- By Prerna Targhotra
- Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:10 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
FENNEL seeds or saunf are widely used kitchen herbs in every Indian household. They are green and white plants and are flavorful herbs with various medicinal properties. Fennel seeds are used for a variety of purposes including mouth fresheners, preparing tea and many more. India is one of the largest exports of fennel seeds. Saunf dominates almost every dish and is relished after meals for a sweet and refreshing flavour. Here is a list of some amazing benefits of consuming fennel seeds regularly for a healthy body.
1. Highly Nutritious
Fennel seeds are packed with great amounts of nutrients including fibre, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. The presence of vitamin C, a soluble fibre in fennel seeds helps in boosting the immune system, repairing tissues, and collagen synthesis. Moreover, they also provide protection against cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
2. Heart Health
Consuming fennel seeds can benefit the heart health of an individual in many ways. According to Healthline, a 1 cup (87 grams) serving of raw fennel bulb packs 3 grams of fibre, 11 percent of the Daily Reference Value (DRV). Foods that are rich in fibres are known to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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3. Cancer-Fighting Properties
Fennel seeds contain powerful plant compounds that can protect against certain chronic diseases including cancer. According to WebMD, One of the major compounds found in fennel seeds is anethole, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Research has shown anethole is effective at destroying breast cancer cells and stopping the spread of both breast and liver cancer cells.
4. Breastfeeding Women
Various studies suggest that saunf has galactogenic properties that help in increasing milk secretion. Fennel may increase milk secretion and blood levels of prolactin, a hormone that signals the body to produce breast milk, states Healthline.
5. Reduce Inflammation
Fennel seeds are rich in antionxidants such as vitamin C and plant flavonoids, which are known to reduce inflammation in the body. They can also help in soothing sweeling or irritation in the intestine and improve the digestion process.
6. Weight Loss
Being rich in fibre, fennel seeds promote weight loss. Foods rich in fibre content help in boosting metabolism and keep hunger at bay. Consuming fennel seeds regularly after meals can reduce the hunger and satiate your appetite.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)