Fennel Seeds or more commonly known as Saunf is a popular ancient Indian spice. A common practice in most Indian households is to have a few fennel seeds or saunf at the end of every meal.
The idea is to use it as a mouth freshener. But apart from being a mouth freshener, fennel seeds are a rich source of multiple vitamins and minerals such as Copper, Potassium, Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, Vitamin C, Iron, Selenium and Magnesium, etc.
Here are a few benefits of fennel seeds, all based on science –
- Being a rich source of potassium, fennel seeds help regulate Blood pressure.
- Fennel seed helps remove toxins and reduces the risk of urinary tract problems.
- For its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits, fennel seeds are sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy.
- The seeds also have very powerful free radical scavenging properties that help beat oxidative stress and protect the body from various cancers of the skin, stomach, and breasts.
- Fresh fennel bulb is a good source of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin critical for immune health, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis.
Nutritional Value:
Quantity – 100g
Calories – 31
Protein – 1.2g
Carbohydrates – 7g (out of which 3.1g fiber)
Fat – 0.2g
Vitamin C – 20% DV
Potassium – 414mg (11% DV)
Final word:
Adding Fennel seeds to your diet may improve heart health, reduce inflammation, suppress appetite, and even provide anticancer effects.
Use them as a mouth freshener or as a topping over your salads or desserts to reap all the benefits of fennel seeds.
Eating fennel and its seeds is likely safe (RDA of 15-20g), consuming higher doses in supplement form may react with certain medications and is unsafe for pregnant women.