A traditional herbal remedy that is made by infusing fennel seeds in water, saunf water has long been cherished in Ayurveda and natural wellness circles. Packed with powerful antioxidants, essential oils, and digestive enzymes, the benefits of drinking saunf water are plenty! From aiding digestion and boosting metabolism to promoting clearer skin and hormonal balance, the advantages of saunf water are extremely effective towards leading a healthy lifestyle. Here’s for you to explore how this age-old remedy can transform your daily wellness routine.
What is saunf water?
Saunf water is a natural drink that is prepared by soaking or boiling fennel seeds in water. Known for its sweet, slightly licorice-like flavour and medicinal properties, saunf water is widely used as a traditional remedy for digestion, detoxifying the body, as well as for its cooling effects.
What is the difference between raw saunf and saunf infused water?
While both raw saunf and infused saunf water offer an array of health benefits, both differ in their effects and absorption. Raw saunf is rich in fiber, which improves digestion, curbs appetite, and can be used for freshening breath when chewed after meals. In contrast, saunf water allows your body to quickly absorb water soluble compounds, and makes it a more effective choice for hydration, detoxification, reducing bloating, and soothing the digestive system, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
Nutritional profile of fennel seeds
Although small in size, fennel seeds are incredibly rich in nutrients. Packed with dietary fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds, here are some of the major compounds of the nutritional profile of fennel seeds-
- Key vitamins- Fennel seeds are rich in Vitamins C, A, and B-complex.
- Essential minerals- Packed with calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and phosphorus, fennel seeds are packed with minerals which in turn cater to a diverse range of needs and benefits.
- Powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients- Fennel seeds are rich in anethole, flavonoids, and polyphenols which further amplifies the advantages of saunf water.
Health benefits of drinking saunf water
High in nutritional value and packed with goodness, here’s how drinking saunf water regularly benefits your overall health-
1. Aids digestion and relieves bloating
A time tested natural remedy for digestive troubles, fennel seeds are rich in volatile oils like anethole, which helps in the secretion of digestive enzymes. As a result, the benefit of drinking saunf water on an empty stomach can ease bloating, reduce gas, and prevent acidity, making it a gentle yet effective solution for improving your gut health.
2. Boosts metabolism and supports weight loss
Infused saunf water helps boost up your metabolism and promote better digestion and nutrient absorption. The advantages of saunf water is that it is packed with antioxidants and fiber-like compounds that helps in curbing unnecessary hunger pangs, and keeps you fuller for longer periods of time. As a result, when you incorporate saunf water as a part of your daily diet, it helps in healthy weight management.
3. Detoxifies the body naturally
Known for its detoxifying properties, saunf water acts as a gentle cleanser. It helps in flushing out the toxins from your body, keeping it healthier and improving overall vitality.
4. Regulates hormonal balance in women
The benefit of drinking saunf water, especially for women, is that it contains phytoestrogens, which is a plant based compound that mimics estrogen in the body. As a result, saunf water is believed to ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance like irregular periods, menstrual cramps, or mood swings.
5. Improves skin and clears acne
Since fennel seeds help in digestion and detoxifying the body, a saunf water benefit for skin is that it contributes to clearer skin from within. Rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and flavonoids that fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, regularly drinking saunf water reduces acne, pigmentation and promotes a natural glow.
6. Promotes better sleep and reduces stress
The calming properties of fennel seeds, especially the essential oils in them, help soothe the nervous system. Drinking warm saunf water before bed is believed to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall sleep quality naturally.
7. Controls blood pressure levels
Rich in potassium, the advantage of saunf water is that it helps in maintaining electrolyte balance and supports heart health by regulating blood pressure. It is also believed to help in relaxing the blood vessels and reducing strain on the cardiovascular system.
8. Boosts immunity
Saunf water is a gentle immunity booster, packed with antioxidants and vitamin C that enhances the body’s natural defence mechanisms. Regularly drinking saunf water helps your body to fend off common infections and maintain overall wellness.
Best time to drink saunf water
To get the most advantages of saunf water, timing plays an important role. Here are the best timings in a day to drink sauf water for maximum benefits-
- Early morning, on an empty stomach- Drinking saunf water first thing in the morning helps in flushing out toxins, kickstarts digestion and boosts metabolism.
- After meals- Having a small glass of lukewarm saunf water half an hour after meals can prevent indigestion, reduce gas, and ease bloating.
- Before bed- A warm cup of saunf water before bed helps in relaxation and promotes deeper sleep.