How Diabetic Patients Can Benefit By Adding Methi To Their Winter Diet

Fresh fenugreek or methi leaves are incorporated into the diet by everyone for their flavour, as well as nutrition. From delicacies like crunchy mathris and saag, to weight loss recipes and home remedies for various treatments, these leaves find their way to almost everywhere. Given its medicinal properties, it is also given to those who show symptoms like fever, vomiting, and poor appetite. Regarded as therapeutic for diabetics; fenugreek is packed with glucomannan fibre which aids in delaying intestinal absorption of ingested sugars and alkaloids such as fenugrecin and trigonelline. It is quite effective in controlling the blood sugar level of diabetics. According to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research, consumption of 25-100 gm of fenugreek seeds is effective in keeping blood sugar levels in check. In addition to that, it helps in improving glucose tolerance in the body. High in soluble fibre, it also slows digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

Even though these leaves taste bitter, they hold so many benefits. This is because they are packed with calcium, selenium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Doctors advise these leaves for patients who want to get rid of diseases like diarrhoea, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Dr Jitendra Upadhyay, Patanjali Hospital, in a program, stated, “Diabetic patients have been including fenugreek leaves in diets since ancient times because they are the most effective against the disease. Consumption of fenugreek keeps diabetes under control. Despite this, the use of fenugreek has seen a decline over the last few years.”

According to Dr Upadhyay, these leaves are mostly available in the market during winter and it is required to consume them in this season for numerous health benefits. He added that the leaves can also be cooked and consumed with chapatis, as per the taste. Those who want to have a healthy drink can boil them in water and then drink the same.

It is mandatory to note that one should consult the doctor before incorporating the leaves into their diet for better utilisation.