...........my mother cooks the seeds for a long time and then bottles the water. I also knew a lady who did the same thing, and then ate the seeds after they had become soft.
really?? and what do you guys do with that water? make tea??
You think the seeds become "useless" (the nutrients and stuff in them evaporates or whatever) if they cook for a long time?
You mean boiling the seeds for a long time?? Some times they throw those fresh dry seeds spices in to oil frying pan and make some veg/non veg dishes..
but boiling seeds is an interesting technique for making tea.,.. Obviously that boiling water will extract most of those water soluble organic chemicals from seeds ., but I think seeds after boiling in water still contain quite a bit of organics that are not soluble in water.. And they could as well be useful for some health purposes..
Well why not use the water and use the seeds after boiling them ??
Health Benefits of Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are used as a carminative, tonic and galactagogue. Fenugreek paste in water is used in poultices for boils, and abscesses. Fenugreek seeds when taken internally cures inflammation of intestinal tract. Fenugreek seeds contain important steroid ‘diosgenin’ which is used in preparation of contraceptives.
Fenugreek is extensively used in ayurvedic medicinal preparations for treating diabetes, sore throats, sores and abscesses. Medicinal properties of fenugreek are due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds such as genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, apigenin, selenium and superoxide-dismutase. Fenugreek is effective for curing cardiovascular diseases and reducing cholesterol. Fenugreek is rich in dietary fiber and hence used traditionally for reducing obesity. Fenugreek is effective in the prevention of Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative diseases. Fenugreek is advised for breast-feeding mothers for increasing breast milk production. Fenugreek paste is used as a shampoo for preventing hair fall.
I have not seen any proof on that., And I doubt they have that enzyme superoxide-dismutase. Moreover that is quite an unstable enzyme.. One has to be careful these guys write all sorts of stories on these spice plants..
with best wishes
yeezevee
Topic: Fenugreek/Halba - how to eat/drink it?