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Spices and herbs are a part of rich Indian cuisines, one such spice that largely dominates the culinary world is fennel seeds. India being the largest exporter of fennel seeds/saunf (as it is popularly known), is used extensively owing to its incredible medicinal properties and health benefits. It is a common practice in most Indian households to chew a few fennel seeds at the end of the meal for a healthier gut and smoothen digestion process.
Saunf seeds are heaped with a wealth of essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, potassium, selenium, magnesium and vitamin C that are known for their health benefiting properties. It is a must-to-have spice in your kitchen cabinet that abounds with nutrients and promotes overall health.
The bulbs, leaves and seeds of fennel are all edible, it belong to unbellifereae family, which also comprise parsley, carrots and coriander. It has a crunchy texture with a mildly sweet and licorice like flavour. The flavour of the seeds is stronger due to its powerful essential oils. It also exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial traits that are well-known to enhance total well-being.
Incredible Health Benefits Of Saunf
Controls Blood Pressure
According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, it was revealed that chewing fennel seeds aids to increase the nitrite level in the saliva that supports to relax blood vessels and maintain blood pressure levels. Besides this, being intrinsically rich in potassium, a vital mineral for maintaining cells and body fluids helps to control heart rate and blood pressure.
Reduces Water Retention
Regular consumption of saunf tea works remarkably well to flush out excess fluids out of the system. It works as a natural diuretic that supports getting rid of toxins and lowers the risk of urinary tract problems. Furthermore, diaphoretic characteristics of fennel seeds stimulate perspiration and maintain body temperature.
Improves Vision
Adding saunf to your diet regularly greatly helps in improving vision and eye health. Laden with huge amounts of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for maintaining good eye health and vision. Since time immemorial fennel seed extracts have been used for treating glaucoma.
Promotes Digestive Health
Saunf tea is valuable for managing indigestion, bloating and constipation owing to the presence of essential oils. It is imbued with huge volumes of estragole, fenchone and anethole, which contribute to potent antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory traits. The volatile oils in fennel seeds kindle the digestion process by increasing the secretion of gastric enzymes and heals other gastrointestinal woes.
Prevents Cancer
Saunf seeds are a storehouse of potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, combat oxidative stress and shield the body from cancers of the skin, stomach, lung and breast. While the seeds also possess strong chemo modulatory effects and speed up the recovery process.
Conclusion:
The aromatic and flavourful seeds of the saunf plant come with an impressive nutrient profile that offers umpteen health benefits. Regular addition of this spice may promote cardiac wellness, lessen inflammation, suppress appetite and lowers the risk of cancer. To reap the wellness benefits of this wonder seed, add them in your meal plan to enrich the flavour of soups, curries, baked goods and refreshing drinks.
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