Advanges Of Fennel Seeds

Fennel seed have been known to have many properties. From medicinal to culinary uses, these seeds contain nutritional and natural properties that make them a must in every kitchen. It is important to stress, however, that fennel seeds are not to be consumed in large amounts due to two reasons that can arise from overloading the body with certain compounds. First, they contain neurotoxins that, in large quantities can cause hallucinations and seizures. Furthermore, they have pseudo-estrogen properties and can cause an imbalance of hormones if overused. In moderation, however, there are plenty of reasons to add fennel seeds as a part of maintaining overall wellness. Generally, these seeds can:

  • Beat bad breath

Chewing on a few fennel seeds will sweeten and refresh mouth breath after a meal and will especially get rid of bad breath after an odorous meal. Its antimicrobial properties fight the germs that cause bad breath. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also soothe sore gums. In addition to chewing the seeds, making lukewarm fennel tea and using it as a mouth wash will also reduce bad breath.

  • Aid Digestion

Fennel is highly beneficial in relieving digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation, colic, intestinal gas, heartburn, and even irritable bowel. This herb stimulates digestion and has carminative effects that soothe the digestive tract and prevent the formation of gas. Moreover, it can help rebuild the digestive system after chemotherapy treatments. By simply chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals aids digestion and relieves stomach pains and bloating. When suffering from indigestion, the seeds can be consumed as tea or taken in one half teaspoon of fennel seed powder along with water two times a day.

  • Relieve Water Retention

Drinking fennel tea on a regular basis helps flush out excess fluids from the body as it works as a diuretic element. It can also reduce puffy eyes caused by fluid retention by applying strong fennel tea under the eyes. In addition to preventing and relieving water retention, fennel helps remove toxins and reduces the risk of urinary tract problems. It also has diaphoretic properties that will stimulate perspiration.

  • Reduce Obesity

Fennel is excellent for combating obesity as it suppresses the appetite and creates a feeling of fullness. Fresh fennel works as a natural fat buster by boosting the body’s metabolism and breaking down fats. Plus, being a diuretic, fennel helps reduce water retention, which is a common cause of temporary weight gain. One simple way to facilitate weight loss is to dry roast, grind and sieve fennel seeds and consume one half teaspoon of the powder with warm water twice daily.

  • Protect Against Cancerous diseases

Fennel bulb can help decrease the risk of developing colon cancer because it helps remove carcinogenic toxins from the colon. Moreover, the herb has an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient called anethole that has anti-cancer effects. A 2012 study at the University of Texas found that this phytonutrient can stop breast cancer cells from growing. Other phytonutrients like quercetin and limonene present in this herb also have anticarcinogenic effects.

  • Relieve Menstrual Problems

Many factors, including stress and poor diet, can interrupt a woman’s regular menstrual cycle. Fennel seeds have properties that promote and regulate menstrual flow. The herb also has phytoestrogens that help with issues like premenstrual syndrome, menopausal disorders, and breast enlargement. A 2012 study conducted by researchers from Babol University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Iran also indicates that fennel can help reduce symptoms of dysmenorrheal or painful menstruation. Apart from menstrual benefits, fennel is traditionally used as a galactagogue to promote lactation in nursing mothers. It also works as an aphrodisiac to increase libido in both men and women.

  • Treat Respiratory illnesses

Fennel has mild expectorant properties that help relieve respiratory tract infections associated with coughs, colds, the flu, and sinus congestion. For instance, when suffering from a cough and sore throat, warm fennel tea can be drinked two to three times a day. Furthermore, boiling two tablespoons of fennel seeds in one cup of water until half the water evaporates and straining the solution and gargle it can reduce the respiratory pains.

  • Prevent Cardiac Problems

Fennel can reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It is a good source of potassium that helps lower high blood pressure as well as folate that is needed for converting potentially dangerous homocysteine molecules into a benign form. Also, raw fennel root is rich in dietary fiber that can help control cholesterol buildup. It also contains vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and prevents heart disease by inhibiting free radical activity.

·                     Improves Memory and Brain Function

Fennel works as a brain booster. Researchers have found that fennel seeds help improve cognitive performance. Fennel bulbs and seeds also have high levels of potassium, which encourages increased electrical conduction throughout the body, contributing to healthy brain functioning and cognitive abilities. Moreover, fennel juice acts as a vasodilator and increases oxygen supply to the brain. It is also helpful in relieving depression and delaying dementia.