Fennel: The Liquor ice Flavoured Spice
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| Published: July 26th, 2016
Fennel seeds add a lovely crunch and flavor to any dish that they are added to due to their liquor ice like flavor.
Factoid
Especially prevalent in Greek and Italian cuisine, fennel was originally cultivated in the Mediterranean and is grown all over the world today.
Benefits
- Contributes to building and maintaining bone structure and strength
- Aids in the production and maturation of collagen
- Protects the heart due to its vaso dilatory and vaso protective properties
- Reduces the risk of heart diseases by lowering blood cholesterol levels
- Decreases the risk of colorectal cancer
- Improves the body’s immune response to infection
- Plays a vital role in energy metabolism and weight management
- Prevents constipation and helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract
- Increases the absorption of iron, which prevents anemia
- Regulates the female reproductive cycle due to the presence of estrogen
Diet
- Roasted fennel seeds add great flavor to any dish
- Saute the leaves and stalks with onion to make an easy and quick curry
- Mix fennel leaves with fresh vegetables to make a crisp and light salad
- Use fennel stalks as a stock or base for soups
Caution
Fennel causes severe allergic reactions in some people. Those taking beta-blockers should eat fennel in moderation since the medication can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. Excess potassium is harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional.
Tags: Healthy Foods