The two main types of fennel, an aromatic plant, are a vegetable and seed. Florence fennel is treated like a vegetable and often eaten raw in salads or used in recipes involving braising or sauteing. Common fennel is the other type from which the fennel seeds come. The seeds may be used in sweet and savory foods to add additional flavor. Fennel is rich in vitamins and minerals and may have many health uses.
Reduction of Colic Symptoms
Tea made with fennel is a traditional use for colic and that research has shown that fennel tea may help decrease symptoms of colic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The center instructs that a tea made from fennel seed can be given directly to your baby after it cools. A proper dosage is 1 tsp. given before and after feedings. Alternatively, if you are breastfeeding, you can drink 1 cup of tea three to six times each day. Fennel acts to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate gas from the body.
Calcium And Vitamin A
Foodreference.com reports that fennel is a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining good vision, a healthy immune system and promoting growth and development, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. Calcium also plays a key role in your health because it aids in muscle contraction, secretion of hormones and enzymes, and maintenance of bone strength. Increasing your fennel intake may provide a boost in your levels of body calcium and vitamin A.
Medicinal Properties
The University of Michigan reports that seasonings, including fennel spices, may offer medicinal properties. It reporta the potential benefits of spices, such as fennel include prevention and relief from nausea, infections, inflammatory conditions, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Adding fennel seeds to your soups or salads may give you these protective health benefits.
Member Comments