Fennel Seed

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Fennel is an aromatic herb belonging to the parsley family. It is used as a spice and possesses a sweet taste that is similar to anise. It is an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean cuisine. It is native to the South European region but is consumed well in all of the European regions. It is a two meter plant with dark green leaves and yellow flowers. Fennel seeds are generally eaten for the taste but also very healthy owing to the nutrition value attached to it. Fennel bulb is also eaten as a vegetable in some parts of the Mediterranean region.

1. Strength:

Fennel is a symbol of strength and longevity. It was also believed by ancient Greeks to increase one’s courage.

2. Antioxidants:

Apart from being used for adding flavor, it is also used for various health benefits that are derived from its anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants are essential to curb unwanted free radical reactions in the body. This phenomenon also prevents many diseases that can get serious at a later stage. Some of the anti-oxidants listed in these seeds are kaemoferol and quercetin that are known to prevent degenerative reactions.

3. Dietary fibres:

Fennel seeds contain a good amount of dietary fibre that is essential for the body. The fibre content helps improve digestion in the body, by facilitating timely breaking down of food molecules that make energy reactions possible.

4. Cancer:

The carcinogenic diseases should be treated at the right stage so that their effect can be curbed or eliminated in the future. This is made possible by the anti-oxidant capabilities of the fennel seeds.

5. Neurological diseases prevention:

Another effect of prevention of free radical reactions by fennel seeds – Neurological diseases are helpfully kept at bay.

6. Cholesterol absorption:

Cholesterol absorption in the arteries is prevented by the action of the fibre binding to the bile salts. Fibre present in fennel seeds decreases reabsorption of cholesterol thereby preventing any heart related diseases.

7. Oil compounds:

A number of volatile oil compounds like myrcene, fenchone, chavicol, cineole are present in these seeds that assist in digestive, carminative and anti-oxidant reactions in the body.

8. Red blood cells:

Production of Red Blood Cells is enhanced by the consumption of Fennel Seeds. Copper, which is required by the body for the production of red blood cells, is present in these seeds.

9. Growth and development:

The growth and development of the body is geared-up. Zinc, found in the fennel seeds, promotes regular growth and development.

10. Heart rate and blood pressure:

These days, when people face tensions in their day to day lives, it is very important to maintain the blood pressure and keep the heart rate balanced. Fennel Seeds help a lot in this process. The potassium content helps in maintaining the blood pressure and hence the heart rate is also maintained.

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