7 Health Benefits and Uses of Anise Seed:- Anise is a plant that has a sweet flavour that is reminiscent of licorice. The addition of this ingredient to sweets and beverages is common practice, and it is also recognised as a natural treatment for a variety of illnesses.
7 Health Benefits and Uses of Anise Seed
The plant known as anise, which is sometimes referred to as aniseed or Pimpinella anisum, is a member of the same family as carrots, celery, and parsley. Both blooms and a little white fruit known as anise seed are produced by this plant, which can reach a height of up to one metre (three feet). All seven of these uses and benefits of anise seed are supported by scientific evidence.
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1. Rich in Nutrients
- Each serving of anise seed contains a significant quantity of a number of essential micronutrients, despite the fact that it is only consumed in very modest amounts.
- Anise seed, in particular, contains a high concentration of iron, which is an essential element for the creation of healthy blood cells within the body (1 Trusted Source).
- Additionally, it has a trace amount of manganese, which is an essential element that serves as an antioxidant and is essential for both the metabolic process and the growth of the body (2 Trusted Sources).
- There are about three trustworthy sources that can be obtained from one tablespoon (7 grammes) of anise seed:
- Calories:Â 23
- Protein:Â 1 gram
- Fat:Â 1 gram
- Carbs:Â 3 grams
- Fiber:Â 1 gram
- Iron:Â 13% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Manganese:Â 7% of the RDI
- Calcium:Â 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium:Â 3% of the RDI
- Phosphorus:Â 3% of the RDI
- Potassium:Â 3% of the RDI
- Copper:Â 3% of the RDI
However, keep in mind that most recipes will likely call for less than a tablespoon.
2. Could alleviate some of the symptoms of depression
It is estimated that up to twenty-five percent of women and twelve percent of men around the world suffer with depression, which is a disorder that is both common and debilitating.
Interestingly, a number of studies have discovered that anise seed may be useful in the treatment of depression.
According to the findings of one study, anise seed extract revealed potent antidepressant qualities in mice and was just as effective as a typical prescription medicine that is used to treat depression (5 Trusted Sources).
Furthermore, according to the findings of another study that involved 107 individuals, the consumption of three grammes of anise seed powder three times per day was effective in alleviating symptoms of postpartum depression (6 Trusted Source).
Similar to this, a study that lasted for four weeks and involved 120 participants found that taking a capsule containing 200 milligrammes of anise oil three times a day resulted in a significant reduction in the symptoms of mild to moderate depression when compared to a control group.
3. Could Protect Against Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are a painful sore that forms in the lining of your stomach, causing symptoms like indigestion, nausea and a burning sensation in your chest.
Though traditional treatment typically involves the use of medications to decrease the production of stomach acid, preliminary research suggests that anise seed could help prevent stomach ulcers and reduce symptoms.
For instance, one animal study noted that anise reduced stomach acid secretion, helping prevent the formation of stomach ulcers and protecting cells against damage (8Trusted Source).
However, research on anise seed’s effects on stomach ulcers is still very limited.
Additional studies are needed to understand how it may impact ulcer formation and symptoms in humans.
4. Prevents the Growth of Fungi and Bacteria
Test-tube studies show that anise seed and its compounds possess potent antimicrobial properties that prevent infections and block the growth of fungi and bacteria.
Anise seed and anise essential oil were found to be particularly efficient against specific types of fungi, such as yeasts and dermatophytes, which are a type of fungus that can cause skin illness (9 Trusted Sources). This was demonstrated by a test-tube study.
In addition, anise seed contains anethole, which is the active component that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
In a study conducted in test tubes, a nethole was found to inhibit the growth of a particular strain of bacteria that is responsible for cholera, an ailment that is characterised by severe diarrhoea and dehydration (10 Trusted Source of Information).
On the other hand, additional research is required to investigate the influence that anise seed may have on the development of fungus and bacteria in human people.
5. Could Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is the natural decline in women’s reproductive hormones during aging, resulting in symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue and dry skin.
It is believed that anise seed might simulate the actions of oestrogen in your body, which could so alleviate some of the symptoms associated with menopause (11 Trusted Source).
During the course of a research that lasted for four weeks, 72 women who suffered from hot flashes were given either a placebo or a capsule that contained 330 milligrammes of anise seed twice a day. Those who took anise saw a reduction of over 75% in both the severity and frequency of their hot flashes (12 Trusted Source).
There is a possibility that some substances found in anise seed can also assist in the prevention of bone loss, which is one of the most prominent symptoms of menopause and is brought on by the decrease in oestrogen levels in the body (13 Trusted Source).
An essential oil that was composed of 81% anethole, which is the active component of anise, was beneficial in preventing bone loss and protecting against osteoporosis in rats, according to the findings of one study.
Despite these promising results, more research is needed to determine how anise seed itself may affect menopause symptoms in women.
6. May Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Some research indicates that anethole, the active ingredient in anise seed, may keep blood sugar levels in check when paired with a healthy diet.
Over the course of a 45-day trial, anethole was found to be effective in lowering high blood sugar levels in diabetic rats by influencing the levels of numerous important enzymes. The function of the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for insulin production was also improved by anethole (15 Trusted Source).
Additionally, anethole was found to enhance blood sugar levels in rats with diabetes, according to the findings of another animal study (16 Trusted Source).
It is important to keep in mind that the anethole used in these experiments is of a significantly higher concentration than the amount that is typically present in a serving of anise seed.
More research is required to determine whether or not anise seed has an effect on the amount of sugar in the blood of humans.
7. Can Reduce Inflammation
In many cases, inflammation is considered a normal response by your immune system to protect against injuries and infection.
Nevertheless, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are associated with high levels of inflammation that have been present for a long period of time (17 Trusted Source).
Anise seed may be able to reduce inflammation, which would be beneficial for better health and illness prevention, according to tests conducted on animals and in test tubes.
For instance, a study conducted on rats demonstrated that anise seed oil was effective in reducing both edoema and discomfort.
According to the findings of other studies, anise seed contains a significant concentration of antioxidants, which have the ability to reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative damage that can lead to disease.
Possible Side Effects
Most people can safely consume anise without the risk of adverse side effects.
However, it could trigger an allergic reaction, especially if you’re allergic to plants in the same family — such as fennel, celery, parsley or dill.
Furthermore, the estrogen-mimicking characteristics of anise have the potential to exacerbate the symptoms of hormone-sensitive illnesses such as breast cancer and endometriosis (11 Trusted Sources, 20 Trusted Sources).
If you have a history of these conditions, keep intake in moderation and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
