The secrets of our forefathers' health can be discovered in the most basic ingredients in the kitchen. Saunf seeds are one such amazing ingredient rich in nutrients that we must emphasize. Saunf, commonly known as fennel, is a well-known aromatic spice that is used for both medicinal and culinary purposes.
The aromatic spice is widely used in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines across the world. It is common in India to chew a few saunf seeds immediately after a wonderful meal, not only to refresh the breath, but also because the fennel's bursting amounts of nutrients help to speed up the digestive process and reduce gas.
What is Saunf?
Saunf is a flowering plant in the same family as carrots, caraway, cumin, dill, and parsley. This flavourful herb is made from the dried seeds of the Saunf plant, which is white and green with feathery leaves and yellow petals. It is a native of the Mediterranean region and is frequently planted in coastal and riverbank areas around the world. According to reports, India is the world's top exporter of saunf. Because of the high concentration of rich essential oils, the saunf plant has a mild liquorice-like flavour; it also has a sweet and woody flavour.
Saunf seeds are beneficial for treating digestive and respiratory illnesses, improving eyesight, and curing menstruation issues due to their high nutritional content and potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities. We'll learn about all these benefits in detail later in this post, but first, let's have a look at their nutritional value, usage, side effects, etc.
Nutrition Value of Saunf:
1 Tbsp of saunf seeds includes the following nutrients:
- Calcium: 69.37 mg
- Calories: 31
- Carbohydrates: 3.03g
- Iron: 1.08mg
- Magnesium: 22.33mg
- Niacin: 0.35mg
- Phosphorus: 28.25mg
- Potassium: 98.25mg
- Protein: 0.92g
- Riboflavin: 0.02mg
- Sodium: 5.1mg
- Thiamin: 0.02mg
- Total dietary fiber: 2.3g
- Total fat: 0.86g
- Vitamin A: 7.83 international units (IU)
- Vitamin B-6: 0.03mg
- Vitamin C: 1.22mg
- Zinc: 0.21mg
Culinary Uses of Saunf
-Saunf is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine. While it is primarily used in seed form, some cuisines ask for the seeds to be roasted and crushed into a powdered form.
-When cooking, saunf is commonly used in tadka or tempering dishes, as well as pickles and chutneys.
-It is also used as a digestive aid and a mouth refresher. Many people chew the seeds as an after-dinner mint in Indian restaurants.
-For new-borns who suffer from colic are given saunf, which is boiled and strained out.
-As a flavouring plant, Saunf has been around for a long time. It is used in various food preparations, including fish, vegetables, pastries, sweet pickles, sweets, liqueurs, and medications.
-Saunf oil is used to preserve stored fruits and vegetables against harmful fungus development.
Health Benefits of Saunf
-Saunf seeds contain essential volatile oils, which are known to stimulate the release of digestive fluids and enzymes, therefore aiding digestion.
-Due to the fennel's high concentration of aspartic acid, it has been shown to have carminative properties, making it an excellent anti-flatulent.
-Saunf powder is an excellent laxative that can help with constipation, abdominal cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal issues.
-Because saunf is basic in nature, it helps to neutralize the acidity of the gut, which is aggravated by bad eating habits, a poor diet, and being overweight.
-Fennel seeds contain large quantities of phytonutrients that help cleanse sinuses and relieve asthma symptoms.
-To cure bad breath, chewing a few saunf seeds is a simple yet efficient home treatment.
-It is believed that saunf seeds, which are rich in vitamin A and other vital minerals, may do wonders for the eyes and promote healthy vision.
-"Marathon" is the Greek name for saunf that is derived from "Marino," which means to grow thin. Metabolic enhancers such as saunf serve to speed up metabolism, allowing the body to burn extra fat and aiding in weight loss.
-In addition to being rich in nutrients and antibacterial qualities, fennel seeds are also known to be a wonderful natural treatment for skin problems.
Side-Effects of Saunf
-Saunf can cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to carrots, celery, and mugwort.
-Saunf consumption can increase skin sensitivity, so it is recommended that you use sunscreen to protect your skin from tanning and sunburn.
-Saunf is also not recommended for pregnant women.
-Saunf seeds have estrogen-like properties, so one should not consume saunf if you have diseases such as breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, etc., which may deteriorate due to estrogen.
Antioxidants and volatile oils included in saunf seeds can enhance heart health, reduce inflammation, stimulate digestion, and aid weight loss. Adding dried fennel seeds to your daily regimen will help you get the benefits of this magnificent herb. To shop for authentic saunf seeds or lakhnavi saunf seeds, visit Vasant Masala's e-store.