Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

Flavoring up a plain-but-healthy plate of food is satisfactory for your palate dabs and health. No need to go on a long search for the most extraordinary ingredients; they may be found at your local grocery shop. Fennel seeds are one such marvelous nutrient endowed that we must unveil them.

The fragrant herb fennel doesn’t require special notice because it is a well-known spice used frequently in culinary and medical activities. So reach for your seasoning shelves, and you’ll not only up the aroma of your meals, but you’ll also get an uplift of flavonoids.

What are fennel seeds ?

Fennel seeds often referred to as saunf in Hindi, are the seeds of a flowering plant in the Foeniculum Vulgare family, which also includes the coriander, carrot, cilantro, lavender, and cardamom families. Further, the dry seeds of the white and green fennel flower, which have fluffy leaves and yellow blossoms, make up this aromatic herb. All of the bulbs, leaves, and seeds can be consumed.

It is a native plant to the Mediterranean areas and is also frequently planted all over the world close to the coast and along rivers. Apparently, India is the country that exports the most saunf. The flavor of the fennel seeds is mellow, anise, delicate, and gritty; it is made possible by the abundance of powerful essential oils.

What Is the Nutritional Profile of Fennel Seeds?

What Are The Health Benefits of Saunf / Fennel Seeds?

Because it is nutrient-dense, saunf is a constant in every household. The fennel seeds known as saunf have the following ten beneficial properties.

1. Can Saunf Fight Bad Breath?

Saunf, or fennel seeds, are excellent mouth fresheners. Fennel seeds have an exceptionally aromatic essential oil with antibacterial properties that can help freshen breath. Saliva production is boosted by sweet fennel seeds, which aid in destroying pathogenic microorganisms. It is an easy and practical home cure for foul breath.

2. Are Fennel Seeds Healthy for the Heart?

Potassium is a mineral abundant in the seeds and helps control blood volume. It aids in maintaining blood pressure and heart rate under check. According to the study, fennel seeds raise the nitrite level in saliva. A naturally occurring substance called nitrite regulates blood pressure. Moreover, magnesium, potassium, and calcium are elements found in fennel, and its seeds are crucial for maintaining heart health.

3. Fennel Seed Improves Bone Health

Higher calcium concentration in fennel seeds supports sturdy bone health and aids in warding off diseases like osteoporosis. It includes phytonutrients with antioxidant capabilities that defend cells from oxidative stress and lessen inflammation.

4. Saunf for Better Digestion

Saunf is a powerful remedy for heartburn or gastritis. The beneficial properties of fennel seed oils encourage the release of digestive fluids and enzymes, which enhances digestion. Anethole, fenchone, and estragole are compounds found in fennel seeds with antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, they are fantastic in relieving bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

5. Can Fennel Seeds Enhance Skin Quality?

Because it includes minerals like beta-carotene and vitamin C that help with collagen formation and tissue healing, fennel seeds can offer you better-looking skin. It possesses anti-aging benefits.

It unclogs pores clogged with pollution, dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, etc. Because of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, fennel seeds soaked in water overnight can also treat acne and pimples. Many skin-care regimens include fennel seed water.

6. Can Saunf Help with Period Cramps?

Emmenagogue, a protein found in saunf, aids in regulating periods. They help speed up the menstrual cycle and are also considered safe to consume during a period because they ease cramps.

Cramps can be relieved by soaking fennel seeds in water overnight and drinking the mixture in the morning. Nitrites found in saunf help the uterus discharge the uterine lining more effectively by enhancing blood flow.

7. Saunf Helps in Weight Loss

Fennel is a calorie-efficient ingredient that can help you control your weight. It also contains a lot of calcium, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and potassium, all associated with fat loss. Due to its vitamin B-6 content, it enhances the body’s metabolism. Henceforth, the vitamin is essential for converting proteins and carbs into glucose and amino acids, enhancing metabolism, and energizing you.

According to research, drinking fennel tea can help you manage your hunger. One cup of fennel tea contains essential oils that aid in controlling appetite. Dietitians frequently recommend fennel tea as a pre-meal calorie suppressant to aid with weight loss.

8. Fennel Seeds Enhance Eye Health

Eat a few fennel seeds frequently to enhance vision. Vitamin A and other necessary minerals found in saunf seeds can do marvels for the eyes and support good eyesight. The seeds’ extracts have been used to decrease glaucoma symptoms and are also recognized to treat moist and irritated eyes. Altogether, the anethole compound’s richness in fennel seeds also boosts the protein concentration of the retina and slows cataract development.

9. Can Diabetics Consume Fennel Seeds?

It contains various essential oils and an active substance called anethole, which could help regulate blood sugar fluctuations. Moreover, the abundance of vitamin C, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and other minerals in fennel seeds enhances insulin levels and controls blood sugar.

10. Fennel Seeds Promote Hair Growth

Acid, iron, copper, folate, and niacin are nutrients found in fennel seeds that aid in promoting hair development and preventing hair loss. Moreover, it helps in the battle against oxidative stress, which stunts hair growth and causes issues like hair loss. An excellent approach to promoting hair development is by using saunf oil.

Are Fennel Seeds the Ayurvedic Treatment?

By virtue of its essential therapeutic characteristics and its value in calming the Tridoshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—Saunf is strongly recommended by Ayurvedic treatment. Saunf has a cooling impact on the body and has a rich, oily texture and tangy taste.

Ayurvedic medicine contends that cooking depletes the qualities of the nutrients; hence coarser grind is the most significant way to obtain the advantages of saunf. Additionally, saunf performs admirably as a strong cleanser and removes toxins from the body. The stomach, liver, brain, heart, kidney, and uterus benefit from saunf.

Fennel Seeds Cures Gastritis

One of the essential treatments for reducing stomach irritation is saunf seeds. Basically, the gut lining is soothed, and stomach acid discharges are controlled with fennel seeds powder. According to Ayurveda, saunf reduces the Pitta Tikshna Guna, which is known to produce irritation in the stomach.

Fennel Seeds Cures Abdominal bloating

Strong carminative effects in saunf seed extracts reduce gas and burp. The antispasmodic effect helps to relieve indigestion-related stomach cramps. Additionally, it regulates gastric secretions, which lessen the bitter and acidic taste in the mouth.

Fennel Seeds Minimize Polydipsia

Saunf is beneficial for reducing excessive thirst and is frequently used in Ayurveda as a natural cure. To quench extreme thirst, fennel seed powder is mixed in equal parts with brown sugar or rock sugar (Misri) and taken with water.

Can Women Develop Side Effects from Consuming Fennel Seeds?

• Women’s hormone levels may be affected by chemicals found in fennel seeds. It has prolactin, which can mimic estrogen and screw with a woman’s body. It is advised to avoid fennel seeds if you have endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cancer, or any other ailment that can be affected by estrogen or prolactin. Likewise, it may be dangerous to expectant mothers.
• A substance found in fennel seeds is believed to make skin more sensitive to sunlight. It contains phototoxic substances that increase your risk of sunburn or can lead to irritation and blisters. It may also result in phytophotodermatitis, a skin ailment. Another skin ailment called contact dermatitis can also be caused by it.
• A symptom called thelarche occurs when a woman enters puberty, and her breast development begins. Untimely, thelarche can be caused by fennel.
• Stimulating the uterus is one of fennel seeds’ most well-known adverse effects. Pregnant women should avoid eating fennel seeds since they can induce uterine contractions and result in preterm delivery.

How Should I Eat Fennel Seeds?

Oil contents in fennel seeds are higher than in the fennel plant. Because of this, most cuisines typically call for using a spoonful (or 2 to 6 grams) of toasted fennel seeds.

• Soak fennel seeds in water overnight to get the best nutrient package and maintain energy throughout the day. The next morning, drink the resulting water.
• To give food a sweet, caramel flavor, add roasted seeds.
• Crush a tablespoon of fennel seeds, then add hot water to make a classic tea.
• To the dough for baked items, add a spoonful of the seeds.
• You can snack on fennel seeds as a mouth refresher after each meal.

FAQs