Indians, known for their love for food, hold a special place for fennel seeds (Saunf) after meals. The digestive benefits of fennel are well-appreciated, making it a popular choice for post-meal freshness and digestion. However, these seeds go beyond refreshment and play a vital role in Indian medicine and cuisine. India stands tall as one of the top exporters of fennel seeds.
These nice-smelling seeds come from a plant called Foeniculum vulgare, primarily found in India and the Mediterranean region. They contain good things in them that help enhance your well-being. The article explores the various benefits of fennel seeds to overall health.
What are the Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds?
- Fight Bad Breath
Of the many benefits of fennel seeds, one is the ability to overpower bad breath, which can be chronic, serious, and also a minor issue. It usually develops from bacteria build-up inside the mouth. Germ build-up initiates whenever an individual eats or drinks anything except water. These bacteria cause the decay of food substances in the mouth, causing the odour. Fennel seeds contain a special oil that fights bacteria in the mouth and makes your breath fresh. The sweet seeds make your mouth produce more saliva, killing harmful bacteria. Chewing 5 to 10 seeds is an easy home remedy to fight bad breath.
- Boost Digestion
Fennel seed essential oils aid digestion by enhancing the production of digestive juices. The oils contain substances with anti-cancer properties, such as anethole, fenchone, and estragole, which ease constipation, indigestion, and bloating. Fennel tea supports digestive health, and the seeds' high-fibre content improves digestion, benefiting heart health. Enjoy the benefits of fennel seeds for overall well-being, including improving eyesight, treating hypertension, regulating appetite, preventing glaucoma, encouraging urination, boosting metabolism, etc.
- Regulate Blood Pressure
Fennel seeds are rich in potassium, which helps balance the fluid in your blood. This keeps your heart rate and blood pressure in control. Studies have shown that fennel seeds increase the nitrite content in saliva, a natural element that regulates blood pressure. The potassium in fennel seeds helps negate the ill-effects of sodium and restores water balance. You can chew fennel seeds to help maintain healthy potassium levels in the body. Dried fennel powder can be mixed in water and consumed on an empty stomach. The seeds can also be used to make fennel tea, which is a delicious drink.
- Reduce the Impact of Asthma and Respiratory Ailments
Fennel is good for your breathing. The phytonutrients in fennel seeds help clear the sinuses. These small seeds relax the airways, reducing symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and congestion. Asthma can cause lead to conditions such as coughing, congestion, and bronchitis, and fennel’s expectorant properties can be of significant help to the symptoms associated with these conditions.
- Support Breastfeeding
The presence of anethole in fennel seeds stimulates galactagogues, promoting better milk production. A galactagogue is a food that is believed to enhance the production of breast milk. Studies indicate that anethole acts similarly to the oestrogen hormone, fostering lactation. Anethole is an organic compound widely used for its aromatic properties. It is found chiefly in essential oils such as that of fennel.
- Help prevent cancer
Many studies suggest fennel seeds may prevent cancer due to their anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants in fennel fight the pathogens known to promote cancer. However, an important thing to note here is that fennel consumption should be moderate. Besides fennel seeds, you should also use other herbs to add aroma to your culinary preparations.