Fennel seed health benefits are known throughout the world. The biggest factors of fennel seed health benefits come from the phytochemical anethole. Additionally, fennel packs a powerful health punch with multiple vitamins and high fiber. From arthritis to women’s health, here are just a few benefits of fennel. In this article, we will discuss the ten surprising fennel seed health benefits.
Surprising Fennel Seed Health Benefits:
1. Blood Pressure
Because fennel seeds are high in potassium, they can help to regulate your heartbeat, keep your muscles (including your heart) strong and functional, and balances sodium levels in your blood.
Additionally, the diuretic quality of fennel seeds will act to lower blood pressure. The high fiber content found in fennel seeds acts to block the reabsorption of the “bad” cholesterol, lowering LDL levels and aiding in cardiovascular health, diabetes, and blood pressure regulation.
2. Diuretic
Fennel bulbs are a great source of fiber, which will help to flush toxins from the colon. Because of its diuretic properties, it will help to flush your kidneys, and potentially help you lose a little water weight, as well.
3. Digestive problems
Fennel is an antispasmodic that can ease cramping from diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Its high fiber content can relieve constipation, and it safely and naturally relieves gas.
Additionally, its gentle anti-cramping properties can provide relief for colicky babies. Drinking a cup of fennel tea after a meal will aid the digestion of heavy or fatty foods.
4. Clear sinuses
Fennel seeds contain alpha-pinene, which is a naturally occurring expectorant that loosens phlegm and controls cough. Taking fennel seeds when you have a cough or cold can help you to clear out your sinuses, break up congestion, and control coughs.
5. Mouth health and bad breath
Fennel seeds are a natural bad-breath buster. In fact, many higher-end restaurants will provide fennel seeds to cleanse the palate between courses and to fight bad breath after eating.
Fennel seeds also boost the production of saliva which can stop dry mouth and simply wash away bad breath germs.
6. Diabetes
Fennel seeds have been proven to help lower blood glucose levels in diabetics. In addition to the powerful compound anethole, fennel seeds have high levels of vitamins, such as C, that aid in lowering blood sugar. Fennel seeds also lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, which will help battle diabetes.
7. Liver
Selenium is a crucial trace element, and necessary for a healthy liver. Fennel seeds contain selenium, which will promote a healthy liver function. Other liver fennel seed health benefits include repairing the liver itself.
But, remember too much selenium can injure the liver, as well as cause other health difficulties.
8. Weight loss/appetite suppressant
Fennel seed health benefits can help you to maintain a balanced weight loss. Because, it is a natural appetite suppressant, a diuretic, and has high fiber content. It fights to bloat and the retention of gas.
A study in 2015 examined the effect of fennel seeds on food intake and appetite. Nine women were given either a fennel seed-infused tea or a placebo before eating a lunch buffet. One week later, they received the opposite treatment before the same buffet.
The scientist found that although food intake did not differ between the 2 days, the women reported decreased hunger and increased feelings of fullness on the day they drank the fennel tea.
9. Skin and hair
Fennel seed health benefits can be skin deep, too. It can be used externally to soften the face and stop acne, help heal cuts and scrapes, and ease scalp itching associated with dandruff.
These benefits are due to the antimicrobial and antibiotic properties of fennel seeds. It can also be taken as a tea or supplement to help skin and hair from the inside out.
10. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers can use a fennel seed supplement to improve milk production. A study has shown that Fennel seeds have phytoestrogen properties, meaning it increases estrogen levels naturally and has also been considered a natural way to boost fertility in females, as well. Fennel also contains multiple vitamins that are good for women’s health overall.
11. Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory fennel seed health benefits go deeper than muscle pain or arthritis. Since inflammation is known to trigger many diseases. So, taking fennel seeds daily as a supplement can help lessen the effects of GERD, Asthma, CHF, Alzheimer’s, Psoriasis, Celiac, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
12. Boost the immune system
Fennel seeds can be taken internally to boost the immune system. In addition to infection-fighting anethole, these seeds contain high amounts of vitamins to keep you healthy. The oil can be used directly on cuts and scrapes to fight infection and promote faster healing.
To get the full fennel seed health benefits, take between 5 to 7 grams daily. These seeds are supplied fresh, ground, or in capsule supplement form. Fennel seeds are generally safe to take, with no known drug interactions or adverse effects known when taken properly. Taking too much of the concentrated oil, however, can lead to nausea, headaches, vomiting, hallucinations, and seizures.
