Fennel is a unique spice because it adds a flavor to your food that is similar to licorice. The seeds from the plant may be able to provide some health benefits as well, with virtually no dangerous negatives to consider.
Here are the pros and cons of adding fennel seeds to your diet.
List of the Pros of Fennel Seeds
1. They are a low-calorie food.
If you add a tablespoon of fennel seeds to the food you are eating, then you’re adding just 20 calories. That means it’s just 1% of your daily calorie allowance if you’re following a standard 2,000-calorie eating plan.
2. They are a high fiber food.
Fennel seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber. That same 1 tablespoon of seeds offers up to 9% of your daily needs, with a single serving containing more than 2g of fiber.
3. They offer a good boost of iron.
A single serving of fennel seeds will also provide up to 14% of your iron needs. It contains several additional minerals as well, including calcium, magnesium, and zinc, to promote better health.
List of the Cons of Fennel Seeds
1. They can make you more sensitive to sunlight.
If you eat fennel seeds on a regular basis, then you may become more sensitive to sunlight over time. This may cause a rash in some people, while others may find that they are more prone to sunburns.
2. They can trigger menstruation.
Women need to be careful when consuming fennel seeds in high quantities as they can trigger menstruation. Because of this issue, women who are pregnant should avoid consuming fennel regularly.
3. They can interact with some medications.
Fennel seeds are known to interact with some antibiotics. They will also interact with certain seizure medications. If you are taking a prescription medication with a known interaction, you’ll need to eat the fennel seeds at least 2 hours before or after at minimum to reduce these interactions. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid fennel altogether.
The pros and cons of fennel seeds, for most people, show that this food option offers many positive benefits with minimal issues. If you are allergic to fennel or take certain medications for your health, you may wish to speak with your doctor before adding this spice to your life.