Fennel flower

Fennel flower

Introduction

Fennel is a flower plant species that belongs to the carrot family.

Fennel is a perennial and hardy herb with feathery leaves and yellow flowers. Even though it grows in different regions, it is a native of the Mediterranean shores. It grows ideally near the sea-cist on dry soils and the river banks. The scientific name of fennel is Foeniculum vulgare. Fennel is a highly flavorful and aromatic herb that is used in cookery.

The plant is erect and bright green. It grows to a height of nearly eight feet and hollow stems. The leaves are finely dissected, and they grow up to forty centimetres. Fennel is produced both in the foreign and it’s native land due to it’s strongly flavoured and edible fruits and leaves.

One cup of sliced raw fennel only contains one and a half grams of fat, twenty-seven calories, without even a single gram of saturated fat. Fennel provides eleven per cent of RDA of fibre, seventeen per cent of vitamin C, and about ten per cent calcium.

What are fennel seeds?

Fennel seeds are those parts of the plant which would be further used for reproduction. Fennel seeds are generally harvested when the seed heads turn into light brown colour. Fennel seeds closely resemble anise seeds in terms of appearance. They are either curved or long in shape, about three to four millimetre long. The surface of the seeds has elegant vertical stripes.

Florence fennel is the most common type of fennel that is widely cultivated as most parts of this plant is edible. The white bulb of the plant is edible, and it is treated as a vegetable. Moreover, it’s essential oils, pollen, fruits and leaves are Incorporated into various dishes throughout the world.

Fennel seeds are considered as an essential seasoning in the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, and India. Fennel is also used for producing an alcoholic beverage called Absinthe.

Benefits of fennel seeds

India being one of the largest exporters of fennel seeds, also known as saunf, uses them various due to all the exotic benefits it provides. Indian families even consume fennel seeds after having their meal. Fennel seeds offer a concentrated source of different minerals like magnesium, selenium, iron, vitamin C, manganese, zinc, calcium, potassium, and copper. From water retention to the regulation of blood pressure, fennel seeds are a must-have. In terms of shape and size, they resemble jeera and cumin; however, they are a different type of spice altogether. Now without any further ado, let’s learn about some of the benefits which the fennel seeds provide.

1. Regulation of blood pressure:

The Journal of Food Science published a study which showed that chewing fennel seeds helps in increasing the level of nitrite in saliva. Nitrite is a natural element which keeps a check on the blood pressure levels. In addition to this, they are also rich in potassium. As potassium is a vital component of body guilds and cells, it helps in controlling the blood pressure and heart rate.

2. Reduces asthma symptoms:

Sinus is a health condition where inflammation is caused in the cavities of the nasal passages. Fennel seeds, along with their phytonutrients help in clearing sinuses. Due to their expectorant properties, they can air cough, congestion, and bronchitis.

3. Purifies Blood:

The vital fibre and essential oils in fennel seeds are considered highly useful for flushing out sludge and toxins from our bodies. This helps in cleansing the blood and absorption of nutrients in the body.

4. Helps in improving eyesight:

Adding a handful of fennel seeds to your diet regularly can significantly help in enhancing your vision. They contain a high amount of vitamin A, an essential component for excellent vision. Extracts from fennel seeds were used in ancient India for treating people who were affected with glaucoma.

5. Reduces water retention:

If you drink fennel tea regularly, it helps in flushing out the excess fluid. Fennel tea works like a diuretic. Moreover, it also helps in reducing the chances of urinary tract diseases and removing toxins. It also includes diaphoretic properties that help in stimulating perspiration.

6. Bloating, IBS, Indigestion, and Constipation:

Fennel tea is vital for curing constipation, bloating, and indigestion as it includes some essential oils. The seeds contain anethole, fenchone, and estragole that contributes to the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of the plant. People who suffer from IBS would highly benefit from the volatile oils that are found in the seeds. The oils help in kick-starting digestion by merely promoting the working as well as the production of gastric juices and enzymes. It would keep the digestive tract happy and healthy.

7. Great for acne:

If you eat fennel seeds regularly, then your body is provided with valuable minerals such as selenium, calcium, and zinc. These minerals are crucial for balancing hormones while maintaining the oxygen balance in our collection. Fennel imparts a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, providing it with a healthy glow. It also offers various ayurvedic properties which help in treating various other skin ailments like rashes, dryness, and more. A paste of fennel seeds is highly beneficial for the skin.

8. Saves from cancer:

The seeds contain powerful, free, and radical scavenging properties. Hence, it helps in beating the oxidative streets along with protecting the body from different cancers of the breasts, stomach, and skin. It offers chemo modulatory effect on the patient.

Fennel seeds and weight loss:

Fennel seeds are considered a vital spice which can be used for losing weight. Consuming it regularly along with an active and healthy lifestyle helps in cutting those extra flaps. Weight loss is one among the various advantages of adding fennel seeds in the everyday diet. These tiny yet straightforward seeds have an iota of powerful antioxidants that helps in boosting the digestion as well as the overall health of the consumer.  Here are some ways by which fennel helps in reducing the few extra pounds in your body.

1. Fennel seeds are rich in fibre that helps you to stay for a long time. This prevents you from further overeating and cravings. Hence, it leads to minimum calorie consumption that results in weight loss.
2. In addition to that, consuming fennel also helps in reducing fat storage. Fennel improves the body’s mineral and vitamin absorption power.
3. Due to the diuretic properties of fennel, drinking fennel tea helps in removing the toxins and other harmful materials from the body. This also contributes to weight loss.
4. A healthy metabolism is essential for losing weight in the best and healthy way. Fennel seeds help in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
5. Fennel seeds contain an endless list of antioxidants like zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, chlorine, manganese, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and more that are known for protecting the body against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to diabetes and obesity like conditions.

There are two ways by which you can consume fennel seeds. You can either brew it overnight, or you can even oil it. In case you don’t have enough time for preparing a fresh batch of fennel drink every day, there is no need to worry. All you have to do is boil two tablespoons of new fennel seeds. Boil them in one litre of water. After the drink has cooled down, you can pour it in a different bottle and store it in the refrigerator for nearly three days. This way, you would be able to consume your drink every day without any hassle. In case you do not want to boil and decrease the properties of the seeds, you can even soak them in one litre of water overnight and simply strain and have it the next day.

Summary

The esteemed reputation of fennel goes back to the ancient times where it has been reflected in its very own mythological traditions.

Fennel is one of the most versatile vegetables that play a significant role in the cuisine culture of various European and Middle Eastern nation. Fennel has three different parts that include the leaves, stalk, and the base. The best thing about fennel is that every part of the plant is edible. Fennel plant can be cut into various shapes and sizes depending on personal preference and the recipe. The stalks of the plant can be used for multiple purposes, like making soup. In case you want to have herb seasoning in your food, you can use fennel leaves or seeds.

Like various other spices, fennel contains a unique combination of different phytonutrients that includes the flavonoids quercetin, rutin and kaempferol glycosides, that provides it with a robust antioxidant activity. Fennel contains an array of nutrients that include amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, sodium, insoluble fibre, soluble fibre, sugar, carbohydrates, and more. The nutrient value of fennel has made it an essential item in a regular diet. If fennel seeds are consumed regularly in s specific quantity, it can help in the treatment of various chronic diseases. In addition to that, it also helps in maintaining body weight and caters to various skin problems.