Source of iron and potassium, fennel is a “super vegetable”. With its pleasant aniseed scent, it has so many health benefits that we have the right to abuse it. The benefits of fennel are particularly appreciated by women because it balances their hormonal levels and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
Even if it does not really enjoy unfailing popularity (it is not very present on our plates) fennel is a super vegetablee. Mainly produced in the PACA region, it is low in calories and rich in water.
Although its shape might suggest, it is not a bulb vegetable (an underground organ). It is the swollen and fleshy base of the leaves of the plant that is eaten as a vegetable. Fennel seeds, on the other hand, are used more as aromatics in cooking.
The benefits of fennel for digestion
Fennel is recognized for its digestive, diuretic and draining properties. It is therefore the ideal food to take care of your figure!
The benefits of fennel on digestion are enormous. It is indeed an excellent digestive stimulant which demonstrate qualities recognized against aerophagia and to expel intestinal gas. This Mediterranean plant acts by stimulating the secretion of the glands of the digestive tract, while fighting against flatulence.
Fennel seeds have an antispasmodic action, which relieves colic and intestinal cramps. Fennel is also a diuretic, which allows the body to fight against water retention whatever its origin and location; stomach, feet, calves or legs.
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Combined with other plants in the form of a food supplement, fennel can also turn into a powerful slimming ally. Thanks to its diuretic and draining power, it promotes the elimination of unwanted fats and unsightly aqueous cellulite.
Fennel seeds in herbal tea
Consumed as an infusion, fennel seeds act by stimulating the secretion of the glands of the digestive tract, while fighting against flatulence.
A cup of fennel infusion combats digestive disorders and bloating. The properties of fennel also have an effect on the female hormonal balance, especially during breastfeeding.
To prepare a fennel seed tea, 3 g of coarsely ground dried seeds are immersed in 150 ml of boiling water, left to infuse for 7 min and drink 2 or 3 cups a day between meals.
Identity record
Name: Fennel
Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare
Botanical family: Apiaceae
Parts used: seeds
Indications: digestive disorders, flatulence, menstrual pain
Preparation: infusion
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What is found in fennel?
In terms of micronutrients, fennel is a excellent source of potassium (20% of daily intake) and is one of the vegetables richest in iron.
It also contains interesting sources of provitamin A and vitamin E, antioxidant properties, and especially the vitamin B9. Fennel also contains iron and vitamin C which potentiates its absorption.
On the other hand, it is rich in sodium so you should limit your consumption of fennel in case of low sodium diet.
All the benefits of fennel
The benefits of fennel are legion, we have noted its most notable virtues:
- Fennel is ideal for the line : it is very low in calories and provides a satiety effect thanks to its high fiber content. In addition, it is recognized for its digestive, draining and diuretic properties.
- Rich in flavonoids and phytoestrogens, it balances the levels of female hormones and participates in the regularization of the menstrual cycle. It also provides a soothing effect on the pain associated with menstruation.
- Rich in iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K, fennel effectively protects bones and helps fight osteoporosis.
- It helps in the treatment of digestive disorders by fighting against flatulence, aerophagia or lack of appetite. Fennel seeds are even effective against infantile colic.
- A natural source of potassium, fennel acts as a vasodilator and reduce blood pressure. The various studies in progress, however, need to be confirmed.
To take advantage of the advantages of fennel …
All parts of fennel (roots, leaves and seeds) are edible. Its taste is similar to that of anise and, in cooking, it is often associated with fish. It is also used in the manufacture of certain liqueurs, preservatives or herbs for domestic use.
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Fennel will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. But beware, it tends to become stringy with age and its flavor becomes more bland.
Lemon roasted fennel recipe
- Preheat your oven to 180 ° C (th. 6).
- Wash 4 pretty fennel bulbs, removing the plumes.
- Cut the bulbs into 5 mm slices then disperse them in a large dish.
- Squeeze 1 lemon and 2 limes.
- Pour the juice obtained over the fennels.
- Sprinkle with 2 tbsp. to s. olive oil.
- Cut a lemon into quarters and arrange them in the dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives after cooking.
- Consume very hot.
Then, have you been convinced to test the benefits of fennel?
