Fennel in your Diet
Including fennel in their diet is ideal for people trying to lose weight as it is filling yet low in calories. 1 cup serving has only 25 calories . Fennel like celery is a member of the parsley family. Its stalks are often mistaken for celery but has a distinctively different licorice like flavour and is much more nutritious.It is a good source of potassium, fiber, some vitamin C, folate, iron and calcium. Its leaves are also a good source of beta carotene and vitamin C.
Benefits of Fennel:
Through the ages physicians have prescribed fennel for a variety of ailments. It has been used to -
- aid digestion and prevent bad breath.
- stimulate milk production in nursing mothers.
- treat kidney stones.
- treat gout, liver and lung disorders
- its seeds are prescribed to treat obesity.
- fennel seeds are used to make a refresing cuppa tea that alleviates bloating and flatulence.
Ways to include Fennel in your diet:
- Try baking fish in a bed of fennel stalks as its licorice flavour goes well with fish.
- As all parts of fennel are edible, include them in raw salads.
- They can be braised or sauteed as a side dish.
- Stuffing the bulbs is another favorite recipe.
- Its chopped leaves make a colourful and nuritious garnish for other vegetable dishes.