The large variety of fennel seeds
benefits is the reason it is such a popular item in almost every household.
It is used in small quantities in cooking, but more often simply as a mouth
refresher after meals. In the olden days, it was a traditional custom to offer
guests raw and dried fennel seeds post-meal.
Scientific
name: Foeniculum vulgare
The ripe version is light green in color, soft and juicy. These are attached to small twig-like branches. They are then broken off from the twigs and each grain is separated and dried. This is the common version of fennel seeds that we find in our homes.
Fennel seeds Benefits
Find below-researched benefits
of fennel seeds,
1. Used as a mouth
freshener after food
Among the most common and
well-known fennel seeds benefits
is that it can be used to refresh the mouth after a meal. Raw fennel seeds can
be chewed to release their juices which clean the mouth and remove the food
particles stuck in our teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay.
2. Speeds up Digestion
Eating raw and dried fennel
seeds after every meal helps to stir up the digestive juices in the stomach. So,
the food eaten is assimilated easily into the bloodstream.
3. Relieves Flatulence
Among other benefits of fennel seeds are relief
from gas and bloating. Boil fennel seeds in water and let them cool. Drinking
this water helps release gas stuck in between the intestines that causes
discomfort. This remedy gives instant relief.
4. Works as a Face Toner
This is among the less
known fennel seeds benefits. Soak
dried fennel seeds in water overnight. Applying this water on the face with a cotton
ball acts as a toning agent on the skin. It closes the pores and keeps the skin
feeling refreshed and hydrated the whole day.
5. Increases breast milk
production
Doctors recommend chewing
on fennel seeds to lactating women. It helps to produce more good quality
breastmilk. The enzymes in fennel seeds increase the level of estrogen hormone
which then leads to a regular supply of milk for the baby.
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6. Speeds up Metabolism
Drinking fennel seed water
first thing in the morning kick-starts the digestive system. It prepares the
stomach for the day and improves metabolism. This is a good habit for people
trying to lose weight or control their appetite.
7. Mood Up-lifter
Few people know of such benefits of fennel seeds. The oil
extracted from the seeds has properties that can fight off a low mood. It has a
subtle antidepressant quality and is used often for relaxation or during yoga.
8. Helps to reduce period symptoms
The nutrient combination
present in fennel seeds works as a good home remedy to reduce period cramps. It
also helps to soothe other symptoms of menstruation such as hot flashes and internal
swelling.
9. Helps to cure colic in
babies
Colic is a condition where
infants cry continuously because of stomach discomfort. Fennel seed water is
used to calm their stomach ache and quiet them down. It can be used as an
alternative to store-bought gripe water.
10. Delays the growth of
cataracts
Fennel seeds have vitamin A
which keeps the eyes
healthy. Also, in the case of an already-formed cataract in the eye, fennel
seed consumption regularly delays its growth and improves eyesight.
11. Relieves Nose blockage
Fennel seeds have a
nutrient called phytonutrients at a
high level. It helps to clear the nasal passage by opening up any possible
blocked sinus and clearing the nasal tract. This helps you to breathe freely
and deeply.
Final Note
As small as they are, fennel seeds are often neglected in the kitchen cabinet mostly because their importance is not properly realized. But considering the abundance of fennel seeds benefits, it surely deserves a rightful place in our daily diet.