protein: 25%
- Fat: 6-7%
- Carbohydrates: 58%
- Fiber: 25%
PFf Value of Methi Seeds (Fenugreek):
PFf (Protein + Fiber + Fat) value is calculated as:
- Protein + Fiber + Fat
- = 25 + 25 + 6
- = 56
The PFf value of fenugreek seeds is 56, which is higher than 50%. As we know, a PFf value greater than 50% is considered good for diabetic patients. With a PFf value of 56%, this means the carb value is only 44%, which is relatively low and beneficial for people with diabetes.
Glycemic Load of Methi Seeds:
Glycemic load is calculated as:
- Glycemic load = Glycemic index × Total carbs / 100
- = 10 × 58 / 100 = 5.8
The glycemic load of methi seeds is 5.8, which is much lower than 25. To know glycemic load of 300+ food products, download the EGL chart.
Methi seeds meet both criteria:
- Glycemic load < 25
- Protein, Fat, and Fiber (PFf) value > 50
So the question was "is methi good for diabetes?". Yes, As of their good Nutritional value, high PFf value and low Glycemic Load. This means methi seeds can be good for people with diabetes.
How Much Advantage of Taking Fenugreek Seed in Diabetes?
As we answered "Is methi good for diabetes?". Lets know here’s why methi is good for diabetes-
- Improves insulin sensitivity - It enhances insulin sensitivity which helps the body use insulin and control blood sugar levels.
- Reduce fasting blood sugar level - Daily consumption of methi seeds or methi water can lower fasting glucose levels.
- Manage after-meal blood sugar level - Methi slows down carbohydrate consumption which helps to increase blood sugar levels.
How to Take Methi for Diabetes?
When people thinking "Is methi good for diabetes?" so they also "How to take it? To add methi to your diet is very easy and in multiple ways:
- Raw Methi Seeds - You can eat methi seeds directly or leave them to soak in the water for the night so you can eat directly soaked methi in the morning. It is believed that soaked methi seeds help to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Methi seeds for water diabetes - It is a popular and easy method. Leave methi seeds in water for soaking at night and in the morning remove the seeds from the water. You can take methi seeds water in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Methi Powder for Diabetes - Grind the methi seeds into powder form which is also an effective way to consume them. Methi powder can be mixed with water or milk and sprinkled on food.
Can Methi Seed Reduce Diabetes?
Methi seeds do not cure diabetes, it may play a minor role in reducing the severity of symptoms or improving overall blood sugar control. Methi dana contains 25% fiber.
So, 1 spoon of methi dana = 5g
5g of methi dana contains 1.25g of fiber.
When methi seeds are soaked in water overnight, some of the fiber is released into the water. Let’s assume that 50-60% of the fiber transfers to the water. This means that while soaking methi seeds has benefits, it may not be as effective for managing diabetes as consuming the seeds directly. Fiber helps slow down glucose absorption, but methi seeds alone cannot cause a major change. If you want to make a significant impact on your diet, focus on reducing the glycemic load. Methi seeds can be a supportive part of your diabetes reversal journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Is methi good for diabetes?, Yes, methi seed has many benefits for managing people with diabetes. You can take it multiple ways like soaked in water and powder form. It may help in improving insulin sensitivity and after-meal sugar spikes. It is a simple solution that may complement a diet plan.Â
Whether you choose to consume methi seeds directly, drink methi water, or use methi powder, this herb may help you in some way to regulate blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and support better digestion. But remember, while methi is ok for diabetes management, it's not a substitute for healthy diet or medicine.Â