What Is Fennel, What Is It Good For? Benefits and Harm

Fennel "foeniculum vulgare "is a delicious medicinal herb known as. Fennel plant, It is green and white in color, has hairy leaves and yellow flowers. It has a mild and licorice-like flavor. Fennel seedthe taste of It is more effective due to its powerful essential oils.

Besides its culinary use, it offers a wide variety of health benefits and provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. In the article "What is fennel", "benefits of fennel", "what is fennel good for" ve "The harms of fennel" You will find information about.

What is fennel, what is it for?

Fennel plantIt is a fragrant plant that can be consumed dry and fresh, its seeds can be eaten and tea is made. Therefore, it adds a different flavor to fish dishes and salads.

Fennel seedsIt is thought to be very useful for relieving a variety of ailments, from obstruction and flatulence to asthma and diabetes. Contains seeds, powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants. The strongest of these is anethole, which makes them extremely nutritious and powerful.

Nutritional Value of Fennel

Both the plant and its seeds provide high levels of vitamins and minerals. Here is 1 cup (87 grams) raw fennel and 1 tablespoon (6 grams) dry fennel Nutritional content of seed:

Fennel calories It is low in calories and provides many important nutrients. Fresh fennelContains vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin critical for immune health, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body and protects against cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Both fresh and dried provide manganese mineral which is important for enzyme activation, metabolism, cellular protection, bone development, blood sugar regulation and wound healing.

Apart from manganese, herbs and seeds contain other minerals vital for bone health such as potassium, magnesium and calcium.

What Are the Benefits of Fennel?

Contains powerful plant compounds

Fennel and its benefits Among the most impressive are the antioxidants and powerful plant compounds it contains. Fennel essential oil polyphenol antioxidants; rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and more than 87 volatile compounds, including apigenin.

Polyphenol antioxidants are anti-inflammatory agents that have powerful health effects. Studies show that people who consume high levels of these antioxidants; It shows a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, cancer, neurological diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Does Fennel Weaken?

Fennel seed Provides a decrease in appetite. In a study of 9 healthy women, 2 grams before lunch fennel seed It has been shown that those who drink tea (250 ml) made with tea are less hungry at lunch and consume fewer calories during meals.

Fennel essential oilAnethole, an important component of the herb, is the compound behind the herb's appetite suppressing properties. In another study with 47 women, 12 mg per day for 300 weeks fennel extract It was found that those who were supplemented with the supplement gained less weight compared to the placebo group.

Good for heart health

Eating fennelis beneficial for heart health in many ways; It contains fiber, which is known to reduce some heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol.

Consuming high amounts of fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and calcium that support heart health. These foods are effective in lowering high blood pressure.

Has cancer fighting properties

A wide variety of powerful plant compounds help protect against chronic diseases, including some cancers. For example, your fennel seedAnethole, one of the main active compounds in, has cancer-fighting properties.

It is beneficial for women who are breastfeeding

Benefits of fennel Among them are galactogenic properties, that is, it helps to increase milk secretion. Studies show that special substances found in anethole, such as dianethole and photoanethole, are responsible for the plant's galactogenic effects.

In one study, women who breastfed took 7.5 grams, three times a day for four weeks fennel seed containing tea or drank black tea only. After four weeks, it was determined that mothers who drank fennel tea had a greater increase in the frequency of feeding their babies.

Other studies have shown that this herb can increase milk secretion and serum prolactin concentrations. Prolactin is a hormone that signals the body to produce breast milk.

It has antibacterial properties

Studies show that the extract of the plant effectively inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria such as "Escherichia coli", "Staphylococcus aureus" and "Candida albicans".

It can reduce inflammation

Powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and quercetin in it can help reduce inflammation and levels of inflammatory markers.

Good for memory

Animal studies, fennel extract It found that it can reduce memory deficits associated with aging.

May ease menopausal symptoms

A review of 10 studies shows that this herb has hot flashes in menopausal women, vaginal itching, stated that it can alleviate dryness, pain during sex, sexual function, sexual satisfaction and sleep disturbance.

Improves digestive health

Fennel seedis used to treat a number of digestive ailments in babies, such as heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, and even colic. Seeds have antispasmodic and carminative effects. The essence of the seeds, irritable bowel syndrome It can help treat other serious digestive ailments such as

Some sources suggest that fennel seed may help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea, constipation, and ulcerative colitis.

It is beneficial for asthma and other respiratory diseases

Fennel seedThe herbal nutrients in it help to clean the sinuses. This alleviates asthma symptoms. The expectorant properties of seeds bronchitiscures other respiratory ailments such as cough and congestion.

Fennel seed it can cause asthma symptoms in some people. Therefore, if you are prone to asthma, consult a doctor about it.

Refreshes the breath

Anecdotal evidence, chewing fennel seedssuggests that it can freshen the breath. The seeds anise (or licorice) flavor. Seeds are believed to increase saliva production and OdorIt cleans the bacteria that cause 

Fennel essential oilIt has antibacterial properties that help fight germs that cause bad breath. The longer you chew the seeds, the more refreshing you will feel.

Helps fight diabetes

A study conducted in 2008, fennel essential oilfound that it can lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. Fennel seed It is a good source of vitamin C. 

Fennel seednext beta caroteneIt can lower cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. also fennel seedIts glycemic index is low. Therefore, it does not cause spikes or drops in blood sugar in diabetics.

Helps treat edema

Edemais the swelling of tissues in the body due to excess fluid. Anecdotal evidence fennel seedsupports the effectiveness of the edema treatment.

Increases fertility

Fennel It has estrogenic properties. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these traits can improve fertility. 

Beneficial to the liver

In a study conducted in 2011, fennel seed suppressed liver cancer cells and increased the activity of some antioxidant cells in the liver. Fennel seednext selenium It also improves the function of liver enzymes. 

Some sources, fennel seednun urinary tract infectionsIt suggests that it can help alleviate the problem.

It reduces morning sickness

Fennel seedCan be used to calm the stomach and get rid of morning sickness quickly. Chewing fennel seeds or a drinking fennel tea might help. Fennel seed It also prevents gastric gas and promotes gas expulsion. It can also help treat nausea.

Improves menstrual symptoms

Fennel seedIts phytoestrogenic properties can help treat menstrual symptoms such as cramps and hot flashes.

Improves sleep quality

Fennel seed Contains magnesium. Some sources suggest that magnesium may improve sleep quality and duration, especially in the elderly. Mineral also insomnia It can help treat sleep disorders such as.

Can cure candidiasis

Fennel seedThe antioxidants in it may help treat candida. The seeds have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Candida albicans They can be effective against. 

A tablespoon with breakfast fennel seed taking it can help relieve symptoms. You can crush them and add them to your breakfast. You can also soak the seeds in hot water and drink them as tea in the morning.

Improves skin appearance

Fennel Concise anti-aging dermatological skin care creams are formulated to help protect the skin from free radical damage and prolong skin cell life.

Good for hair

Fennel seedThe antioxidants and antimicrobial properties in it can help treat a range of hair conditions. The seeds are effective in treating dandruff, scalp itch, hair breakage and hair loss.

The Harm of Fennel

The plant and its seeds are most likely safe when eaten in moderation, but plant extracts and supplements are more concentrated. use of fennel There are some security concerns as it requires.

For example, this herb has powerful estrogenic properties, meaning it acts similarly to the estrogen hormone. While this can be beneficial for relieving menopausal symptoms, it can be a problem for pregnant women. Due to its estrogen-like activity, it is alarming about its potential to impair fetal growth and development.

Eating fennel and its seeds While most likely safe, pregnant women should avoid taking supplements or consuming the essential oils of this herb.

It can also interact with certain medications, including estrogen pills and certain cancer drugs, so always consult a doctor before taking high doses of supplements, essential oils, or extracts.

As a result;

Fennel The aromatic seeds of the plant are highly nutritious and offer many impressive health benefits. It has effects on improving heart health, reducing inflammation, suppressing appetite and even anticancer.