Aside from its many culinary uses, fennel and its seeds offer a wide array of health benefits and may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. These include:
1. Fennel seeds are highly nutritious
Fennel and fennel seeds provide important nutrients, such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. It helps in immune health, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis. It also boosts enzyme activation, metabolism, cellular protection, bone development, blood sugar regulation, and wound healing.
2. Fennel seeds suppress appetites
Fennel seeds may not only add depth and flavour to your recipes but also help curb appetite. Anethole, a major component of fennel essential oil, maybe behind the appetite-suppressing qualities of the plant.
3. Fennel seeds are good for the heart
Fennel and its seeds contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — all of which are essential for good heart health.
4. Fennel seeds may have cancer fighting properties
The wide array of powerful plant compounds in fennel may help protect against chronic diseases, including certain cancers. For example, anethole — one of the main active compounds in fennel seeds — has been found to exhibit cancer-fighting properties.