This fragrant vegetable is sold in many markets and is a precious medicine for the heart.

(Dan Tri) - This rustic herb not only adds flavor to fish dishes or soups but is also a valuable medicine highly valued by both traditional and modern medicine.

A powerful source of antioxidants

Dill contains many flavonoid compounds, terpenoids, tannins and vitamin C, which help the body neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Research by a group of Indian authors published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry shows that fennel extract helps reduce oxidative damage in liver and heart cells in experimental models.

Another study by the University of Warsaw (Poland) published in Antioxidants noted that sprouted fennel seeds had 60% higher polyphenol content than dry seeds, while significantly increasing antioxidant capacity.

Helps reduce blood fat and protect the heart

Dill has many health benefits (Photo: Getty).

For a long time, fennel has been considered a friend of the cardiovascular system. The active ingredient anethole and flavonoid groups in the plant have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels.

A trial at Isfahan University (Iran) on postmenopausal women showed that the group taking cumin powder for 3 months had an average LDL reduction of 8.3 mg/dL compared to the control group.

Scientists also noted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of fennel essential oil to help improve vascular function and prevent atherosclerosis.

Support blood sugar regulation

Fennel extract has been shown to improve insulin resistance, a major cause of type 2 diabetes. Research from Kerman University (Iran, 2021) showed that using fennel seed extract for 8 weeks reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in a group of mild diabetic patients.

Scientists believe that the compound anethole may help increase cell sensitivity to insulin, while inhibiting glucose production in the liver.

Natural antibacterial and antifungal effects

Fennel essential oil is one of the essential oils with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. In a study published in Food Control , fennel essential oil showed strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans.

That is why, in many rural areas, people still use fennel decoction to gargle, relieve sore throat or steam when they have a cold.

Helps digestion, reduces bloating

Fennel is used by people as a digestive stimulant and stomach cramping reliever. Indian scientists tested fennel essential oil on 80 people with chronic flatulence, and 72% of users showed improvement in symptoms after 10 days.

The mechanism is thought to be due to the active ingredients carvone and limonene, which help relax intestinal smooth muscles, increase digestive enzyme secretion and reduce gas.

Good for bones and joints

In 100g of fresh dill there are more than 200mg of calcium, along with magnesium and phosphorus, important minerals for bones. Folk remedies often use dill to boil water to drink or pound with salt to make a paste to reduce joint swelling.

Although some clinical studies have not shown clear changes in bone density with fennel, its natural anti-inflammatory effects may help relieve mild joint pain in older adults.

Reduce menstrual cramps, aid sleep

Fennel is considered a female medicine. Research has shown that fennel seed extract reduces menstrual pain in 60 young women, comparable to ibuprofen but with fewer side effects.

In addition, fennel essential oil contains anethole and apigenin compounds that have mild sedative effects, helping to relax the nerves and improve sleep quality.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/loai-rau-thom-phuc-ban-day-cho-la-duoc-lieu-quy-voi-tim-20251104080758411.htm