Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds
Nature always gifts us things that can have more than one use or benefit. So is the case with fennel seeds- more popularly known as Saunf (in Hindi). Saunf is used as a spice in Indian kitchens. Without fennel seeds or saunf, the food of every kitchen, Dhaba, hotel, and restaurant is incomplete as it enhances the taste of food and also serves as a mouth freshener.  It comes from the Fennel plant that is also a native herb grown in which has light or dark green fragrant seeds. Its scientific name is Foeniculum vulgare. It contains many mineral elements like calcium, sodium, iron and potassium. It originated from Europe and is now mainly cultivated in the south and central Asian regions including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Iran.

Cooking and Use:

One can use fennel seeds in making fennel tea. Even after eating, fennel can be consumed to increase digestive power. Roasted fennel seeds are also eaten with sugar crystals for voice issues. Apart from this, you can get the benefit of fennel by soaking fennel in water overnight and drinking that water in the morning. It is also often used in baking products like cookies and biscuits. Saunf is used in making sweets as well like the production of chocolate or candies. It can be stored for a longer period than other spices in an air-tight container.

Health benefits of fennel seeds:

• Fennel seeds contain vitamin C and vitamin B6   which help in treating mouth ulcers and maintain oral health.
• It is beneficial in providing relief from itchy eye-related issues as taking fennel seed steam on the eyes can reduce the pain and irritation.
• In weight loss, fennel seeds contain magnesium, potassium and dietary fiber which helps in reducing weight if taken daily with warm water.
• Relieves from urinary problems as it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing and reducing urinary infections.
• Consumption of fennel seed on an empty stomach cleanses the blood and makes the skin glow.