Fennel is an aromatic herb widely used as a spice and traditional medicine.
People chew plain or sugar coated fennel seeds after a meal as it is a great mouth fresher and aids digestion and prevents formation of gas.
Health benefits of Fennel seeds
- They are packed with fibre. A tbsp of dried fennel seeds gives you 2 gm of fibre. Fibre helps relieve constipation and other digestive problems leading to gastric issues.
- Antibacterial properties help get rid of bacteria that can cause gastric issues and even food poisoning etc.
- A meta analysis showed that use of fennel as an oil , or concoction of fennel seed water is effective in treating babies and infantile colic.
- Fennel seeds may help reduce inflammation and soothe swelling or irritation in the intestines and cure digestive issues.
- It may aid in eliminating menstrual pain as well.
- Fennel bulb is a good source of vitamin C , a potent antioxidant that helps in protecting against cellular damage and provides cellular protection.
- Flavonoids help in removing free radicals and offer protection from cancers, infection, and degenerative diseases.
The active ingredients in fennel seeds are :-
Anethole - It has antimicrobial properties.
Flavonoids - Antioxidants like quercitin and apigenin with anti-inflammatory properties
Phonic compounds :- Such as chlorogenic acid, which is a great antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Fat soluble vitamins - Vitamin A,E,K
Trace minerals - Calcium, barium, magnesium, zinc
Aside from its culinary uses, it offers a wide array of health benefits and provides antioxidant , anti-inflammatory and anti diabetic effects.
The tiny greenish brown fennel seeds are rich in vitamin A,C,D and B complex and having tea enhances your health in a remarkable way. So, try including raw fennel bulb into your salads or using the seed to flavour dishes, soups.
References
Fennel and fennel seed (2012), ResearchGate. Referred from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305496106_Fennel_and_fennel_seed