Fennel seeds are consume after meals to aid digestion and refreshment. These tiny seeds are essential for their refreshing properties and their medicinal and culinary applications. As a result, India is one of the world’s leading exporters of fennel seeds.Indians are food lovers, and their fondness for seeds (Saunf) for post-meal refreshment is well known.
The dried seeds of the fennel plant are an aromatic herb from the parsley family. seeds are called Saunf in Hindi. Fennel seeds range in length from 4 to 8 mm and resemble a grooved or ridged grain of rice. However, fennel seeds in India are available in various shades, from bright green to pale green and tan.
Like the fennel plant, the seeds have a liquorice-like flavour, but they’re sweeter and less spicy and intense than liquorice. The seeds come from the herb Foeniculum Vulgare. It is primarily grown in India and parts of the Mediterranean. They have a wide variety of health-promoting nutritional properties.
Fennel Seeds – Nutritional Value
Dried fennel seeds are a food powerhouse with few calories and a high concentration of micro and macronutrients. seeds primarily comprise Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Antioxidants like Polyphenols. The seeds also contain minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Selenium, and Iron.
Where To Buy Fennel Seeds In India?
Fennel seeds in India are available in most supermarkets as well as specialty herb and spice shops. They are available in all decent Indian stores. Though seeds in India come in various colours, the bright green seeds are typically the freshest and of the highest quality. Over time, older seeds will lose their vibrant colour and become more faded. Look for plump, unwrinkled seeds with a heavy aroma when purchasing fennel seeds in India. We should keep fennel seeds in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. A spice cabinet is ideal for storing spices because they last longer and maintain their potency for longer when stored this way. They should not be stored or kept for more than six months.
Fennel Seeds – Health Benefits
Fennel seeds, in addition to their many culinary applications, have a variety of health benefits. The benefits include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Here are some of the most significant health benefits that fennel seeds offer.
Fennel Seeds Controls Bad Breath
Seeds contain an aromatic essential oil that aids in breath freshening. The sweet seeds increase saliva secretion, which aids in the killing of harmful bacteria. Therefore, it’s a straightforward and reliable home cure for bad breath. You can freshen your breath by eating 5 to 10 seeds every day.
Enhances The Digestive System
Seeds help in the release of digestive enzymes and juices, which help to improve digestion. Seeds contain antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds such as anethole, fenchone, and estragole. They’re great for bloating, indigestion, and constipation. Also, seeds in India are added to tea to keep the digestive tract safe and satisfied for better results.
Helps Control Blood Pressure
Potassium-rich fennel seeds in India control the amount of fluid in the bloodstream. It helps in the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. However, seeds can boost the amount of nitrite in the saliva. Nitrite is a naturally occurring factor that regulates blood pressure.
Reducing Asthma And Other Respiratory Problems
Fennel seeds contain a high amount of phytonutrients, which help to clear sinuses. However, these tiny seeds include bronchial stimulation, which aids in the relief of asthma, bronchitis, and congestion symptoms.
Encourages Lactation
Fennel seeds contain anethole, which stimulates milk production by galactagogues (substances that facilitate lactation). Therefore, many studies indicate that anethole facilitates lactation by mimicking the estrogen hormone’s action.
Fennel Seeds Enhances Appearance Of The Skin
Fennel extract benefits the skin by protecting it from free radical damage and extending the life of skin cells. Minerals, including potassium, selenium, and zinc, are abundant in the fennel seeds in India. These minerals are essential for hormone regulation as well as maintaining blood oxygen levels. They are often use to treat various skin conditions such as acne, rashes, and dryness.
Defends Against Cancer
seeds also have anti-cancer properties in several studies. They have potent antioxidant properties that combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. It may be the reason why cancer does not spread so quickly.
Helps You Lose Weight
Seeds are high in fibre and can help with weight loss and hunger control. They function as diuretics and help the body’s metabolism. Therefore, seeds combine with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, will help you lose weight quickly. To improve results, consume roasted seed powder with warm water on an empty stomach.
Vitamin C, Vitamin A, minerals, and fibres are all present in the tiny and aromatic seeds. A tablespoon of seeds per day can help with a variety of issues. We can find fennel seeds in India in any department store. Regular consumption of these seeds can be very beneficial to your health.