Fennel is a flavorful vegetable, culinary herb and a medicinal plant that has been used by many ancient and modern-day cultures to enhance the flavor of recipes and as a treatment for a variety of health conditions. It is a clean, crunchy bulb that is white in color with green stalks that resemble celery. At the top of the stalks feathery fronds wave gently in the breeze when this plant is growing attracting butterflies, ladybugs and other pollinators.
Both the bulb and the seeds are used in cooking and have a mild, licorice-like flavor. Seeds are used to flavor sweet Italian sausage and both the bulb and the seeds are widely used in Mediterranean cooking. Fennel can be eaten raw and is delicious when shaved or thinly sliced and added to salads. It is also sauteed or roasted, as in this recipe for Roasted Mexican Fennel
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The 6 Benefits of Fennel and Fennel Oil
- Fennels Healing Power
Fennel contains healing nutrients including vitamin C and manganese. Manganese activates enzymes within the body which helps heal wounds, provides cellular protection from toxins and aids in bone development.
- Improves Gut Health
Fennel and essential fennel oil have a relaxing effect on your body and specifically on your gut. It can relieve stomach cramps by reducing spasms and it can relieve gas & constipation. Fennel is calming to the gut and intestines whether eaten raw or cooked and can help to clear the bowels, ridding the body of gas and reducing bloating. A drop or two of fennel oil in a glass of water or a cup of mint or chamomile tea can help settle the stomach and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.
- Boosts Immune System and Protects from Pathogens
Fennel contains vitamin C and quercetin, a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation, lowers inflammatory markers, helps reduce the formation of free radicals that can lead to cancer and helps boost the immune system.
- Protects Against Heart Disease
Magnesium, potassium and calcium are important minerals for heart health. Combined these minerals help reduce heart disease. They can help reduce high blood pressure, prevent muscle cramps and are essential for bone growth and development. Fennel contains all of these minerals that also function as electrolytes helping to keep our bodies properly hydrated.
- May Help Relieve Menopausal Symptoms
Fennel and particularly the oil of the fennel seed contain anethole, an organic compound that may help reduce inflammation and increase estrogen levels. Fennel has been used to help reduce hot flashes, vaginal itching, dryness and pain during sex. Anethole may also reduce night sweats helping some women get a more restful night sleep.
- Yes! It Can Even Help You Lose Weight
Fennel is naturally low in calories and high in fiber which is very beneficial for weight loss. One cup of raw fennel contains just 27 calories and 3 grams of fiber. Nutrients in fennel support blood sugar regulation and as a result slows the release of insulin. Reduced levels of blood sugar and insulin are necessary to increase metabolism and help you lose weight. Fennel promotes blood sugar regulation and supports a healthy robust metabolism. Fennel as a part of your overall health and weight loss plan can be very supportive and help you get RESULTS!
Precautions for using Fennel Oil
Allergies and food sensitivity to fennel, fennel seed and fennel oil are rare, making it safe for most people to use for both culinary and medicinal purposes. However, since fennel oil can affect estrogen levels and may help relieve the symptoms of menopause, it is not recommended for pregnant women, young children, nor women with breast cancer or uterine tumors. If excessive amounts of fennel oil is consumed it could cause nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. It is not recommended for people with epilepsy to use fennel oil, however eating the fennel bulb as part of real food diet is not typically of concern.
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Are you ready to get results? Whether you need help with blood sugar regulation, gut health, auto-immune hormones or weight loss, you are in the right place friend. As a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner I can help you determine exactly what you need to get the health results you are looking for. Schedule a FREE consultation today to see if nutritional therapy is right for you.
