Indians are food lovers and for post-food refreshment, their love for fennel seeds (Saunf) is not unknown. Indians have long recognized the fennel benefits, particularly as a post-meal digestive aid. However, these tiny seeds are not just for refreshment purposes but also essential for their indispensable medicinal and culinary practices. That’s why India is one of the largest exporters of fennel seeds.
These aromatic seeds come from Foeniculum vulgare – a herb. It is mainly grown in India and the Mediterranean areas. They are known to offer a wide range of nutritional properties that improve health, emphasizing the health benefits of fennel seeds.
1: Combats bad breath
Fennel seeds benefits are innumerous. It contains a specific aromatic essential oil that possesses antibacterial properties that help to freshen your breath.
2: Improves digestive health
The goodness of fennel seed essential oils stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes that improve your digestion.
3: Helps to regulate blood pressure
Fennel seeds are rich in potassium that regulates the fluid amount in the bloodstream. It helps to control your heart rate and blood pressure. As per the published study, fennel seeds increase the level of nitrite in the saliva. Nitrite is a natural element that keeps a check on blood pressure levels.
4: Reduces asthma and other respiratory ailments
The fennel health benefits extend to respiratory health as well.The high amount of phytonutrients present in fennel seeds helps to clear sinuses. These tiny seeds offer bronchial relaxation that helps to reduce symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and congestion.
5: Promotes lactation
Anethole present in fennel seeds stimulates the galactagogues (substances that promote lactation) to increase milk secretion. Many studies suggest that anethole mimics the action of the estrogen hormone and promotes lactation.
6: Improves skin appearance
Fennel extract works miraculously for the skin by protecting it from free radical damage and improving skin cell longevity.
7: Purifies blood
One of the many fennel seeds benefits include purification of blood. The essential oils and fibres in fennel seeds not only assist in purifying your blood but also contribute to flushing out toxic compounds out of your body
8: Keeps cancer at bay
Many studies suggest that fennel seeds have anti-cancerous properties. They have powerful antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals and beat oxidative stress. It may be the reason that prevents the development of cancer.
9: Helps to improve eyesight
A handful of fennel seeds can do wonders for your eyes. It contains vitamin A that is an essential vitamin for the eyes. Earlier, fennel seed extract was useful to treat glaucoma.
10: Promotes weight loss
Fennel seeds are rich in fibre and may aid in weight loss and keep hunger pangs at bay. They work as diuretics and improve metabolism.
11: Reduces Gas and Acidity
Due to its excellent digestive properties, as well as the fact that it is antimicrobial, fennel seeds are thought to aid in reducing gas and acidity.