Fennel seeds, commonly known as “saunf” in India are tiny, aromatic seeds packed with numerous health benefits. These seeds have played an integral part in the medicinal and culinary practices of the country for centuries. They are especially famous in the Mediterranean region as well as South Asia. Apart from their uses as a spice, fennel seeds are also a nutritional powerhouse that can provide many benefits when incorporated into your daily diet. This content will provide you with some comprehensive information about these amazing seeds from nature.

Nutritional Properties of Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are low in calories but rich in many vital nutrients. Just a tablespoon these seeds contain the following nutrients:

Fennel seeds also contain a variety of powerful antioxidants such as quercetin, rutin, and anethole. These antioxidants efficiently protect your body from the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by free radicals.

Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds

Improves Digestion

One of the prominent health benefits of fennel seeds is their ability to enhance digestion. They are usually consumed after meals to aid in digestion and get rid of issues like bloating and gastric. These seeds are packed with anethole, a compound with antispasmodic properties. They relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby promoting smoother digestion and reducing any type of discomfort.

These seeds also improve the production of gastric enzymes that play an important role in the body to break down foods and absorb nutrients. Due to these properties, fennel seeds are considered as an ideal option for people suffering from digestion.

Aids in Weight Loss

If you are looking for an option to shed those extra pounds, fennel seeds can be a great addition to your diet. They are packed with dietary fibre which makes you feel full and curbs hunger pangs between meals. This prevents overeating and helps with weight management. On the other hand, these amazing seeds also have diuretic properties that help your body to reduce water retention and flush out toxins from the body. This will also reduce bloating and help you to feel much lighter.

Enhances Respiratory Health

Since ages, fennel seeds have been used to treat different types of respiratory ailments like asthma, coughs and bronchitis. These seeds contain different types of compounds with expectorant properties, meaning they clear mucus from the respiratory tract, which makes breathing easier. These anti-inflammatory properties of fennel seeds also reduce inflammation in the airways. These seeds are considered to be especially beneficial for people with asthma and other respiratory issues.

Improves Heart Health

Fennel seeds are also considered to be great for cardiovascular health. They have high fiber content as well as antioxidant properties that can enhance heart health. On the other hand, the fiber content in these seeds lowers the cholesterol levels in the body by binding to bile salts and preventing reabsorption. This can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Anethole and quercetin, the antioxidants in fennel seeds reduce any type of inflammation and oxidative stress. They are considered as the main culprits for heart disease. The potassium content in fennel seeds regulates blood pressure levels by balancing sodium levels in the body.

Boosts Immunity

Incorporating fennel seeds into your diet will also boost the functions of your immune system. These amazing seeds are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cell from damages. On the other hand, they also support the production of white blood cells in the body, which plays a crucial role in fighting different diseases.

Fennel seeds also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to the immune boosting effects. These seeds boost immunity performance and help you to get rid of any pathogens and stay healthy.

Supports Hormonal Balance

Fennel seeds have phytoestrogens, a plant based compound that mimics the effects of estrogen in the body. This makes them highly beneficial for women as they help with hormonal balance and elevate the symptoms of menopause like mood swings and hot flashes. In the olden days, fennel seeds were also used to promote lactation in breastfeeding mothers. They stimulate the production of breast milk.

Enhances Skin Health

As mentioned above, fennel seeds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit your skin. Including these seeds in your diet on a regular basis will help you to protect your skin from different types of damages caused by free radicals. This will also help you to get rid of different issues like premature ageing, wrinkles and other skin issues.

These astounding seeds also have antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria and prevent different types of skin infections. On the other hand, these seeds are also rich in vitamin C, which helps the body with collagen production to maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Improves Oral Health

Chewing fennel seeds after a hearty meal is a very common practice in India. They will not only refresh your breath, but also help you to maintain oral health. The antimicrobial properties of these seeds reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth causing bad breath, cavities and gum problems. On the other hand, fennel seeds also stimulate the production of saliva, which is important in preventing dry mouth and overall oral hygiene.

Alleviates Menstrual Discomfort

Fennel seeds were traditionally used to reduce menstrual discomfort. They contain anethole, which is a compound with antispasmodic properties. They reduce menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles in the uterus. Additionally, the phytoestrogens in fennel seeds regulate menstrual cycles as well as reduce the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Conclusion

The above mentioned are some of the benefits of inducing fennel seeds in your diet. As mentioned above, if you do not like to add them in your dishes, you can simply chew them. This gives you a fresh breath and also helps with digestion. These small seeds can make a big difference in your overall well being. By incorporating fennel seeds into your daily routine, you can also enjoy a delightful flavour.

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