Health & Ayurveda: Benefits of Including Fennel in Your Diet for Improving Digestion and Heart Health

Health & Ayurveda: Fennel, also known as saunf in India, is important in Ayurveda due to its wide range of therapeutic benefits. Fennel, which is commonly used in Indian cuisine as a spice and mouth freshener, not only improves the flavour of food but also has various health advantages. According to experts, fennel can help with digestion, lowering acidity and bloating, refreshing breath, managing blood sugar levels, and promoting heart health. It contains antioxidants, fibre, potassium, and vitamin C, which aid in metabolism regulation, weight management, skin texture improvement, and eye health maintenance. Fennel has a naturally cooling effect, which relaxes the digestive tract and lowers internal heat.

Benefits of Saunf

Despite its benefits, consuming too much fennel can cause skin allergies, flatulence, indigestion, and hormonal imbalance. It is recommended to consume fennel in moderation — around 5 ml of juice or 2 grammes of powdered form per day — and to see an Ayurvedic practitioner, particularly for children and those taking other medications. Fennel can be eaten after meals, infused in water, mixed into tea or food, or ingested on an empty stomach with lukewarm water to improve digestion and alleviate common diseases. Responsible consumption, guided by Ayurvedic principles, can help maximise the herb’s health-promoting properties.