10 Incredible Health Benefits Of Fennel You Might Not Be Aware Of
“The tiny little things have some divergent magic in them.”
This little, green herb is not an exception to the proverb.
Yes, we are talking about the little fennel seeds indeed, the ones that are often used in Indian, Chinese, European, and Middle Eastern Cuisines. While we may regularly add this herb to our food or just have a pinch of it after a meal, there’s a lot more benefit existing in this aromatic herb than we know. These pale green-colored seeds are jammed with a plethora of essential minerals, vitamins, and volatile oils.
Let’s dig in and discover the healthy goodness of Fennel.
1. Helps regulate blood pressure
Fennel helps to increase the nitrite levels in saliva, a natural element that keeps a check on blood pressure levels. Fennel is also enriched with potassium which acts as a vital component of cells and body fluids and helps to regulate the heart rate and blood pressure(1).
2. Equipped with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Fennel has been used as a cure for many infectious diseases as it prevents the growth of several harmful bacteria in the body(2). The herb is enriched with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and quercetin, which reduce inflammation and the levels of inflammatory elements(3).
3. Improves your eyesight
Did you know that having fennel in your diet can enhance your vision too?
The herb is enriched with Vitamin A, a crucial nutrient that is paramount for your eyesight. In fact, in ancient times fennel was used as a remedy to improve symptoms of glaucoma(4).
4. Effectively reduces menopause symptoms
Menopause causes various changes in a woman’s body. This includes hot flushes, sweating, insomnia, irregular periods, headaches, sexual problems, muscle discomfort, and much more. Fennel is considered as an effective and safe food to consume, to reduce menopausal symptoms without any side effects(5).
5. Acts as a suitable ingredient for skincare
Fennel provides minerals like selenium, zinc, and calcium with regular consumption. These minerals play an important role in maintaining the hormonal balance and the oxygen balance in your bloodstream(6). This not only creates a cooling and soothing impact on your skin but also provides it a natural glow.
6. Good for indigestion, IBS, constipation, and bloating
Ever wondered why fennel is consumed in small amounts post-meal?
Fennel helps in curbing the appetite, thus keeping you from excessive snacking. The organic compounds present in it have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which are useful in controlling indigestion, constipation, and bloating. For people dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the volatile oils in fennel regulate digestion by promoting the production of gastric enzymes(7).
7. Acts as an excellent blood purifier
Fennel helps to cleanse the blood by readily flushing out the toxins and slushes from your body(8). This leads to the optimum absorption of nutrients in the body.
8. Reduces the risks of asthma and heart diseases too
The phytonutrients in fennel help to clear sinus - a condition wherein the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed(8). Nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium(9) present in fennel tend to reduce cardiovascular disease factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, keeping your heart healthy.
9. Stimulates breast milk production for breastfeeding women
This tender herb is helpful for breastfeeding mothers too. Fennel stimulates breast milk production by increasing the blood levels of prolactin - a hormone that signals the body to produce milk. A compound called anethole found in fennel blocks the inhibitory actions of dopamine on prolactin resulting in more milk production(10).
10. Reduces the risk of cancer
The compound anethole in fennel exhibits cancer-fighting properties as well. Thus, it suppresses cancer cell growth and stops it from spreading to the entire body(11). The antioxidants in fennel neutralize the free radicals that are responsible for developing cancer cells.
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