Anise Seeds,  Good Depression-Lowering Power House

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Anise in wooden spoon

Anise Seeds,  Good Depression-Lowering Power House

Introduction

Anise, also known as aniseed or Pimpinella anisum, is a plant in the same family as carrots, celery, and parsley. It grows up to one meter tall and produces flowers and small white berries known as aniseedAnise, with i. This article will outline seven scientifically proven benefits and uses of anise..  anise seeds.https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-anise

Anise in wooden spoon
Anise in a wooden spoon
  1. Abundant nutrients

Although the amount of anise seed used is relatively small, each serving contains sufficient amounts of several important micronutrients. Anise is rich in iron, which is essential for producing healthy blood cells in the body. It also contains small amounts of manganese, which acts as an antioxidant and is an important mineral for metabolism and development. One tablespoon (7 grams) of aniseed gives:

  • Calories: 23
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Fat: 1 gram
  • Carbs: 3 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Iron: 13% of the Reference Daily Dose (RDI)
  • Manganese: 7% of RDI
  • Calcium: 4% of RDI
  • Magnesium: 3% of RDI
  • Phosphorus: 3% of RDI
  • Potassium: 3% of RDI
  • Copper: 3% of RDI

However, be aware that most recipes call for less than 1 tablespoon.

https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/anise-seed.html

2, May Reduce Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a common but debilitating illness, affecting up to 25% of women and 12% of men worldwide. It is amazing to know that some studies have revealed that anise seeds can help treat depression. Another study involving 107 women showed that they took 3 grams of aniseed powder thrice daily. One study showed that anise extract had potent antidepressant effects in mice. It is comparable to those of common prescription drugs used to treat depression.  This dose was effective in reducing symptoms of postpartum depression. In a four-week study of 120 people, taking 200 mg of anise oil capsules three times daily. It significantly reduced symptoms of mild to moderate depression compared to a control group.

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  1. It can prevent stomach ulcers

Gastric ulcers, also known as stomach ulcers, are painful ulcers that form on the lining of the stomach. Ulcer causes symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, and a burning sensation in the chest. Conventional treatment usually involves drugs that reduce stomach acid production.

However preliminary research suggests anise seeds may help prevent and relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers. For example, animal studies have found that anise reduces gastric acid secretion, prevents the formation of stomach ulcers, and protects cells from damage. However, researchers have conducted very limited studies on the effects of aniseed on stomach ulcers. Nonetheless, the research on aniseed’s effects on stomach ulcers remains limited. Researchers need to conduct further studies to comprehend how it impacts human ulceration and its symptoms.

 

  1. Prevent fungal and bacterial growth

Test-tube studies have shown that anise seed and its compounds have powerful antibacterial properties that prevent infection and block the growth of fungi and bacteria. Test-tube studies have shown that anise seed and anise essential oil are particularly effective against certain strains of fungi, such as yeast and dermatophytes, a type of fungus that can cause skin diseases.

Anethole, the active ingredient in anise, also inhibits bacterial growth. In test-tube studies, anethole inhibited the growth of a specific bacterial strain that causes cholera, an infection characterized by severe diarrhea and dehydration. However, researchers need to further investigate how aniseed impacts fungal and bacterial growth in humans.

  1. May reduce symptoms of menopause

Menopause is the natural decrease in reproductive hormones as women age, causing symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, and dry skin. Anise seeds have been suggested to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and may alleviate symptoms of menopause. In a four-week study, 72 women with hot flashes took a placebo or capsules containing 330 mg of aniseed three times daily. The person who took anise reduced the severity and frequency of her hot flashes by nearly 75%. Some of the compounds in anise seeds may also help prevent bone loss, one of the hallmark symptoms of menopause caused by low estrogen levels in the body.

One study found that an essential oil containing 81% anethole. The active ingredient in anise berries helped prevent bone loss and protect against osteoporosis in rats. Despite these promising results, researchers need to further investigate how anise itself influences menopausal symptoms in women.

  1. Helps balance blood sugar levels

Some studies suggest that anethole, the active ingredient in anise, combined with a healthy diet can help control blood sugar levels. In the 45-day study in diabetic rats, anethole was favored to decrease high blood sugar levels by changing the levels of many key enzymes. Anethole also increased the ability of pancreatic cells to produce insulin. Another animal study also reported that anethole improved blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. Note that these studies used concentrated doses of anethole, much higher than those found in regular anise seeds. Further research is needed to determine how anise affects blood sugar levels in humans.

  1. May reduce inflammation

Many people often think of inflammation as the immune system’s normal response to defending itself against injury and infection. However, chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are associated with high levels of long-term inflammation. Animal and test-tube studies suggest that anise seeds may reduce inflammation, promote health, and prevent disease.

For example, a study in mice found that anise oil lessened swelling and pain. Other research suggests that anise is rich in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative damage that causes disease.

Possible side effects

Most people can safely consume anise without the risk of unwanted side effects. However, it can cause allergic reactions, especially if you are allergic to plants in the same family, such as fennel, celery, parsley, and dill. Additionally, anise’s estrogenic properties may exacerbate symptoms of hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer and endometriosis. If you have a history of these symptoms, exercise in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Dosage and Supplements

Anise is usually purchased as dried seeds, but it is also available in oil, powder, and extract form. Anise seeds, oils, and extracts. It adds a special flavor to baked goods and treats or enhances the scent of soaps and skin creams. Most recipes call for a few teaspoons (4–13 grams or 5–15 ml) of anise seed, oil, or extract to be ground. Note that each form contains different concentrations of anise.

Therefore, it is important to change the recipe depending on the form used. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of anise seed extract, substitute 1/4 teaspoon (1 mL) of anise oil or 2 teaspoons (8 grams) of anise seed powder. As a medicine, 600 mg to 9 grams of aniseed per day is effective in treating conditions such as depression. Up to 20 grams of aniseed powder per day is considered safe for healthy adults.

Anise branch laden with fruit
Anise branch laden with fruit

Conclusion

Anise is a powerful plant that is rich in many nutrients and has many health benefits. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, fights stomach ulcers, controls blood sugar levels, and relieves symptoms of depression and menopause. When combined with a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle, aniseed can improve many aspects of health.

Disclaimer: This article contains information for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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