Fennel Seeds: Health Benefits and Medicinal value

Most commonly known as ‘saunf', this spice is most cherished after a meal by all of us, but little do we know about its health and medical benefits.

Fennel seeds are a kind of spice used in most Mediterranean cuisines. They are 3-4mm long, tiny and oval in shape, and available all round the year.

Health Benefits:

• Fennel along with its medicinal values is rich in antioxidants, minerals, dietary fibers, essential compounds and vitamins.
• It contains a lot of dietary fiber which helps to increase the bulk of food, thus easing constipation. The dietary fiber also helps reduce LDL cholesterol.
• Flavonoid antioxidants present in fennel seeds helps remove harmful free radicals from the body, thus protecting us from cancers, infections and aging.
• Fennel seeds are a concentrated source of minerals like iron and copper needed for the production and formation of red blood cells. It also contains zinc, magnesium and potassium which act as co-factors needed for the growth, development, digestion, control of heart rate and blood pressure.
• It also contains vital vitamins like vitamin-A, vitamin-E, vitamin-C and B complex vitamins essential for the normal functioning of our body.

Medicinal value:

• It has a balancing effect on the female reproductive system.
• It is used as a remedy for flatulence and indigestion in traditional medicines.
• Fennel is used for loss of appetite and colic in infants.
• It is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.
• Some women use fennel to increase the flow of breast milk, easing the birthing process, and increases sex drive.

Note:
Avoid using fennel seeds in large doses as it may cause hallucinations and seizures. It is better if pregnant women avoid eating fennel seeds in large amounts.