Bella Adams
Fennel is a relatively tall, robust plant with leaves that look like dill and yellow flowers. After flowering, seed clusters are formed, which should be harvested when they are hardened. Fennel seeds are small, greenish-brown in color, and oval in shape.
Nutritional value of fennel
100 g of fennel seeds contain:
- 90 g of water.
- 0.1 g of fat.
- 1.1 g of proteins.
- 4 g of carbohydrates.
The energy value of fennel is only 30 kcal per 100 g of product. This is an ideal dietary food, the beneficial properties of which allow not only to keep the figure in shape but also to relieve the body of many ailments.
Fennel contains a number of vitamins, micro-, and macronutrients necessary for the body. These are vitamins of group B (B1 – B3, B5, B6, B9), A and C; calcium, sodium, selenium, sodium, iron, etc.
Useful properties of fennel
Fennel contains many useful elements, such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and others. Thanks to these substances, the herb acts as a weak diuretic, is characterized by disinfectant properties, and has an antispasmodic effect. At the same time, it is such a mild remedy that it is prescribed for the treatment of flatulence even to infants due to their tendency to have intestinal spasms in the first 4-6 months of life. However, you should use fennel for newborns very carefully, the dosage should not exceed the one specified by the doctor.
Fennel-based essential oil is good at removing toxins, so it is recommended for use after generous feasts with the use of fatty foods.
The infusion of the fruit is used externally for washing to treat fungal diseases. And the powder is part of cough medicines, as it is an excellent expectorant.
Fennel is able to restore appetite after an illness, and also contributes to the overall improvement of digestion. Therefore, doctors often prescribe it for gastrointestinal disorders.
Fennel is also known to have a calming effect. If you put a few drops of the essential oil of this plant in an aroma lamp, the pleasant smell will reduce the overexcitation of the nervous system, drive away feelings of anxiety and reduce aggression in behavior. And fennel-based tea acts as a mild sedative, so it is indicated for children from the age of four months in case of nervous system disorders.
The use of fennel
This plant can be called universal, as all its parts can be used.
Green shoots are added to vegetable soups and fish dishes. Fennel seeds are used to make the marinade.
Fennel goes well with citrus fruits, so a pinch of its seeds will be a great addition to a lemon cake. Fennel tubers are most often used to cook meat, especially pork, or white fish.
Contraindications to the use of fennel
Fennel can be used in the case of individual intolerance to this plant, as well as in the case of epilepsy. In small quantities, it can be used by pregnant and lactating women. Fennel fruits contain many useful elements and chemicals, which makes it possible to use this plant to treat a wide variety of diseases. In addition, fennel is an important ingredient in many cosmetics and perfumes.
