Surprising health benefits of wild fennel
What's the story
From being used in traditional medicine for centuries, wild fennel is now being hailed as a superfood. The fragrant seeds and feathery leaves of wild fennel have an abundance of health benefits to offer. Loaded with essential nutrients and compounds, it can contribute toward your overall well-being. Here are the different ways you can add wild fennel to your diet to reap its health-boosting benefits.
Nutrients
Nutrient-rich profile
Wild fennel is a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, boosting immunity, supporting bone health, and regulating blood pressure. The dietary fiber in it helps in digestion and promotes gut health. Adding wild fennel to your meals can give you these essential nutrients without adding excessive calories.
Antioxidants
Antioxidant properties
Wild fennel's antioxidants also work wonders against oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. This important action drastically reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, and even cancer. Further, the high antioxidant content in wild fennel also promotes healthy aging by protecting the cells from damage over time, contributing to longevity and well-being.
Digestion
Digestive aid
Wild fennel has been used traditionally to aid digestion, thanks to its carminative properties that help reduce bloating and gas. Eating it post-meals can promote smoother digestion by relaxing the gastrointestinal tract muscles. Its natural compounds also stimulate bile production, which helps in breaking down fats more efficiently.
Inflammation relief
Anti-inflammatory effects
Wild fennel is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural cure for arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), etc. Its daily consumption could be key to minimizing discomfort by inhibiting the pathways responsible for inflammation. This not only aids in controlling symptoms resulting from these problems but also contributes toward overall health by preventing the worsening of inflammation-related issues.
Cooking tips
Culinary uses
Incorporating wild fennel into your diet is pretty simple considering its versatility in cooking applications from salads to soups or teas made from seeds or leaves alike. Its unique flavor enhances dishes while providing nutritional benefits at the same time. Try adding fresh leaves as garnish on salads or using seeds while roasting vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.