Did you know that fennel has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine because of its impressive nutritive profile? In the ancient world, the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used it during their ceremonies as a symbol of pleasure and wellness.
Many also report it being highly beneficial for indigestion and gassiness.
Nowadays, fennel has remained a popular veggie and a frequently used natural cure. Both fennel essential oil and all of its parts are used in baking, cooking, and alternative medicine.
What Is Fennel?
This celery-like winter veggie offers a quirky licorice-like flavor and even though it needs getting used to it at first, it does provide a lot of nutritional goods for your health. This perennial herb comes with yellow flowers and feathery leaves and possesses strong aromatic characteristics.
It smells similarly to anise, but warmer and woodier. Its peak season is autumn and winter. You will recognize it in the vegetable aisle by its white bulb and long green stalks. You can eat the whole plant, including the seeds, stalk, leaves, and bulb.
Fennel is commonly combined in pasta, salads, etc.
If you still have doubts about adding it to your diet, continue reading our article. We will present the 5 best health benefits it has to offer!
The 5 Best Health Advantages of Fennel
- Helps prevent cancer
Fennel possesses an oil known as anethole which was found to be effective in the fight against cancer as it helped lower the growth of breast cancer cells. This oil may therefore help lower inflammation which is linked with cancer. The selenium present in this amazing veggie was also found to lower mortality and the risk of cancer.
- Decreases the chance for heart illness
Foods rich in fiber like the soluble one present in fennel can lower the cholesterol in the blood and thus, minimize the chance for heart attacks. Fennel will also supply you with other cardio protective vitamins like vitamin C and folate. It is also rich in potassium that is known to contribute to a balanced blood pressure.
- Boosts the eye health
It is considered that the antioxidants in fennel like zinc and vitamin C can lower inflammation that may be beneficial in bettering the vision and preventing the progression of macular degeneration.
- Improves the digestion
As it contains fiber, fennel will boost your digestive health because the muscles there need it to provide bulk for the muscles to push against and boost the movement. Fennel is therefore a beneficial addition to everyone’s diet, especially in adults struggling with IBS and constipation, as well as for those with acid reflux because it can balance the pH in the body. Fiber will also help clean the colon from toxins that may increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Elevates the satiety
Fiber is free of calories, yet it will provide bulk and increase your fullness. We do not have the needed enzymes to dissolve fiber; so, it cannot be absorbed as calories. When you consume fennel, you get 7 grams of calorie-free fiber. According to studies, a diet abundant in fiber can help with weight loss while keeping you sated.
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