Benefits of Fennel Seeds

Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds

Fennel is a herb which is grown in several parts of the world including China, South Asia and North America. All parts of the plant are edible. The seeds of the plant have been used in the preparation of medicines to treat a variety of ailments for a long time. It is sweet to taste. 

Fennel Seeds

Source: Jonathunder: Wikimedia Commons

Fennel Nutrition Facts

Fennel plant and seeds are rich in minerals like manganese, calcium, potassium and magnesium. It is also rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps to reduce the chances of intestinal cancer and expels toxins from the body. It can also help to reduce the cholesterol levels. It contains vitamin C which helps to improve the immune system.

Fennel Tea Recipe

Add one tbsp of powdered fennel seeds to two cups of water and boil it for 2-3 minutes and let it simmer for a while. Then filter it and add a tbsp of lemon juice and honey to taste.

Digestion

Fennel seeds are a very good remedy for upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome. Fennel tea can help to improve digestion and relieve stomach cramps. It is also a very good remedy for constipation. Drinking fennel tea after food helps to promote digestion by breaking down proteins. It also expels gas and relieves flatulence. Powdered fennel seeds can be used as laxative. It can also get rid of gas and cure heartburn. It increases the rate of metabolism and aids weight loss.

Fennel Tea for Colds and Cough

Fennel tea helps to treat colds, cough and respiratory tract infections. It can be used as a gargle to relieve sore throat. Cardamom and coriander seeds can be added in the preparation of fennel tea adding to its flavor.

Anemia

Fennel tea contains iron, which is an important constituent of hemoglobin. It also contains histidine which stimulates the production of hemoglobin. It can cure anemia.

Eyes

Drinking fennel tea can help to protect eyes from inflammation. Fennel is an antioxidant as it contains vitamin C and amino acids. It can also protect eyes from age related problems like macular degeneration.

Diuretic

Fennel is a diuretic. According to a study in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”, fennel tea can help to increase the rate of urination because of its diuretic properties. It also helps to increase the amount of urination.

High Blood Pressure

Potassium counteracts the effects of sodium on the body and reduces blood pressure. Vitamin C which is present in fennel also helps to reduce blood pressure. According to “The Science Daily” taking large amounts of vitamin C can reduce the blood pressure levels moderately.

Baby Colic

Fennel tea can help to relieve baby colic according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It helps to improve digestion and can be used as a food supplement by lactating mothers. It can also be fed to the baby.

These are some of the health benefits of fennel tea.

Benefits of Sage Tea

Sage is a herb, which has been used for centuries for both medicinal and culinary purposes.  It was used by ancient Egyptians as a fertility drug. It has anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic and astringent properties. It can help to reduce perspiration. It is also an antioxidant. It has been used for long to treat respiratory problems. Gargling warm sage tea combined with honey and apple cider vinegar can help to cure sore throat and cough. The tea helps to strengthen the nervous system and memory.

                                           Sage Plant

                 Source: Wikimedia Commons: Aomorikum

              

 

Stimulant

Sage tea is a stimulant for the brain which helps to boost memory and helps you to think clearly. It is very useful for Alzheimer’s patients.

Preparation of Sage Tea

Sage tea can be prepared by adding a cup of boiling water to half a cup of sage leaves and straining it after 5 minutes. One tbsp of honey and one tbsp of lemon juice can be added to the tea. It may have blood sugar lowering effects. A cup of sage tea can be taken daily for maximum of ten days. You can resume drinking the tea after a gap of another 5 days.

Sage Tea for Lung Problems

Sage tea has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes and helps to get rid of cough and colds. It is an excellent expectorant and helps to expel mucous. Add a 10-12 sage leaves to water and boil it. Inhaling the fumes can also help to clear the mucous.

For Dental Care

Sage tea has the powers of a disinfectant and is especially useful for the heath of teeth and gums. It is highly effective as a mouth rinse.

For Skin

Sage lotion helps to get rid to excess oil from the skin and tighten up the pores. The tea can be applied to improve your complexion and get rid of acne. It is used in manufacture of deodorants and lotions because of its astringent properties. According to mothernature.com, it can help to suppress excessive perspiration. 
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Hair Loss

Sage tea helps to reduce hair loss. It can also help to stop graying hair and promote hair growth. It contains zinc, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B and C. You can apply it over your scalp with a gentle massage overnight and wash it off after next morning. According of University of Maryland Medical Center, sage oil can be used for aromatherapy to treat insomnia, hair loss and anxiety. The oil can be inhaled or applied on the skin.

Menopause

Sage tea can help to reduce hot flashes and night sweats for menopausal women. It may also reduce excessive sweating. It acts as a general tonic, helping to sooth the irritability during the period preceding the menopause. Prepare dilute sage tea pouring half a liter of boiling water over 3 tsp of dried sage leaves and steep it for 30 minutes. Drink a cup of the tea thrice a day.

These are some of the health benefits of sage tea

Benefits of Beer for Health

Beer drinking is generally associated with weight gain and pot belly. But you might be surprised to know that drinking beer in moderation has several health benefits. It can make your bones stronger and ward off diabetes. It can also help to prevent certain types of cancers. It is a well known fact that wine is good for the heart. Beer is also equally good for the heart.

Reducing the Risk of Heart Attack

Alcoholic beverages in general are said to increase the levels of HDL         (good cholesterol) and lower LDL levels. Consumption of 12 oz (360 ml) of beer a day by women and 24 oz (720 ml) by men will reduce the chances of heart attack and stroke. According to a study by a research team of the Harvard Medical School, people who have two drinks of alcoholic beverages a day have lower chances of heart attack than non drinkers. People who continue to drink moderately after a heart attack have better chances of recovery than non drinkers.

Beer
Source:Wikimedia Commons: Sir James

Bowel Function

As beer is a rich source of soluble fiber it can promote healthy bowel movement. It can be said that beer is laxative. It can also slow down digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients by the body  

Bone Density

Beer contains dietary silicon which helps to strengthen bone density. According to Katherine Tucker of Tufts University and her fellow researchers, moderate beer and wine drinkers have higher bone mineral density (BMD) than non drinkers. Drinking moderate quantities of beer can help to reduce chances of fracture.

Kidney

Drinking beer helps reduce the chances of kidney stones. Perhaps the higher water content (contains 93% water) of beer helps to keep the kidney hydrated and prevents the formation of stones. Beer also prevents the loss of calcium from the bones which may end up in the form of stones in the kidney. Beer has a diuretic effect on the body. It also dilates the urinary tract making the flushing out of the stones less painful and easier.
 
Increasing Vitamin Levels

Drinking moderate quantities of beer help to increase the levels vitamin B6 in the blood. Beer also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin and phosphorous.

Preventing Stroke

Beer is rich in anti-oxidants. It can help to prevent blood clots. Beer is said to be more effective then red wine in preventing heart attacks.

Insomnia

Beer contains nicotinic acid and lactoflavin which can act as a sedative and cure insomnia.

Gall Stones

Beer not only prevents the formation of kidney stones but also gall stones.

Bowel Function

Beer can promote bowel function as it is a rich source of soluble fiber. It can slow down digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients by the body.

Lowering the Risk of Diabetes

Moderate beer drinkers have lower risk of developing diabetes. The alcohol content in beer increases the insulin sensitivity. This helps to lower the chances of developing diabetes.

For Longer Life

As beer reduces the chances of heart attack, stroke and diabetes moderate beer drinkers live longer.

These are some of the benefits of drinking beer