What are the Benefits and Harms of Star Anise?

Star anise"which is an evergreen tree"Illicium verum " It is made from fruit. Star-shaped spice with a flavor reminiscent of licorice.

Because of the similarities in taste and name, anise mixed with. But the two spices have nothing to do with each other. 

Star aniseIn addition to being used as a culinary spice, it is also used for its medicinal benefits.

What is star anise?

Star anise ( Illicium verum ) is a small tree native to China and Vietnam. This tree is grown in Laos, Cambodia, India, the Philippines and Jamaica.

Due to its low toxicity, the Chinese star aniseThey adopted it as a medicinal plant. 

What is the nutritional value of star anise?

One (0,2 g) nutritional content of star anise is as follows;

• Calorie:  0.7
• Oil:  0g
• Sodium:  0mg
• Carbohydrate: 0g
• Lif:  0g
• Sugar:  0g
• Protein:  0g

calories in star anise although very low glycemic index is also zero. 

Star anise It does not provide any vitamins or minerals as it is used in very small amounts.

In addition to its strong aroma, star anisecontains beneficial compounds that can have a powerful effect on health. The compounds found in this spice are:

• Linalool
• C vitamin
• shikimic acid
• anethole

What Are the Benefits of Star Anise?

Bioactive compounds 

• Star aniseis a source of many powerful bioactive compounds, each of which contributes significantly to health.
• Most importantly, it is an intense source of flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds are responsible for the spice's medicinal benefits.
• The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the compounds also provide many benefits.

Antiviral feature

• Star anise One of its most popular pharmacological properties is the shikimic acid content.
• Shikimic acid is a compound with strong antiviral properties. It is one of the main active ingredients of a drug used for the treatment of influenza.
• Some test tube research, star anise oilhas shown that it can treat other types of viral infections, such as herpes simplex type 1.

Antifungal property

• Star anise It is rich in anethole flavonoids. 
• This compound is responsible for the spice's distinctive flavor and provides powerful antifungal benefits.

Antibacterial property

• Star aniseOne of the most important medicinal benefits is its ability to inhibit bacterial growth seen in a variety of common diseases.
• Some studies have revealed that its extract is as effective as antibiotics against multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. 
• Test tube studies, star anisebioactive compounds in urinary tract infectionshas shown to be effective in the treatment of

Benefit for heart health

• full of powerful antioxidants star aniseIt reduces oxidative stress and prevents the formation of harmful free radicals.
• With this feature, it improves heart health.

Good for flu

• One cup star anise tea Drinking increases the power to fight the flu.
• Star anisecontains shikimic acid, a compound commonly found in medications used to treat flu.
• A test-tube study found that shikimic acid, a type of natural plant pigment, quercetin found that when combined with 

Balances blood sugar

• High blood sugar causes many symptoms, from increased thirst to difficulty concentrating, fatigue and even involuntary weight gain.
• If left untreated, it can cause more serious long-term problems such as high blood sugar, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
• Star aniseThanks to its anethole content, it keeps blood sugar under control. 
• Some studies have found that this powerful compound may be beneficial in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

In which dishes is star anise used?

• Star anise, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom ve clove matches well with.
• It is used in meals as a whole or as a powder.
• It is used as a flavor enhancer in classical Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, especially in soups.
• In Chinese alternative medicine, for the treatment of respiratory infections, nausea, constipation, and other digestive problems. star anise tea is drunk.
• Star anise It is also added to sweet foods such as baked fruit, pies, and cakes.
• If you haven't tried this spice before, don't use too much at once. Start with small amount.

What are the side effects of star anise?

• Saf Chinese star anise It is considered safe for most people. However, few allergic reactions have been reported.
• These allergic reactions are a highly toxic close relative of the Chinese spice. Japanese star aniseIt originates from.
• Japanese anisecontains potent neurotoxins that cause serious physical symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, and nausea.
• Japanese star aniseIt looks almost the same as its Chinese counterparts and is confused with each other.
• In addition, cases of severe, potentially fatal reactions in infants have also been reported.
• These cases are thought to be due to an unknown contamination with the Japanese spice. Therefore, star aniseIt is recommended that the flour is not given to babies and children.

Are star anise and anise the same?

'Star anise' and 'anise' The terms are often used interchangeably. Actually, they are two different contents.

Star anise (Illicium verum)It is an octagonal, flower-shaped, dry spice used in cooking for its sweet pungent taste. Anise is seeds of anise.

Anise seeds belong to an entirely different botanical family. Dill, fennel, and the seeds of the plant Pimpinella anisum, which is related to caraway seeds.

anise seed, star anise It has a similar licorice flavor to but stronger.