A source of iron and potassium, fennel is a super vegetable. With its pleasant anise smell, it has so many health benefits that we have the right to overuse it. The benefits of fennel are particularly appreciated by women because it balances their hormonal levels and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
IDENTITY SHEET
Name : Fennel from Florence
Family: Apiaceae
Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare
Food varieties: Selma, Orbite, Astra, Rondo, Victori, Solaris
Caloric value: 32 kcal / 100 g
Peak season: December–April (calendar)
Producers: Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Israel, Türkiye, France
France: Var, Vaucluse, Drôme, Ardèche, Brittany
Storage: 7 days in the refrigerator
Parts used in herbal medicine: seeds
Indications: digestive disorders, flatulence, menstrual pain
Preparation: infusion
Even if it does not really enjoy all-round 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.
The benefits of fennel for digestion
Even if its shape might suggest it, it is not not a bulb vegetable (an underground organ). It is the swollen and fleshy base of the leaves of the plant that we eat as a vegetable. Fennel seeds, on the other hand, are used more as aromatics in cooking.
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 recognized qualities 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.
Read also:
The 10 best seeds for health
Combined with other plants in the form of a food supplement, fennel can also be transformed into a powerful slimming ally. Thanks to its diuretic and draining power, it promotes the elimination of unwanted fat 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 fights digestive disorders and bloating. The properties of fennel also have an effect on female hormonal balance, particularly during breastfeeding.
To prepare a fennel seed herbal tea, immerse 3 g of coarsely ground dried seeds in 150 ml of boiling water, let it infuse for 7 minutes and drink 2 or 3 cups per day between meals.
Find this plant and more than 60 others (also exceptional) in our Herbal medicine guide
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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, with antioxidant propertiesand 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 we must limit our 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 female hormone levels and participates in the regularization of the menstrual cycle. It also provides a soothing effect on pain related to 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 childhood colic.
- A natural source of potassium, fennel acts as a vasodilator and would reduce blood pressure. The various ongoing studies, however, require confirmation.
To benefit from the benefits of fennel…
All parts of fennel (roots, leaves and seeds) are edible. Its taste is close 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 aromatics for domestic use.
Read also:
Celeriac, a vegetable with strong antioxidant power
The benefits of celery on digestion
6 benefits of fennel to rediscover urgently
Eat carrots to digest well
13 essential aromatic herbs in the kitchen
Fennel will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. But be careful, it tends to become stringy as they age and its flavor becomes blander.
Roasted fennel with lemon recipe
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (th. 6).
- Wash 4 pretty fennel bulbs, removing the plumes.
- Cut the bulbs into 5mm slices then scatter 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 place them in the dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives after cooking.
- Consume very hot.
SO, have we convinced you to test the benefits of fennel?
