Fennel seeds are the most common ingredient found in Indian kitchens. Eating saunf after meals is healthy practise because of its ability to keep the digestive system healthy. Fennel not only adds flavour to cooking but also purifies blood, improves digestion and prevents gas.
Fennel seeds tea can help with digestion woes.
Fennel in Vata, Pita and Kapha: Fennel seeds have a cooling effect on the body. It balances Vata, Pita and Kapha. It is a good idea to consume a fennel seed drink during the scorching summer, to relieve heat from the body. The oil found in the seeds is carminative in nature: hence it is used in massage blends, to calm nerves and promote mental clarity.
Aids digestion: Oils present in fennel seeds triggers the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes which paces up the process of digestion. Fennel helps in digestion and assimilation of food, moving it through the tract quickly beating bloating and gas.
Anti-Flatulent: Fennel has aspartic acid which helps in reducing bloating of belly due to flatulence (excessive gas formation).It soothes stomach ache which occurs due to flatulence. It can be given to infants as well as old age people. As it helps in expulsion of gas it is used to treat nausea.
Beats Bad Breath: Fennel is a good mouth Freshener. It contains several aromatic oils that help in getting rid of bad odour from mouth and aids in increasing the amount of saliva secreted in mouth. It also washes away food particles left in mouth and kick start digestion.
Acts as a Laxative: Fennel contain high fibre content which helps relieve constipation by absorbing water and softening the stools. Roughage present regulates bowel movement and treats irritable bowel syndrome.
Aids weight Loss: Fennel has natural diuretic properties so it prevents water retention and slims down waistline. It acts as an excellent detoxifier and flushes out extra fluids and toxins from body.
Helps fight Diabetes: Chewing fennel helps lowers blood sugar levels as it contains vitamin C which lowers blood glucose levels.
Works as an Antacid: Fennel is basic by nature. This helps to neutralise the acidity of the stomach which increases due to dietary habits, unregulated lifestyle and body weight. Fennel reduces heat burn. It is a common ingredient in anti-acidity.
Controls cholesterol levels: Fennel contains fibre which keeps cholesterol levels low in blood.
Regulates water balance: Potassium present in Fennel regulates water balance as well as acid – base balance in our body. This further reduces BP.
Protection from Microbes
Infants always face the risk of infection from different bacteria and fungi. The fennel seeds have been known to contain various properties that are antimicrobial. These provide protection from multiple pathogens and help keep the infants safe.
Remedying Any Colic Issues
When any gas remains present in the stomach, it can start causing cramps in the child which are quite painful. If a baby cannot pass a fart, he might start crying uncontrollably. In such a case, fennel water or fennel oil can be quite effective in reducing the instances of such colic problems from occurring.
Precautions
People on low fibre diet should avoid eating Fennel as it has high fibre content in it.
It should not be given in:
- Pregnancy
- Upcoming surgery
- Bleeding disorders
- Breast cancer
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Uterine fibroids