Indians are known foodies, and their fondness for fennel seeds or Saunf for post-meal refreshment is well established.
Fennel seeds are frequently consumed after each meal to aid digestion and refreshment. On the other hand, these small seeds are important not just for their refreshing properties but also for their culinary and medicinal applications. As a result, India is one of the world’s leading exporters of fennel seeds.
These fragrant seeds come from the shrub Foeniculum vulgare. It’s mostly cultivated in India and the Mediterranean, and it’s noted for having a variety of nutritional characteristics that help with overall wellness. Dried fennel seeds are a nutrition powerhouse, with hardly any calories and a high concentration of micro and macronutrients.
Given here is a list of 10 Benefits of Fennel Seeds
1)Regulates Blood Pressure
According to research published in the Journal of Food Science, chewing on fennel seeds boosted the nitrite concentration in saliva, making it a natural approach to control blood pressure. Aside from that, fennel seeds are a good source of potassium, an important component of cells and bodily fluids, and regulates your blood pressure and heart rate.
2)Water Retention
Consuming fennel tea daily aids in the removal of excess fluids from the body. Fennel tea has a diuretic effect. It also aids in the prevention of urinary tract infections and the removal of toxins from the kidney. It also has diaphoretic characteristics, which aid in sweat stimulation.
Another benefits of fennel tea are that it aids in appetite suppression. One cup of fennel tea releases essential oils that aid in appetite suppression. Many dietitians recommend fennel tea before meals to reduce calorie consumption and aid weight reduction.
Also Read, 8 Mouth-Watering Sweets To Try When In India
3)Skin-care
Minerals including selenium, calcium, and zinc are found in fennel seeds if consumed regularly. These minerals are necessary for hormone regulation as well as regulating blood oxygen levels. These minerals provide a cooling and relaxing effect on the skin, giving it a healthy radiance. Fennel seeds also have ayurvedic characteristics that aid in treating other skin conditions such as rashes and dryness. Applying a fennel seed paste to the skin is extremely useful since the minerals mentioned above are absorbed by the skin, keeping it moist, clean, and healthy.
4)Aids in Constipation, Bloating, IBS & Indigestion
Because of the oils inherent in these seeds, the tea is beneficial for indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Estragole, fenchone, and anethole are compounds found in fennel seeds contributing to the plant’s antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory qualities. These components aid in the breakdown of meals in the body and keep your digestive system in good condition.
The volatile oils present in fennel seeds can help kick-start digestion in people with IBS by encouraging the synthesis of stomach enzymes. With its plethora of gastrointestinal advantages, Fennel tea is guaranteed to keep the digestive system healthy and happy.
5)Reduces Asthma Symptoms
The phytonutrients in fennel seeds assist in cleansing sinuses. Sinusitis is an inflammatory illness that affects the spaces around the nasal passages. Because they contain expectorant characteristics, they make a fantastic tea to help with bronchitis, congestion, and cough.
6)Purifies Blood
The important fibers and essential oils in fennel seeds are particularly beneficial for draining out gunk and impurities from our systems, therefore aiding in blood purification and maximum nutrition absorption. Fennel seeds also include polyphenol antioxidants with anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in the fight against germs and viruses, protecting our bodies from various ailments.
7)Improves Eyesight
Fennel contains antioxidants and minerals that can delay the onset of cataracts and enhance eye health. It’s also known as the “sight herb.” Regularly including a couple of teaspoons of fennel seeds in your diet can assist in improving your vision. They have a lot of vitamin A in them, which is important for good vision. Glaucoma patients were treated with preparations from fennel seeds in India during ancient times.
8)Ayurvedic Value
Fennel seeds, according to Ayurveda, diminish the three Trodoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). The seeds provide a refreshing sensation to the body. This is why it is a good idea to sip a fennel seed drink to cool down during the hot summer months. The carminative oil present in the seeds is used in massage mixtures, particularly in Ayurveda, to quiet the nerves and enhance mental focus.
Also Read, Chia Seeds – A Treasure Of Benefits
9)Promotes Lactation of Breast Milk
For generations, women have used fennel to increase the amount of breast milk they produce. Fennel is thought to be a galactagogue or a compound that promotes the production of breast milk. 1 The natural estrogen-like qualities of fennel contribute to its reputation for boosting breast milk production. However, there is insufficient evidence to justify a piece of official fennel advice for nursing. According to certain small studies, fennel may raise levels of prolactin, the major hormone responsible for increasing milk production, as well as milk volume and infant weight growth. In sum, while fennel alone is unlikely to be adequate to overcome serious breastfeeding obstacles, it may help you increase your supply.
10)Aids in Cancer Care
These seeds aid in the reduction of oxidative damage and defend the skin from skin, stomach, and breast cancers. Fennel seeds have a chemo modulatory impact as well and are considered lucky in Ayurveda. Fennel seeds contain antioxidants, which assist in neutralizing free radicals, which are linked to cancer development. In ancient India, they were widely employed in a variety of dishes. The simplest foods in our kitchens hold the age-old secrets of wellness. All we have to do now is reveal them. Free radical scavenging capabilities are found in abundance in the seeds.
The next time you’re considering adding a food item to your diet that has several health advantages, think about fennel seeds. They’ll fit right in with your long- or short-term health objectives.
