Fennel, the botanical name of which is Foeniculum vulgare, is a plant native to the Mediterranean that’s popular both as a vegetable and for its seeds. Fennel is a pale bulbous vegetable with green stalks and light green feathery leaves. People have long favored fennel for its fresh and appealing licorice taste and its potent medicinal properties. The bulb, leaves, stalk, and seeds are all edible.
Let’s look at some of the health benefits of this popular plant.
Helps With Digestion
Perhaps one of the most well-known and popular uses of fennel is its ability to help with digestion. Fennel helps to prevent constipation and increase regular bowel movement for a well-functioning digestive tract. This is vital for keeping you feeling energized. Visit Energetic Lifestyle for more tips on a healthy lifestyle.
Contains Powerful Plant Compounds
Fennel’s impressive medicinal arsenal comes primarily from its antioxidants and vast array of plant compounds. Fennel essential oil has been shown to contain 87 volatile compounds, including the polyphenol antioxidants rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and apigenin.
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can greatly benefit your health. Studies on people with diets high in these have been shown to have a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and neurological disorders.
Supports Heart Health
Fennel contains high amounts of fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin B6. The phytonutrient content of fennel combined with its lack of cholesterol both contribute to the overall function of the heart in those who consume it.
Vitamin B6 and folate also help prevent the buildup of homocysteine and convert it to methionine. Excess of homocysteine can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems.
Helps Prevent Anemia
The amino acid iron and histidine are both helpful in the treatment of anemia. Iron is the chief constituent of hemoglobin, whereas histidine stimulates the production of hemoglobin and helps in the formation of other compounds in the blood.
Helps With Bone Health
The vitamin and mineral content of fennel help with building and maintaining bone structure. Phosphate and calcium are important in healthy bone structure, while iron and zinc help in the production and maturation of collagen. Fennel also contains good amounts of vitamin K, which helps modify bone matrix proteins, improve calcium absorption, and may even help reduce calcium excretion in the urine.
Boosts Immunity
The vitamin C content of fennel may help the body boost the immune system and protect the body from infections and damage by free radicals.
To Sum Up
Fennel is a medicinal and culinary plant native to the Mediterranean that has long been favored both for its delicious flavor profile as well as its impressive medicinal capabilities. The powerful plant compounds called polyphenols can greatly improve your health and prevent many chronic ailments.
Fennel is best known for its digestive health support including its ability to reduce flatulence. Other benefits are due to the prevalence of many heart-friendly compounds that can help reduce the risk of heart problems through regular consumption. Fennel is also known to help boost immunity and keep your bones strong and healthy.
