The health benefits offered by fennel seeds are humongous. They are known for their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, these seeds are considered as a flavorful herb and medicinal plant that has been used for centuries. If you are looking for an option to know more about the benefits offered by fennel seeds, this is the right content for you. Here you will find some comprehensive information on this seed and how it can benefit your overall health. 

High Nutritional Value

These seeds have a mild licorice-like flavor. As the seeds contain powerful essential oils it has a more potent flavor. They also pack some of the most essential nutrients. Additionally, below mentioned is the nutritional profile for one tablespoon of dried fennel seeds:

As you can see above, these seeds are low in calories, while they provide unlimited nutrients. On the other hand, fennel bulbs are also edible and considered as a good source of vitamin C. This water soluble vitamin helps with various functions in the body such as tissue repair, collagen synthesis as well as enhanced immune functions. 

Vitamin C is a crucial antioxidant for our body as it protects our body against cellular damage. Unstable molecules called free radicals causes these damages. On the other hand, fennel seeds also contain a mineral called manganese. Thus, this mineral helps our body with metabolism, enzyme activation, bone development, cellular protection, wound healing, and blood sugar regulation.

Fennel Seeds can Suppress Appetite 

Fennel seeds are used in many culinary practices. Apart from adding an in-depth flavor to your recipe, they can also curb your appetite. Studies have shown that people who drank tea made of these seeds before lunch felt significantly less hungry. They were also able to consume very low calories when compared to other options. According to the experts, this can be due to anethole, an important component present in the fennel seed oil.

Fennel Seeds Can Improve Heart Health

Consuming fennel seeds may also benefit your heart health in many ways. Additionally, they are packed with fiber, which can reduce high cholesterol, a heart disease risk factor. According to health experts, diets that are rich in dietary fiber are linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Fennel seeds contain different types of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which can also help you to keep your heart healthy. Potassium will also reduce high blood pressure, and help you to stabilize it, which is also a major risk factor for heart disease. 

May Have Anti Cancer Properties

Fennel seeds are also packed with numerous plant compounds that can protect your body from many chronic diseases which include certain types of cancers. For instance, anethole, one of the main active ingredients in the fennel seeds is known to exhibit cancer fighting properties. Studies have shown that fennel seed extract was able to show positive results on breast cancer as it stopped the spread of cancer cells as well as induced cancer cell deaths. 

Although these results are promising, more research and studies are required to confirm the same. 

Beneficial for Breastfeeding Women

Fennel seeds also have galactogenic properties, which help in increasing breast milk. On the other hand, some researchers have shown that specific substances like dianethole and photo anethole that are found in anethole are responsible for increasing milk secretion. However, as these studies are still in the initial stage, it is important to consult an expert before you solely rely on fennel seeds to stimulate milk production. 

Apart from the above mentioned health benefits and other factors, below mentioned are other properties of fennel seeds that have potential health benefits.

• May have antibacterial properties 
• May reduce inflammation 
• May be beneficial for mental health
• May relieve menopausal symptoms

Precautions while Conusming Fennel Seeds

Although fennel seeds are considered to be safe when you consume them in moderation, there are some safety concerns and precautions that you have to consider, especially if you are choosing a more concentrated form like supplements and extracts. 

As fennel seeds have strong estrogenic properties, they may be unsafe for pregnant women. Due to the estrogenic activities of these seeds, there are also concerns regarding fetal growth and development. Thus if you are pregnant, it is imperative to avoid fennel seeds as much as possible or take the assistance of an expert to know what effects it can have on your body. 

These seeds may also interact with certain medications such as certain cancer medications, estrogen pills, and others. Thus, it is always imperative to consult your healthcare provider before using any supplements with high doses.

Conclusion

All in all, fennel seeds can be highly nutritious and can offer numerous benefits to your overall health if you consume them in moderation. Thus, adding them into your diet routine in a limited quality will help you to improve your heart health, suppress your appetite, reduce inflammation and have other anti cancer effects.

You can add fennel seeds to your diet routine in many ways. They can be added to curries, salads, soups, baked goods and many more. There are also different types of quick snacks that you can enjoy including fennel seeds. Additionally, these snacks are great for people who do not like the taste of fennel seeds and want to have them. 

You will be able to find some of the most delicious and nutritious snacks provided by Healthy Master. On the other hand, these snacks are very healthy as they are non fried, millet based, and free from preservatives and additives. This will help you to enjoy the real benefits of the ingredients without any added calories.