If you’ve never heard of or tried eating fennel, stay put… here are the fennel facts you need to know.
Fennel is a perennial plant belonging to the celery family. Primarily grown in the Mediterranean region, the plant is most commonly known and cultivated for its seeds, anise seeds. These seeds, which are particularly popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking, are incredibly beneficial to your health.
Alongside the seeds, though, the fennel “bulb” is also eaten (raw and cooked) and is packed with nutritional value. Although fennel bulbs are not as popular in supermarkets in the United States, other than Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and grocers of the like, fennel is a grocery item you should definitely consider adding to your list.
Did I mention it tastes like licorice?
Here’s five big benefits of consuming this licorice-tastin’ veggie:
1. It’s detoxifying. Fennel seeds have been long known as one of the most detoxifying herbs, which is why you’ll often see fennel as a key ingredient in detox teas and supplements. This is due to its diuretic properties, which aids the body in releasing waste through urine, as well as eliminate water weight.
2. It’s amazing for your digestion. It’s very common in Italy, especially, to serve finocchio immediately after dinner. Fennel helps the breaking down of other foods, reduces bloating and gas, and cures bad breath. This is why you’ll also see fennel as a common base in natural toothpastes (if you like the taste of licorice, I highly recommend Tom’s Fennel Toothpaste).
3. It’s rich in potassium. Eating fennel = your heart and brain will eternally love you. Fennel’s potassium content helps lower blood pressure as well as improve brain health for optimal functioning.
4. It’s a natural laxative. Fennel not only has diuretic properties thereby eliminating water weight, but is dense in fiber, which stimulates bowel movements. If you gotta go, go with fennel!
5. It does wonders to your immune system: Fennel’s richness in Vitamin C, as well as antibacterial and antiviral properties, make this plant the perfect home remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Want to fall even more in love with fennel? Try it in via this apple-fennel salad recipe here.
And to read even more of fennel’s benefits? Go here.
