Florence Fennel

Fresh fennel is an excellent addition to your diet providing you with a unique range of phytonutrients which can act as powerful antioxidants.  Certain compounds in fennel also have special properties that help relieve some digestion issues like gas. Alongside these benefits, fennel seeds and bulbs are a good source of dietary fibre that can help keep your colon healthy. Fennel seeds and bulbs are also a good source of vitamin C and other nutritious vitamins and minerals.

The bulbs of fennel are particularly high in vitamin C.  Vitamin C is one of the most researched antioxidants that is most notable for scavenging free radicals before they enter our cells. Fennel is also a good source of the B vitamin Folate. This vitamin is especially helpful for maintaining the health of our blood vessels as it has a special and critical role in reducing excess homocysteine. This molecule is something we produce excessively with high protein diets. It can erode and damage blood vessel walls increasing the risk factors for cardiovascular problems. Folate is an essential component of our body’s natural systems for breaking homocysteine down into components that don’t have the same health issues.

Some of the phytonutrients in fennel have been researched and studied individually. Compounds such as kaempferol and quercetin have been shown to be powerful antioxidants that can help disarm free radicals. It is toxic activity that can contribute to aging and add to the potential conditions for degenerative diseases and neurological conditions.

Fennel is referred to as having anti-flatulence and carminative properties. For example the special compounds found in fennel are used in gripe water for infants to reduce wind. Adding fennel to dishes might be a nice way to ease digestive issues elegantly and tastefully!

Alongside being rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and Folate, fennel is a good source of minerals like iron, calcium, zinc and potassium.
 

Information supplied by Steph Askeur
Fresh-cut enthusiast