Fennel

Side Effects of Taking Fennel

Taking fennel supplements may result in mild side effects. There are some individuals who may experience an allergic reaction due to taking fennel supplements or from ingestion of this vegetable.

It is important to not take fennel supplements with certain medications or if you are being treated for certain diseases. Check with your doctor first if you have a known allergy to carrots or celery.

Fennel and Digestion

Fennel can be beneficial in minimizing intestinal problems such as indigestion, gas, and bloating according to WebMD.

This is due to fennel’s action in the stomach which increases the juices that are excreted during digestion. This makes it a healthy supplement choice when suffering from indigestion, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or nausea according to Herbs are Special.

Weight Loss and Fennel

Eating fennel or taking fennel supplements may provide weight loss due to the rise in your metabolism that happens. It addition to speeding up metabolism, fennel supplements are believed to curb hunger and decrease appetite.

Fennel supplements are also used as a diuretic which can help you lose water weight. Losing water weight is often minimal, but it is a beginning for some people.

Health Benefits of Taking Fennel

Fennel has been used for years to improve health. Fennel supplements are believed to yield the same results as fennel herbs. For instance, fennel is believed to contribute to healthy eyes and fight glaucoma.

According to WebMD, fennel may be beneficial for increasing the milk supply of lactating mothers. Fennel is also indicated for babies suffering from colic, although it should not be used for extended periods of time.

Fennel is naturally high in fiber which helps in lowering cholesterol levels and keeping your bowels regular. Regularity is an important component in fighting colon cancer as it prevents bacteria from growing in the colon.

The large amounts of folate and potassium in fennel help fight heart disease and stroke. Folate is responsible for keeping homocysteine levels to a minimum in the blood stream which plays a vital role in preventing heart disease and stroke.

Potassium also helps in keeping blood pressure regulated which is of course a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. According to WHFoods, fennel has antioxidant properties due to its flavonoids and high concentration of vitamin C.

Fennel also has an important phytonutrient called anethole. Anethole is believed to have cancer fighting properties. The anethole in fennel also helps with inflammatory problems, and is known to have significant antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Fennel is believed to fight bronchitis and coughing. You will find many respiratory support teas which contain fennel.

Fennel is also used in detoxification. There are some individuals who believe that cleaning out your liver is a necessary thing to do to maintain good health. Liver cleansers are often found as a tea with ginger powder, turmeric and fennel.

Side Effects of Taking Fennel

You should always check with a medical professional before taking any new supplements. Fennel supplements or the fennel plant itself when consumed in large quantities may cause seizures and muscle spasms.

Mild side effects may include a rash. WebMD also explains that when taking fennel supplements, your skin will be more photosensitive so you should probably wear sunscreen.

Since fennel contains phytoestrogens, it may be wise to avoid using fennel supplements if you are being treated for breast cancer, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

Fennel Interactions

Fennel can interact with certain medications. You should avoid taking fennel supplements if you are on oral contraceptives, estrogen, Tamoxifen, or Ciproflaxacin.

Fennel and the Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration lists the fennel plant in their poisonous plant database due to a reported case where ingestion of fennel resulted in an asthma attack back in 1948. An allergy to fennel could certainly manifest itself that way, but by and large, the fennel bulb, stem, leaves, and seeds are safe to consume.

Products Made With Fennel

Fennel can be purchased in many different forms. You will probably be able to find the whole plant for sale in the produce section of your supermarket.

Fennel seeds, fennel tea, and fennel supplements in capsule or caplet form are all available. Fennel is also a popular ingredient in detoxification and weight loss products.

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