Healthy Spices--Star of Anise or Anise Seeds

*Image nutmegspiceco.com


Here is some more spice information I have gathered and some ways they could help your health. Of course, there are no guarantees, but spices also enhance your food, so they are always good to use. Today I will share information on anise. I love when the foods we eat can be beneficial in promoting good health.

Note: People with high blood pressure should not use anise. It might exacerbate their conditon. Always check with your doctor if in doubt.



*Image.wikipedia.org


*image foodie-isms

GourmetSleuth.com

Anise

Anise a member of the parsley or carrot family.Here are some of nutrients it contains, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, and, manganese. The seeds add a licorice flavor to foods and beverages. Using anise dates back to around 1500 BC. You can either use the star of anise and crush it or crush the seeds. It is used in flavoring licorice candy.

Ways it may help you:

1. Can help with bad breath. You can chew the seeds. (Is used as ingredient in toothpaste sometimes.)

2. Can be helpful in digestion. Can be used indigestion. It can also help reduce nausea, gas and bloating.

3. Can aide in lactation for nursing women.

4. Seeds can be chewed after a meal to aid in digestion, or you can add 1 tsp. of crushed seeds to boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes. Drink the mixture.

5. Can help reduce mucus and nasal congestion.

6. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Can benefit the lungs, brain, heart and liver.

7. Also can help in keeping estrogen at normal levels.

8. Can help to neuturalize acid to help you avoid heartburn.

Ways to use Anise:

1. Star of Anise is said to intensify the flavor in browned meat by 10 times. The longer it is cooked with the meat the better. Great with poultry, roast pork, braised meats and fish. (I am going to give it a try.)

2. Great in stews and marinades too.

3. Star of Anise works well in potpourris.

4. Can help improve your appetite by chewing the seeds prior to a meal.

5. You can add to pastries, cakes, and cookies. Great combination with cinnamon. The flavors compliment each other when used together.

Make Mulled Cider with anise


Here is some other information on spices:

Tumeric, Garlic, and Parsley
Chili pepper, Thyme
Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom