The nutritional profile of fennel seeds

Dried fennel seeds are a storehouse of various nutrients, with low calories and high in different micro and macronutrients. When it comes to exploring the health benefits of fennel seeds, they are mainly rich in –

·         Vitamin C

·         Vitamin E

·         Vitamin K

·         Minerals – Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Selenium, and Iron

·         Antioxidants such as polyphenols 

·         Fibre

·         Organic compounds like anethole 

Health benefits of fennel seeds

1: Combats bad breath 

Fennel seeds benefits are innumerous. It contains a specific aromatic essential oil that possesses antibacterial properties that help to freshen your breath. The sweet fennel seeds increase the secretion of saliva, which helps to kill harmful bacteria. It is a simple and effective home remedy to combat bad breath. Munching on 5 to 10 fennel seeds could freshen your breath.

2: Improves digestive health 

The goodness of fennel seed essential oils stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes that improve your digestion. Fennel seeds contain anethole, fenchone and estragole that act as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. They work wonderfully for constipation, indigestion and bloating. For better results, consume fennel tea as it benefits to keep your digestive tract healthy and happy. Fennel seeds also contain fibre and while they may be small in size their fibre content is high. This can further improve your digestive health. By improving the fibre levels in your diet, fennel seeds contribute to better heart health as numerous studies have linked higher fibre diets with a lower risk of cardiac diseases.

3: Helps to regulate blood pressure 

Fennel seeds are rich in potassium that regulates the fluid amount in the bloodstream. It helps to control your heart rate and blood pressure. As per the published study, fennel seeds increase the level of nitrite in the saliva. Nitrite is a natural element that keeps a check on blood pressure levels.

4: Reduces asthma and other respiratory ailments 

The fennel health benefits extend to respiratory health as well.The high amount of phytonutrients present in fennel seeds helps to clear sinuses. These tiny seeds offer bronchial relaxation that helps to reduce symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and congestion. 

5: Promotes lactation 

Anethole present in fennel seeds stimulates the galactagogues (substances that promote lactation) to increase milk secretion. Many studies suggest that anethole mimics the action of the estrogen hormone and promotes lactation.

6: Improves skin appearance

Fennel extract works miraculously for the skin by protecting it from free radical damage and improving skin cell longevity. They are abundant in minerals such as potassium, selenium and zinc. These minerals are crucial for balancing hormones while maintaining the oxygen balance in your bloodstream. They are widely used to treat different skin ailments like acne, rashes and dryness.

7.Purifies blood 

One of the many fennel seeds benefits include purification of blood. The essential oils and fibres in fennel seeds not only assist in purifying your blood but also contribute to flushing out toxic compounds out of your body