By Chisom Ibemere
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare is a flowering plant species which belongs to the carrot family. It’s native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses.
It has an aromatic smell and licorice-like flavor. The entire plant – bulb, stalk, leaves, and seeds – is edible and used in various culinary dishes and herbal purposes.
Fennel is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, folate, and fiber. It is composed of antioxidants including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Fennel improves the digestive health due to its carminative properties. It can help relieve bloating, gas, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal discomforts by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
The phytonutrients in fennel, including anethole, help reduce inflammation in the body, which may benefit conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
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It contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The fiber in fennel also helps lower cholesterol levels, further promoting heart health.
Fennel is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus which help to support bone health and prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures, especially in postmenopausal women.
It is a source of Vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and enhancing the body’s defense against infections and diseases.
Fennel is believed to work as an expectorant helping to loosen mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel during coughs and colds.
It can provide relief from respiratory congestion and irritation by consuming the tea or inhaling the vapor.
Fennel when incorporated into the diet, in its raw, cooked, or as a tea, can provide a range of nutritional and health benefits.
