Fennel Seeds and their Uses, Benefits And Risks
                     
Fennel Seeds and their Uses, Benefits And Risks
Aren't fennel seeds the best refreshment for us Indians? 
For us, fennel seeds are the same as mouth fresheners 
that we consume after our meals. But, there is a lot more 
to these rice-like shaped fennel seeds than just being a 
mouth freshener. 
Let us explore all about fennel seeds in detail now. 
What are fennel seeds? 
 Fennel is a culinary herb as well as a medicinal plant, which belongs to Foeniculum 
Vulgare family, the same species of carrot, caraway and parsley family. 
 This aromatic herb is the dried seeds of the fennel plant, is white and pale greenish in 
colour with feathery leaves having yellow flowers on it.
  Fennel plants are believed to be natives of Mediterranean regions, but they are now 
found, all over the world. And, India is known to be the largest exporter of fennel seeds 
globally. 
 Fennel seeds are most popularly known as saunf in India, and they are used as a spice 
and possess sweet taste with a licorice-like flavour. It possesses a distinctive flavour 
and aroma because of the strong essential oils. Along with its culinary uses, fennel 
seeds are packed with a wide array of health benefits. 
Nutrition Value of Fennel Seeds:
1 tbsp. of fennel seeds contains: 
Calcium: 69.37 mg Riboflavin: 0.02mg
Calories: 31 Sodium: 5.1mg
Carbohydrates: 3.03g Thiamin: 0.02mg
Iron: 1.08mg
Total dietary fiber: 2.3g  
Magnesium: 22.33mg

Niacin: 0.35mg Total fat: 0.86g
Phosphorus: 28.25mg Vitamin A: 7.83 
Potassium: 98.25mg international units (IU) 
Protein: 0.92g Vitamin B-6: 0.03mg
Zinc: 0.21mg Vitamin C: 1.22mg
Fennel Seeds Uses:
Fennel seeds are most probably in seed form, but many times are 
grounded to become a powder and are used in spice mixes. 
Fennel seeds are used widely as a mouth freshener in India after 
consumption of the meal. 
Fennel seeds are useful for tadka or tempering in pickles, chutneys 
and dishes. 
Fennel seeds are also boiled and steeped in water and given to 
children as colic-reliever.
Fennel seeds are added to bread, soups, curries, desserts and 
salads to enhance their flavour
Fennel Seeds Health Benefits: 
This sweet and pleasant scented herb has a lot of health benefits, have a 
look at some of those: 
 Antioxidant: Antioxidants in fennel seeds prevent ageing and holds down the 
redundant radicals from the body. And also prevent diseases that get critical on later 
stages. 
 Blood Pressure:  A study found that chewing fennel seeds helps keep blood 
pressure in check. The seeds are a rich source of potassium, which helps control 
blood pressure and heart rate. 
 Weight Loss: Fennel seeds if consumed regularly aides’ weight loss by improving 
metabolism. Adding fennel seeds as a part of your daily diet will work wonders in 
losing weight. 
 Digestive Health: The essential oils in seeds secrete digestive juices and enzymes 
that ease and improve the digestive process. It helps reduce bloating, heartburn, 
IBS, GERD etc. 
Fennel Seeds Health Benefits: 
Breastfeeding: Fennel seeds are known to have galactogenic 
properties that help increase breast milk production and promote 
lactation. 
Cholesterol:  The presence of fibres in fennel seeds decrease 
cholesterol re-absorption and prevent heart diseases. 
Good Skin: Fennel seeds possess vitamins that help skin glow more 
and make you look younger. Fennel tea is best for treating acne and 
providing with smoother skin. 
Possible Side Effects of Fennel Seeds:
Fennel seeds act like estrogen, so do not use fennel 
seeds for conditions like breast cancer, endometriosis, 
ovarian cancer etc., which may get worsened because of 
estrogen. 
Fennel seeds are harmful when someone is allergic to 
plants like carrot, celery or mugwort. 
Make sure to add this incredible herb in your everyday meals. You can use 
fennel seeds and lakhnavi fennel seeds in your daily in or after meals consumption.
 You can buy both from Vasant Masala Online Store. Vasant Masala is a leading 
spice manufacturer that provides 100% pure and authentic spices online and in 
stores. 
 
 
 
To know more, visit:  Fennel Seeds- Uses, Benefits and Risks