To treat health problems, a good alternative to conventional drugs is the use of certain plants, seeds and teas which can be effective, as long as we apply them in cases where they are really indicated to take advantage of their properties. While it is true that plants and other natural elements have fewer adverse reactions than their chemical counterparts, that does not make them exempt from them, and if the side effects of certain plants are unknown, the consequences can be quite significant. Therefore, in this FastlyHealarticle we will explain everything about fennel seeds: properties and contraindications so that you are clear in which cases you can use this valuable element of natural medicine and when it is preferable to avoid it.
Table of Contents
Rich in vitamins and nutrients
Vitamins are very important compounds for our body to carry out many metabolic processes properly, and they are mostly found in food or food supplements. Fennel seeds have in their composition vitamins A, C, E and several of the vitamin B complex , for which they contribute to the development of processes such as the absorption of food, correct nervous function, detoxification of the organism, multiplication of cells, formation of hemoglobin, adequate nervous response, safeguarding the health of the skin and eyes.
In addition to vitamins, the body also needs certain minerals that help maintain healthy systems and cell function, some of which are necessary even in small amounts. These minerals, called bioelements, include calcium, zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese and selenium , which can be found in fennel seeds and are necessary, for example, for nerve transmission, the preservation of bone health, the transmission of nerve impulses and many other cellular functions.
Good source of flavonoids
One of the most outstanding properties of fennel seeds is the antioxidant, which they achieve thanks to their flavonoid content. Flavonoids are pigments commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and tea. They are beneficial for the body as they have a fairly important antioxidant action, which is responsible for eliminating free radicals , which are responsible for the deterioration of tissues and, therefore, aging.
They also help fight high cholesterol levels , promoting a healthier cardiovascular system and protect the digestive system from ulcers and the liver from stone formation.
They promote the health of the digestive system
Its content in essential oils such as anethole, limonene and pinene can facilitate the absorption of nutrients in the stomach and intestine, particularly fats. In addition to this, it is well known that chewing fennel seeds can help improve the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion and reduce flatulence , and as an additional help to eliminate halitosis caused by certain foods. Fennel seeds can even relieve colic in a baby.
Fennel benefits for women: hormonal regulation
Fennel also has benefits for women, as its seeds have a certain effect on the secretion of estrogens, the female hormone, which can combat discomfort caused by hormonal changes in women, as in the case of premenstrual syndrome or menstruation painful
It can also improve some climacteric symptoms and in nursing mothers it can stimulate the production of breast milk.
Other properties of fennel seeds
- It can contribute to weight loss. In the following article you can discover many more details about the benefits of fennel for weight loss .
- It helps to sleep.
- Fennel tea is quite an effective expectorant.
- Fennel infusion helps relieve eye irritation.
- It can help control fever.
Fennel side effects
Despite its advantages, fennel seeds also have certain side effects that can be quite significant. Perhaps the most frequent is the interaction with certain medications , such as ciprofloxacin, with which the risk of treatment failure for those who fight an infection with this antibiotic is greater if they consume fennel seeds during treatment. Another example is those who take medication to control seizures , since fennel has a certain neurotoxic effect that can precipitate the onset of seizures in sensitive people.
Due to its effect on the production of estrogen, consuming fennel seeds for people who are under some hormonal treatment can be counterproductive, as well as those who are on contraceptives, which can even lose their effect.
Pregnant women are at risk of inducing an abortion if they consume large amounts of fennel seeds in a short period of time.
For women whose ancestry has suffered from breast cancer, whose occurrence depends in part on estrogen levels, the consumption of fennel seeds must be closely controlled as it increases the risk of cancer.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.