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10 Health Benefits Of Fennel Seeds
By: Priyanka Maheshwari Sat, 07 Nov 2020 2:46:15
Fennel seeds, commonly known as ‘saunf’, is a very common post-meal offering to guests. Even restaurants offer sweetened fennel seeds as a mouth freshener. Did you know that India happens to be the largest exporter of fennel seeds. People from diverse cultures prefer consuming fennel seeds owing to its various medicinal properties.
Fennel seeds are often interlinked to ‘longevity’ and are known for offering a wide range of nutritional properties that aid in improving the well being of a human body. From regulating blood pressure to water retention, fennel seeds pack a bevy of nutrients that make it a must have in your kitchen. Fennel seeds closely resemble anise seeds in terms of appearance, and are extracted from fennel plants. They contain multiple nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin E, manganese, copper, zinc, and phosphorus, and is a good source of Vitamin C.
A study published in the Journal of Food Science, found that chewing on fennel seeds helped increased the nitrite content in saliva, making it a great natural way to keep a check on blood pressure levels.
Fennel seeds are usually consumed in the quantity of one tablespoon per serving 6g. Per serving consists of 19.8 Calories, 2.3 grams Fiber, 3 grams Carbohydrates, 0.9 grams Protein, 0.6 grams Fat and 0 grams Cholesterol.
Let’s take a look of amazing health benefits of these tiny green fibrous seeds.
Helps Maintain Blood Pressure
Various studies have proved that properties found in fennel seeds increase the nitrate content in saliva, which eventually helps to keep a check on our blood pressure. Fennel seeds are known to be high in potassium. Potassium is an element which is an essential component of our body’s cells and bodily fluids. This helps maintain our heart rate, blood circulation and, thus, blood pressure. A half a cuppa fennel seeds tea daily will be very useful for a person suffering from blood pressure issues.
Skin problems
Regular consumption of fennel seeds provide minerals such as selenium, calcium, and zinc. These minerals are crucial for balancing hormones while maintaining the oxygen balance in your bloodstream. These minerals impart a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, providing it with a healthy glow. Fennel seeds also offer various ayurvedic properties that help in treating other skin ailments like rashes and dryness. Applying a paste of fennel seeds is highly beneficial for the skin as the aforementioned minerals are absorbed by the skin, and keeps it moist, clean, and healthy.
Improves Digestion
One of the best and most effective properties of fennel seeds is their use for digestion. Chewing on fennel seeds right after meals is not only for achieving a pleasant breath but also for digesting food properly. It helps cure indigestion, bloating and constipation because of the volatile oils found in it. The seeds contain estragole, anethole, and fenchone; these elements makes the seeds antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Therefore, make it a habit to chew on at least 1/4th of a teaspoon fennel seeds after every meal.
Has Cooling Effect On Our Body
Not many know this – fennel seeds are amazing body temperature coolants. Especially in summer, when the level of our bodily fluids and body temperature are imbalanced if not regularly taken care of. One must consume at least a spoonful of fennel seeds throughout the day.
Purifies Blood
The vital fiber and essential oils in fennel seeds are considered highly useful for flushing out sludge and toxins from our bodies, thereby, helping in cleansing the blood which further helps in optimum absorption of nutrients in the body.It is very important to include foods in your diet that help cleanse your blood, to ensure there is smooth absorption of nutrients. The polyphenol antioxidants in fennel seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties that help in fighting various bacteria and viruses, keeping you safe from various diseases.
Improving eyesight
Adding a couple tablespoons of fennel seeds to your diet regularly can help in enhancing your vision. Fennel seeds contain Vitamin A, which is important for eyesight. In ancient India, extracts of these seeds were used to improve the symptoms of glaucoma.
Reduce Water Retention
Drinking fennel tea regularly helps in flushing out excess fluids from your body. Fennel tea works like a diuretic. Moreover, it also helps in reducing the chances of urinary tract diseases and removing toxins from the kidney. It also includes diaphoretic properties that help in stimulating perspiration. One more advantage of drinking fennel tea is that it helps in suppressing appetite. Consuming one cup of fennel tea, releases essential oils which helps in suppressing hunger. Fennel tea is suggested by many dietitians before meals to suppress the calorie intake for weight loss.
For Constipation, Indigestion, IBS & Bloating
Because of the oils found in Fennel seeds helps in curing constipation, bloating, and indigestion. Fennel seeds contain essential oils like anethole, fenchone, and estragole that contributes to the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. These elements help significantly in breaking down the food in the body, and keeps your digestive system functioning smoothly.For those with IBS, the volatile oils found in fennel seeds can help kick start digestion by promoting the production of gastric enzymes. For its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits, fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy.
Reduces risk of cancer
The most important benefit of Fennel seeds is that it protects the body from various cancers of the skin, stomach and breasts. The seeds contain powerful, free radical scavenging properties. It offers a chemo modulatory effect on the patient.
Helps in Weight Loss
Fennel seeds are often considered as an essential food item to include in diets for losing weight. Consuming it regularly along with an active and healthy lifestyle helps in losing extra pounds. Fennel seeds are very rich in dietary fibers, which slow down the digestion process. This means that after consuming one serving of fennel seeds, you won’t get hungry anytime soon, which can avoid overeating. Fennel seeds also have diuretic properties which will help you in flushing out the toxins and other harmful liquids from your body. A much more preferred alternative to fennel seeds tea is a fennel seeds drink called the Variyali Sherbet. This tangy drink is a common drink in India, and is usually consumed in the summers to keep the body hydrated and cool. Not only does Variyali Sherbet help in weight loss, but it also helps in detoxifying the body, getting rid of acidity and reducing stress.