Indians are food lovers and with a post-meal refreshment, their love of fennel seeds (Saunf) is unknown. They usually eat fennel seeds after each meal to digest quickly and refresh themselves. However, these tiny seeds are not only for refreshment but also for healing and cooking. That is why India is one of the largest exporters of fennel seeds.
These fragrant seeds come from the Foeniculum vulgare – a plant. It is widely grown in India and the Mediterranean. They are known for providing a variety of nutritious health-enhancing properties.
The nutritional profile of fennel seeds
Dried fennel seeds are a storehouse of nutrients, with low and high calories in micro and various macronutrients. Fennel seeds are very rich –
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Minerals – Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Selenium, and Iron
- Antioxidants such as polyphenol
- Fiber
Organic compounds are similar to anethole
Health benefits of fennel seeds
Table of Contents
Fighting bad mouth
Fennel seeds contain essential oils with pleasing anti-bacterial properties that help to refresh your air. The sweet fennel seeds increase saliva production, which helps kill harmful bacteria. It is a simple and effective home remedy for bad breath. Eating 5 to 10 fennel seeds can refresh your spirit.
Improves digestive health
The beauty of the essential oils of fennel seeds promotes the release of digestive juices and enzymes that improve your digestion. Fennel seeds contain anethole, fenchone, and estragole which act as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. They work amazingly well for constipation, indigestion, and constipation. For best results, use fennel tea to keep your digestive tract healthy and happy. Fennel seeds also contain fiber and although they may be small in size their fiber content is high. This can improve your digestive health. By improving fiber levels in your diet, fennel seeds contribute to better heart health as many studies have linked high-fiber foods to a lower risk of heart disease.
Helps control blood pressure
Fennel seeds are rich in potassium which regulates fluid in the blood. It helps to control your heart rate and blood pressure. According to a published study, fennel seeds increase the level of nitrite in the saliva. Nitrite is a natural component that keeps a check on blood pressure levels.
Reduce asthma and other respiratory infections
The high levels of phytonutrients present in fennel seeds help clear the sins. These small letters provide bronchial relaxation which helps reduce the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and congestion.
Encourages breastfeeding
Anethole present in fennel seeds stimulates galactagogues (substances that promote lactation) to increase milk production. Numerous studies suggest that anethole mimics the action of the hormone estrogen and promotes breastfeeding.
Improves skin appearance
Fennel extract works wonders for the skin by protecting it from free radical damage and improving the longevity of skin cells. They are rich in minerals such as potassium, selenium, and zinc. These minerals are important in balancing hormones while maintaining the oxygen balance in your blood. They are widely used in the treatment of various skin ailments such as acne, rash, and dryness.
It cleanses the blood
Essential oils and fiber from fennel seeds help cleanse your blood and remove toxins from your body.
Keeps cancer away
Numerous studies suggest that fennel seeds have anti-cancer properties. They have powerful antioxidant properties that reduce free radicals and counteract oxidative stress. It may be a factor in preventing the development of cancer.
Helps to improve vision
A few grains of fennel can do wonders for your eyes. It contains vitamin A which is an essential vitamin for the eyes. Previously, extracts of fennel extracts were useful in treating glaucoma.
Promotes weight loss
Fennel seeds are rich in fiber and may help with weight loss and prevent starvation. They act as diuretics and improve metabolism. Eating fennel seeds daily with nutritious food and exercise helps you lose extra weight faster. You can have fennel seed powder roasted with warm water on an empty stomach for best results. By helping you stay full longer (due to high fiber), fennel seeds are also considered a food suppressant. This can also improve your weight loss goals and make it easier to avoid overeating.
Lower Gas
Due to its excellent digestive properties, as well as its antimicrobial properties, fennel seeds are thought to help reduce gas. By improving the digestive tract, these seeds allow for easier digestion of the intestines without the formation of excess gas. And with its antimicrobial effect (especially from anethole, a biological compound in the offspring) it prevents bacteria from growing and releasing gases early.
How do you add Fennel seeds to your diet?
Now that you know all about fennel seeds you may want to start adding them to your regular diet. We’ve put together a few simple recipes to help you do just that and start your health journey with fennel seeds!
