Spices have been used for centuries as healing remedies for ailments, bad days, and even cuts and scrapes. While modern medicine certainly gets the job done, herbal remedies still have their place in your home. And you don’t need to look further than your medicine cabinet. Fennel is a plant with a lot to give, from its crisp crunchy bulb to the fragrant seeds, and you might be surprised to learn that those seeds can help keep your health in tip top shape. A flavorful life can also be healthful, which is why we’re rounding up some of the potential benefits of fennel seeds, and a few ways you can incorporate them into your healthy lifestyle routine.
An Antioxidant Boost
You’ve likely heard of the benefits of antioxidant rich foods like blueberries (and if you’re over the age of 21, you may have heard your friends rationalize about the antioxidant properties of red wine!). Studies show that adding antioxidants to your diet may help your body fight free radicals. These are uncharged molecules that can contribute to abnormal chemical reactions and inflammation in your organs, known as oxidative stress. Fennel seeds are rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, limonene, and quercetin to help you fight free radicals and protect your body from those bad reactions.
Rich in Vitamin C
Your parents have told you since you were little: Vitamin C will help you stay healthy. Now as an adult, we take vitamin gummies like they’re candy when flu season rolls around. Vitamin C does amazing things for your body, including healing your skin and even protecting your immune system. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is also considered an antioxidant and helps in the fight against free radicals. Your body can’t produce Vitamin C on its own, which is why it is important to incorporate it into your diet. While it’s easy to grab a glass of orange juice in the morning to get your daily dose, consider adding it to your diet with the addition of spices like fennel to your favorite recipes.
Bacteria, Be Gone!
Fennel seeds also have proven antimicrobial properties, with studies investigating the benefits of introducing fennel to pathogenic bacteria. While this doesn’t necessarily mean dried fennel is your cure-all super seed, it has been proven to inhibit the growth of several harmful kinds of bacteria as well as eradicate existing bad bacteria. Continued research into the antimicrobial benefits could show possibilities for fennel as a more natural alternative to chemical food preservatives.
How can you add dried fennel seeds to your daily wellness routine? We love to incorporate our spices into beverages and teas for an added boost. Check out this easy immunity boost tea recipe, featuring fennel and cumin seeds:
Fennel and Cumin Immunity Tea
1 cup water
½ tsp Fennel Seeds
½ tsp Cumin seeds
½ inch ginger
Honey to taste
Add water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add the fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and ginger. Cover the lid and cook for 8-10 minutes. When your tea is ready, serve with honey to taste. Drink up to twice a day for a spicy, warming beverage or chill and serve over ice for a refreshing twist.