Fennel Seeds

What Are The Benefits of Fennel Seeds?

1. Improve Digestive Health

Among the uses of fennel seeds, this one is quite popular. The seeds are used to treat an array of digestive ailments, including heartburn, intestinal gas (and infant gas), bloating, and even colic in infants. The seeds have antispasmodic and carminative effects, which can help treat other serious digestive ailments like irritable bowel

2. Treat Asthma And Other Respiratory Ailments

The phytonutrients in fennel seeds help clear sinuses – and this can relieve asthma symptoms. And their expectorant properties heal other respiratory ailments like bronchitis, cough, and congestion.

3. Benefit Breastfeeding Women

Fennel seeds contain a compound called anethole, which is a phytoestrogen that mimics the properties of the estrogen hormone and increases milk secretion in women. So, fennel seeds benefits lactating women.

4. Combat Bad Breath

Chewing fennel seeds can freshen your breath. They have anise (or licorice) flavor. Simply munching on 5 to 10 fennel seeds freshens your breath. The seeds increase the production of saliva – thereby washing out the bacteria. The essential oil has antibacterial properties that help fight the germs that cause bad breath.

5. Help Fight Diabetes

A 2008 study found that fennel essential oil might lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. Fennel seeds are also a good source of vitamin C, the high intake of which was also found to lower blood sugar levels. Beta-carotene, another antioxidant in fennel seeds, has also been linked to reduced cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

6. Increase Breast Growth

We have already seen that fennel can mimic the properties of human estrogen, which is why it can promote breast growth. However, due to limited information, we suggest you talk to your doctor before using fennel seeds for this purpose.

7. Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

The fiber in fennel seeds prevents the reabsorption of cholesterol. It achieves this by binding the bile salts, which consequently prevents heart-related ailments.

8. Cure Edema

Edema is the swelling of tissues in the body due to excess of fluid. Though there are no concrete studies, anecdotal evidence supports the efficacy of fennel seeds in curing edema. Anethole, one important compound in fennel seeds, can control blood pressure and flush out the excess water from the body. In addition, the seeds also improve kidney function, ultimately helping in flushing out toxins.

9. Boost Fertility

This might be true with fennel tea. Given its estrogenic properties, it might promote fertility and even induce labor in pregnant women.

10. Regulate Blood Pressure Levels

One reason fennel seeds work wonders on blood pressure levels is their potassium levels. This mineral counteracts the ill effects of sodium and regulates the fluid amount in the bloodstream.

The seeds are also rich in calcium, another mineral imperative for optimum blood pressure. It helps keep the blood vessels toned – and even helps maintain heart rate. And the fiber in fennel seeds has also shown to regulate blood pressure levels.

Fennel seeds also contain nitrites (in fact, the highest amongst other seeds), compounds known to lower blood pressure levels. They are also rich in magnesium, which, as per some studies, can cut the risk of high blood pressure in women