People often know anise seeds as a spice used in dishes. However, in reality, anise seeds have many other health benefits. Anise or Pimpinella anisum, is a plant in the same family as carrots, celery and parsley. It can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall and produces flowers and a small white fruit called anise seed. Anise has a distinct, liquorice-like flavour and is often used to add flavour to desserts and drinks. Anise is also known for its health-promoting properties and acts as a natural remedy for many diseases. Here are 7 benefits and uses of anise seeds, backed by science.
1. Rich in nutrients
Although anise seed is typically used in relatively small amounts, it contains several important micronutrients in each serving.
In particular, anise seeds are rich in iron, which is essential for the production of good blood cells in your body.
Anise seeds also contain small amounts of manganese, an important mineral that acts as an antioxidant and is essential for the body’s metabolism and development.
One tablespoon (7 grams) of anise seeds provides approximately:
- Calories: 23
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Iron: 13% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Manganese: 7% RDI
- Calcium: 4% RDI
- Magnesium: 3% RDI
- Phosphorus: 3% RDI
- Potassium: 3% RDI
- Copper: 3% RDI
However, keep in mind that most recipes will probably be less than a tablespoon.
2. May reduce symptoms of depression
Depression is a common but debilitating condition, affecting 25% of women and 12% of men worldwide.
Interestingly, some studies have shown that anise seeds may help treat depression.
One study found that anise seed extract had potent antidepressant effects in rats and was as effective as a common prescription drug used to treat depression.
Additionally, in another study of 107 people, taking 3 grams of anise seed powder three times daily was effective in reducing symptoms of postpartum depression.
Similarly, in a four-week study of 120 people, taking a capsule containing 200 mg of anise seed extract three times daily significantly reduced symptoms of mild to moderate depression, compared with a control group. use.
Some studies have shown that anise seeds can help treat depression
3. May protect against stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers, which are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, cause symptoms such as indigestion, nausea and a burning sensation in the chest.
Although traditional treatments often include using medications to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, preliminary research suggests that anise seeds may help prevent and reduce symptoms of stomach ulcers.
For example, one animal study found that anise seeds reduced stomach acid secretion, helped prevent stomach ulcers, and protected cells from disease.
However, research on the effects of anise seeds on stomach ulcers is still very limited.
Further research is needed to understand how anise seeds may help prevent stomach ulcers in humans.
4. Prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria
Test-tube studies show that anise seed and its compounds have potent antibacterial properties that help prevent infections and inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria.
One test-tube study demonstrated that anise seeds and anise essential oil were particularly effective against certain strains of fungi, including yeast and dermatophytes, a type of fungus that can cause skin disease.
Anethole, the active ingredient in anise seeds, also helps inhibit bacterial growth.
In another study, anethole prevented the growth of a strain of bacteria that causes cholera, an infection characterized by severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
However, more research is needed to examine how anise seeds may affect fungal and bacterial growth in humans.
5. May help relieve menopausal symptoms
Anise seeds may help relieve menopausal symptoms
Menopause is the natural decline in reproductive hormones in women during the aging process, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue and dry skin.
Anise seeds are believed to have estrogen-like effects on the body, potentially reducing menopausal symptoms.
In a four-week study, 72 women with menopausal hot flashes took a placebo or capsules containing 330 mg of anise seeds three times daily. People who took anise seeds experienced a nearly 75% reduction in the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
Certain compounds in anise seeds may also help prevent bone loss, one of the characteristic symptoms of menopause that occurs due to a decline in estrogen levels in your body.
One study found that an essential oil composed of 81% anethole, the active ingredient in anise, helped prevent bone loss and protect against osteoporosis in mice.
Despite these promising results, more research is needed to determine how anise seed extract may affect menopausal symptoms in women.
6. Can balance blood sugar
Some research shows that anethole, the active ingredient in anise seeds, may control blood sugar levels when combined with a healthy diet.
In a 45-day study in diabetic rats, anethole helped reduce high blood sugar by changing the levels of several key enzymes. Anethole also enhances the function of insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Another animal study also found that anethole improved blood sugar levels in diabetic rats.
Keep in mind that these studies are using a concentrated dose of anethole — much higher than what is found in a single serving of anise seeds.
More research is needed to evaluate how anise seeds affect blood sugar levels in humans.
7. Helps reduce inflammation
In many cases, inflammation is considered a normal response of the body’s immune system to fight injury and infection.
However, long-term levels of inflammation are linked to chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Animal and laboratory studies show that anise seeds may reduce inflammation to promote health and prevent disease.
For example, a study in rats found that anise seed oil was effective in reducing swelling and pain.
Other research indicates that anise seeds are high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and prevent disease-causing oxidative damage.
8. Possible side effects
Most people can safely use anise seeds without the risk of side effects
Most people can use it safely without risk of side effects.
However, anise extract may cause an allergic reaction, especially if you are allergic to plants in the same family as anise – such as fennel, celery, parsley or dill.
Additionally, due to their estrogen-like properties, anise seeds may worsen symptoms of hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis.
If you have a history of these conditions, continue to abstain and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
9. Dosage and supplements
Although commonly purchased as dried seeds, anise seeds are also available in oil, powder, and juice form.
Anise seeds, anise oil and extracts can all add a distinctive flavour to baked goods, and candies or enhance the fragrance of soaps and skin creams.
Most recipes call for a few teaspoons (4 – 13 grams or 5 – 15 ml) of anise seeds, oil or anise seed extract.
Remember that each form contains different concentrations of anise, so it’s important to tweak your recipe depending on the form you use.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of anise extract, you can change it to 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of anise oil or 2 teaspoons (8 grams) of anise seeds.
As for medicinal uses, medicinal doses of anise seed extract ranging from 600 mg to 9 grams per day are effective in treating diseases such as depression.
A maximum dose of 20 grams per day of anise seed powder is considered safe for healthy adults.
To order the best quality star anise, please contact:
VLUX VIETNAM IMPORT EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED
Email: info@vluxexim.com/ hienchi.vlux@gmail.com
Website: vluxexim.com
Address: No. 58A Vo Van Dung Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City, Vietnam.
Mobile/Whatsapp/Wechat: +84 812 887 858
VLUX VIETNAM IMPORT EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED
Email: info@vluxexim.com/ hienchi.vlux@gmail.com
Website: vluxexim.com
Address: No. 58A Vo Van Dung Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City, Vietnam.
Mobile/Whatsapp/Wechat: +84 812 887 858
