Natural Remedies

Lose Weight by Drinking This Fennel Seed Water Drink

Warm and sweet, often used as spice blends and as a mouth freshener, fennel seeds, also called saunf, are kitchen ingredients that an Indian kitchen can barely do without. It is used in salads, curries, and desserts to add that extra flavor to them.

The refreshing seeds have historically been known to help weight loss. By steeping them overnight in cool water or immersing them in hot water, infusing fennel seeds is generally said to help lose kilos if consumed frequently.

Moreover, these seeds indeed are metabolism-boosting nutrients and tiny powerhouses of detoxifying. Super rich in minerals and vitamins, they sure make an excellent way to shed weight [1]. 

Let’s look at what makes fennel water one of the most acceptable ways to shed flab. Fennel seeds help in metabolism and digestion, leading to better absorption of nutrients from food, hence fewer hunger pangs, further aiding in weight loss.

They are also very useful in helping cure water retention, particularly for the women suffering from PMS. Infused fennel water is an effective therapy to cleanse the gut for people suffering from chronic constipation.

What are Fennel Seeds?

Fennel seeds have a mildly sweet flavor with a crunchy texture on the outside. It is also extensively used as a mouth freshener. Fennel seeds are extracted from fennel plants and closely resemble anise seeds in terms of appearance.

They contain multiple nutrients like Vitamin E, Vitamin K, zinc, manganese, copper, phosphorus, and an excellent Vitamin C source [2].

One serving of fennel seeds contains one percent of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for Vitamin C, which acts as an active antioxidant for our body, protecting our skin from any damages caused by the smoke, sun, or pollution.

Nutritional Facts of Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are generally consumed in the quantity of one tablespoon per serving, and the nutrition value it offers can be found below:

  • Nutrients Nutritional Value (per tablespoon – 6g)
  • Fiber 2.3 grams
  • Calories 19.8
  • Protein 0.9 grams
  • Fat 0.6 grams
  • Carbohydrates 3 grams
  • Cholesterol 0 grams

Let’s take a further look at a few other details about fennel seeds, and understand how the seeds can help us maintain our diet and meet the goals we have set for ourselves. 

How does fennel seed help in shedding weight?

Fennel seeds not only aid in curing water retention, but they can also help your quest to shed weight. It is believed that these seeds minimize cravings and keep you feeling fuller for prolonged periods [3].

Fennel seeds also help in boosting metabolism–which is the rate at which your cells use energy. Moreover, if you are someone who just cannot stop indulging, having fennel seeds frequently can keep your hunger pangs at bay. A tablespoon of saunf has around 1 gram of protein, 20 calories, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of carbs.

How to have Fennel Seeds Water for Weight Loss?

There are 2 super-simple ways in which you can prepare this fat-burning beverage:

  • Overnight brewing
  • Boiling the seeds

If you do not have adequate time to make a fresh batch of fennel seeds to drink daily, you can simply boil two tablespoons of fennel seeds in a liter of water. Once the beverage cools down, you can transfer it to a separate container and store it in the fridge.

You can also make this beverage by adding two tablespoons of fennels seeds to 1 liter of water. Close the infusion with a lid and leave it overnight. You can just strain and have this beverage the next morning, without any issue.

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Tip:

If you are not fond of the flavor, you can begin with drinking one glass in the morning and slowly build up to four cups a day. For best weight loss results, you should keep sipping the drink throughout the day.

1. Helps Stimulate Melatonin Production

Melatonin levels in our brain are responsible for our sound sleep. According to research, good sleep is an efficient way to maintain a healthy weight and shed weight [4].

2. Increases metabolism

Metabolism is a rate at which the cells use the energy we receive from the foods. By boosting and accelerating this process, our cells’ calories are used more rapidly, which gives us strength and helps us burn fat. Fennel seeds infused water helps kick-start metabolism, mostly when taken first thing in the morning.

[Read: Best Metabolism-Boosting Vitamins]

3. Helps Suppress Hunger

The fennel seed water avoids hunger pangs at unexpected hours. Fennel seeds have dietary fiber that aids keep your hunger pangs at bay. Additionally, they help relax stomach muscles that tend to contract due to their antispasmodic effect.

4. A Natural Detoxifier

Fennel seed water makes for an excellent way to detoxify our body from several toxins and further kick-start our metabolism along with soothing digestive problems. A correctly functioning digestive system and metabolism are crucial to weight loss.

5. Helps Purify the Blood

Fennel seed water aids dump the remnants of uric acid in the blood and further break down the stomach acids to avoid the accumulation of extra fat in the liver.

How Much Fennel Seeds Can You Take Daily?

Fennel seeds are loaded with volatile oils than the plant, so it is ideal for taking about 6 grams (1 teaspoon) of dried whole fennel seeds in our everyday cooking.

Roasted fennel seeds, when incorporated into the dishes, give a distinctly sweet flavor. Incorporating fennel seeds to the batter of baked goods renders a unique taste and aroma.

Fennel seeds are also available in supplemental form, and the recommended dosage is 480mg  (three capsules) per day. However, always consult with your doctor before use.

Side Effects

Fennel seeds are safe when taken in moderate amounts. Fennel seeds with a natural estrogenic property are not safe to be consumed by pregnant women as it may hinder normal fetal development.

The excessive concentration of volatile oils in fennel seeds makes it unsafe for pregnant women, and supplements may also interfere with certain cancer medications and estrogen pills. It is always best to consult your physician before taking fennel supplements.

Bottom Line

It’s good to kick-start your day by sipping fennel seed water to stay active and healthy. And, if you are looking to lose that extra flab, then adding fennel seed water will be one of your finest decisions.

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