Fennel known as Saunf in Hindi is a spice that can be found in any Indian Kitchen. It is quite similar to cumin seeds but totally different in taste, the fennel seeds are bit sweeter than it.

Fennel seeds are used extensively in Indian cuisines, achars, and also used as an after-meal mouth freshener. The fennel seeds having peculiar flavor is due to the presence of essential oils. Due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial nature, fennel seeds also have health benefits apart from culinary uses. Not only seed, but fennel water is also beneficial for health especially in weight loss and reducing bloating.

Fennel seeds are highly nutritious having fiber, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese, and some other nutrients also. Fennel is a powerful antioxidant having plant compounds limonene, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin that help in treating health issues.

Health benefits of fennel seed or fennel water (saunf ka Pani)

1. Fennel is used in digestive purposes

Due to the presence of compounds like limonene, anethole, fenchone in fennel seeds, it is used in curing digestive problems. Fennel is eaten as a mouth freshener after a meal to aid in digestion and fennel water or tea can help in reducing gastric problems.  

2. Fennel seed may help reducing weight

Fennel seeds help in weight loss as they suppress the appetite. Fennel seeds or fennel water both are helpful in weight reduction because Anethole, a major component of fennel essential oil, works behind suppressing the appetite. Less appetite means less eating and less eating ultimately leads to weight loss.

3.  Fennel seeds benefit the heart health

Fennel seeds are rich in fiber content and other minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which play important roles in keeping the heart healthy and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

4. Fennel seed reduce inflammation

In fennel, the powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin C and quercetin are present that help reduces inflammation in the body.

5. Fennel during menstrual cramps

Before the onset of periods, some girls face menstrual cramps, headaches, sore breasts, and bloating in the body. Taking fennel seeds or fennel tea (saunf ka pani) during this time can help them in decreasing the symptoms. Fennel seeds are known to have some estrogen (female hormone-like) compound that helps inducing menstruation. Because of this property of fennel, it is not advisable for a pregnant woman to take fennel seeds in an excess amount. Before taking, she should talk to her doctor.

6. Fennel seeds can fight against cancer

Due to the presence of plant compounds like anethole, it exhibits cancer-fighting properties. Some studies show that anethole suppressed cell growth and induce the death of cancerous cells.

7. Fennel for good eyesight

These small fennel seeds can do wonder for your eyesight. Fennel Seeds contain vitamin A which is important for good eyesight. In ancient times to treat the symptoms of glaucoma, fennel seeds were used. It also helps improving dry eyes and tired, watery eyes.

8. Fennel seeds for teeth

Fennel seeds are used for treating gum diseases caused by oral bacteria. The essential oil present in fennel help reducing the plaque and cavity formation. It acts as an anti-bacterial for oral bacteria. Fennel tea or fennel seeds are also used to treat the bad breath.

How to use fennel seeds

Fennel seeds can be used as in the form of green-brown seeds that are available in the market or fennel water can also be made for more health benefits. Fennel water is easy to prepare. Soak one tbsp of fennel seed in a glass of water over the night. Next morning, strain the liquid and drink empty stomach for a healthy digestive system. 

In Ayurveda, Fennels seeds are in use for providing health and culinary benefits but sometimes they can cause side effects too. So if you face any allergic symptoms after taking fennel seeds, do consult your doctor immediately.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Jugaadin.com does not claim responsibility for this information.