by
Stepy —
November 18, 2018
- Fennel is a slightly sweet herb, originating from the Mediterranean, where they have been using it for years in food and in medicine. It is grown often on coastal climates. Fennel is packed with health benefits, due to the essential oils it contains.
- Let’s look at the health benefits of fennel.
- Aids with anemia:
- Fennel is a great source of iron, and also an amino acid called histidine, which are both helpful in treating anemia. Iron and histidine both help produce hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood and throughout the body.
- Tip: Include in your favorite smoothie and salad.
- Antioxidant rich:
- Fennel is an excellent source of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and manganese. Antioxidants protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress, which may help strengthen the immune system and ward off diseases.
- Dr. Andrew Weil explains, “oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).” The effects of oxidative stress are often linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and many types of cancers.
- Aids digestion:
- It is a very common practice in India to chew a few fennel seeds after eating a meal. This is done to aid in digestion and promote good breath.
- The essential oils in fennel stimulate the gastric and digestive juices, ensuring absorption of nutrients from food, and efficient digestion.
- Tip: chew a few raw pieces right after a meal.
- Eye health:
- Fennel is an anti-inflammatory agent and rich in antioxidants, which makes it great for optimal eye health. The antioxidants in fennel help reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Heart health:
- Fennel is high in fiber, which is known to lower levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood.
- According the American Heart Association, “high cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. As your blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease.”
- Immune booster:
- Fennel is an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 10.4 g per cup, which is 17% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C is known as a potent immune booster, great for cold and flu season and overall optimal health.
- Regulates blood pressure:
- Fennel is an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for healthy blood pressure. Potassium relaxes the tension of blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- Turmeric the superstar spice.
- Cumin is a potent medicinal herb.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. Weil, Andrew, MD. “Stumped by Oxidative Stress?” WEIL. Dr. Andrew Weil, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013.
