Introduction
Saunf is very popular among our household in almost every region of the world. As in India also, saunf has been popular for centuries, as people love to eat it after a meal. There are various saunf benefits out there and we will talk about it today.
There must be a question that arises in your mind is:- why saunf is so preferable among people even in ancient times?
According to Ayurveda, Saunf seeds benefits as it is a mouth freshener and benefits our stomach as well. It is written in Ayurvedas that several health issues will get solved once you start eating it after your meal. So we will talk about fennel seeds benefits and side effects in this article later.
What is Saunf?
Saunf is a flowering plant or a fragrant herb in a Parsley family. It was first found in Mediterranean land but now it is all over the world. Saunf in English is also known as fennel seeds. There are several uses of saunf as its oil and seeds can be used in dishes for fragrance and flavor.
Fennel seed oil can also be used in soaps and the cosmetic industry. There are many names of saunf popular in the world, some people also spell it as Somph seeds. Another popular benefit of saunf is to use saunf water. It is also an amazing source of micro-nutrients. Fennel seeds are a good source of Vitamin C, manganese. It also contains other vital minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium. We will discuss it later but first, we take a look at the nutritional facts of saunf.
Benefits of Saunf
Aside many fennel seeds benefits and uses, it also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxident properties. So these are the health benefits of fennel seeds:
1. Saunf Benefits in Digestion
Why eating Fennel seeds after food? So here is the answer to it, as it has a lot of fiber quantity in it which makes it an amazing digestive aid. Thus helps body to digest food properly and helps our body to absorbs proper nutrition. The essential oils present in it relaxes abdominal area and helps to reduce gas and bloating problem. It also helps to remove toxins from our body.
2. Fennel Seeds for Weight Loss
The water of Fennel seeds in Hindi known as Saunf water is extremely helpful in weight loss. It is made by soaking 1 spoon of fennel seeds into a glass of water and leave it overnight. For better results, consume 3 times a day for 15 days to notice significant changes. Due to its high metabolic rate, it results in weight loss. Fennel tea benefits appetite control, just 2gm of it really benefits the process. Consume it 30 minutes before lunch or dinner and it will help you to eat sensibly.
3. Fights Bad Breath
Fennel seed has a very tart taste which stops bad breath instantaneously and increases saliva production which neutralizes the bad breath causing agents in the mouth. For better results consume saunf water or tea with half lemon juice in it will help you greatly. Use fennel seeds for acidity in the form of saunf water as it contains essential oils which relieve the stomach lining and aids the digestive system.
4. Fennel Seeds Benefits For Skin
As we know it contains a high amount of Vitamin C, hence works as an anti-inflammatory. As a result, skin pores will open up and give you better skin quality. It also helps in reducing inflammation in various body parts also. Also applying saunf powder directly over the affected skin area will give you relief in almost no time.
5. Fennel seeds Benefits Heart
Fennel water benefits the heart. It contains soluble fiber which helps in unblocking arteries. It increases the metabolic rate of the body and helps in reducing fat storage. As result, it helps in reducing bad cholesterol in the body. It also contains Potassium which lowers your hypertension or high blood pressure and keeps the heart-healthy.
6. Saunf as Anti Cancer Agent
A large part of Saunf plant compounds may help in chronic diseases like cancer. As it is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. Some studies have shown that it stops the uncontrollable growth of the body cells. So it might be the reason for its anti-cancerous property.
Fennel Seeds Side Effects
As we have discussed about the benefits, there are also some side effects of saunf. Everything should be eaten in moderation when it comes to food. So if you eat fennel seeds in excess in will do adverse effects on the body.
When consumed in excess it may effect the hormonal levels of the body. Although eating seeds are fine for pregnant women but should avoid taking oil supplementation directly as it may cause some negative effects. Also someone with skin allergies, should not apply saunf powder directly. Plus if you are on serious medication, you should avoid consuming it as some compounds present in it may not be suitable with medication.
At the end we would suggest that you should eat it in limit so you can get all the benefits we have listed above.
Interesting Facts About Saunf
As Saunf is very famous though out the world but here some facts
- India is Number one producer and consumer of Fennel seeds
- Keeps insects and flies away when its powder sprinkled in particular area.
- Its seeds and oil is used in various dishes and desserts.
- Funnel seeds are believed to be sacred in some places and call it a “magic herb”.