Fennel seeds are the dried seed of the fennel herb, and look like cumin seeds, only greener. They have an aniseed flavour and a warm, sweet aroma. They can be used on their own or in spice mixes such as Chinese five-spice powder and Indian panch phoran. In many parts of the world, fennel seeds are used medicinally to treat everything from menstrual cramps to bad gas. Some of these uses have been confirmed by research while others are still being tested.
Fennel seeds are sometimes marketed as a weight loss tool. There may be some truth to the claim that fennel seeds can aid in weight loss.
One early study suggests that eating fennel seeds reduces appetite and significantly reduces overeating at mealtimes. For people with obesity caused by food cravings and overeating, fennel seeds could be helpful.
