Anise seed whole, an immune building spice

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. The oblong-shaped fruits of this plant, which are more commonly referred to as anise seeds or (aniseeds seeds), are used all around the globe as a culinary ingredient.

The main reason behind the herb's popularity as a culinary ingredient is its amazing flavour. The incredible versatility of the herb makes it a great addition to tea recipes, sweet biscuit recipes, as well as savoury spice blend recipes, especially with pork or duck

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The Difference between anise seeds, star anise, fennel seeds, and licorice

Due to significant similarity in flavour, aniseed seeds are often confused with star anise and licorice. However, the fact is that the ingredients are completely different from each other Anise seed belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is related to other common cooking spices, including caraway, dill, and fennel.

Star anise happens to be a star-shaped fruit from the magnolia family. Licorice, on the other hand, belongs to the Fabaceae family. It’s actually the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. The reason for which these three completely unrelated plants produce similar flavours is the common flavouring compound present in them. Each of these three spices contains a substance known as anethole.

Health Benefits

Individuals who are looking to experience the health benefits offered by aniseed seeds should start consuming tea prepared using spice. Anise is well-liked for its licorice-like taste, which creates a sweet and enjoyable tea. Anise seed tea is not only pleasing, but it is also beneficial for relieving common problems such as an upset stomach and congestion.

You will just need boiling hot water and some crushed aniseed seeds for preparing this aromatic tea. For maximum benefits and savouring the flavour perfectly, have the tea without milk. However, many around the world also love adding milk to aniseed tea. Adding sugar or sugar substitutes is also optional.

Anise seed whole, an immune building spice

Packed With Micronutrients

Anise seeds are packed with important micronutrients such as proteins, monounsaturated fats, omega-three and omega-six fatty acids, fibre, minerals such as copper, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, and vitamins like vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C and E. The best part? It contains no sugar. Calcium and manganese help in promoting bone health, while iron helps the formation of red blood cells.

Anise seed whole, an immune building spice

Improves Sleep

Anise seeds have sedative chemicals. It is involved in neurotransmitters and hormones dependent reactions, which improves sleep. For the same reason, it improves anxiety and stress. It reduces oxidative stress, which reduces the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), depression, and brain cancer.
Anise seed also contains powerful antidepressant properties. It is also effective in reducing postpartum depression by increasing serotonin release

Respiratory Problems

Drinking a herbal infusion made from anise seeds can also be beneficial for common respiratory problems. As an anti-spasmodic, anise will help to ease coughing. With expectorant properties, it can also relieve congestion, clearing mucus from the airways. With good anti-microbial properties, it is also helpful for fighting a bacterial or viral infection.

A steaming cup of tea can help with bronchitis, the common cold, and any persistent coughing. here is a delicious anise tea recipe

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