FENNEL SEEDS.....

FENNEL SEEDS

                                                                                                                                   

"FENNEL"  in India is known by different names in different languages. In Hindi it is called 'SAUF', 'SONP' . In Bengali it is called 'PAN', 'MUHIN', 'MAURI'. In Gujarati it is called 'VARIARI' . In Kannada it is called as 'BADISOPU'. In Malayalam  it is called as 'PERUM JEERAKAM'. In Marathi it is called as'BADISHEP'. In Sanskrit it is called as 'MADHURIKA'. And in Tamil it is called as 'SOMPU'.
                    
            Fennel seeds are crispy and some what sugary , adding  an uplifting contribution to the increasing popular Mediterranean Cuisine .

 # HISTORY   
Fennel is an inhabitant of Europe and Asia. It is grown broadly in Northern India as a cold climate crop. It comes up well in a reasonably mild climate. The dry and cold climatic condition favor high seed production. It is being believed that ever since ancient times , fennel  has enjoyed a wealthy history.  

# SELECTION AND STORAGE:
Fennel seeds are available year around in the markets either in the form of seeds or processed ground form. In the store buy whole fennel seeds instead of powder ,  since oftentimes it may contain adulterated spicy powders . Store dry fennel seeds as you so in case of other spices.
Place whole seeds in a clean  air - seal and store in cool , humid free and dark place. 
Ground and powdered fennel should be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers and should be used sooner , since it looses flavour quickly due to  evaporation of it's essential oils.

# BENEFITS  

1. HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS: 

Both fennel and its seeds are packed with nutrients. Here's the nutrition for  1 cup (87 grms) of raw fennel bulb and 1 tbsp (6 grms) of dried fennel seeds

*FRESH FENNEL BULB : 

• Calories     :  27
• Fiber           : 3 gm
• Vitamin C   : 12% RDI
• Calcium      :  3% RDI
• Iron             :  4% RDI
• Magnesium : 4% RDI
• Potassium    :  8%  RDI

*DRIED FENNEL SEEDS:

• Calories     : 20
• Fiber          : 2 gm
• Vitamin C  : 1% RDI
• Calcium      : 5% RDI
• Iron             : 6% RDI
• Magnesium : 5% RDI
• Potassium    : 2% RDI

 As per  the above table  , both fennel and fennel seeds are low in calories, but provide many important nutrients.  Fresh fennel bulb is good source of vitamin C , water soluble vitamin critical  for immune health, tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Both the bulb and seeds contains the mineral manganese which is important for enzyme activation, metabolism, cellular protection, bone development, blood sugar regulation and wound healing.

2.CAN BENEFIT HEART HEALTH : 
 Eating fennel and it's seeds may benefit heart health in a number of ways as they are packed with fiber - a nutrient shown to reduce certain heart disease  risk factors like high cholesterol . Potassium present in the fennel seeds ; if u add in your diet it may help reduce high blood pressure - a risk  factor for heart disease.

3. MAY HAVE CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES:
 The wide array of powerful plant compounds in fennel may help protect against chronic disease, including certain cancers. Eg. anethole - one of the  main   active compounds in fennel seeds has been found to exhibit cancer fighting properties.
Animal studies also suggest that extract from the seeds may protect against breast cancer and liver cancer.

4. MAY BENEFIT MENTAL HEALTH:
Animal studies have found that fennel extract may reduce aging related memory deficits.

#SIDE EFFECTS
Fennel is likely safe when taken by mouth in the amounts commonly found in food. Although rare other side effects might include stomach and intestinal upset. Some people can have allergic skin reactions to fennel . People who are allergic to plants such as celery, carrot, mugwort (vanaspati) are more likely to also be allergic to fennel.

                                                     THANKYOU!