Star Anise

STAR ANISE

Star anise. The fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree Illicium verum is used to make the spice known as star anise. It has a taste similar to licorice and is appropriately named for the star-shaped pods from which the spice seeds are extracted. Despite the fact that star anise and anise are unrelated, they are frequently confused due to their similar names and flavors. It is often known that anise seeds are a tasty spice that may be utilized in a variety of recipes.

STAR ANISE

However, anise seeds also have a lot of health advantages. Pimpinella anisum, the anise plant, is a member of the same family as parsley, celery, and carrots. It yields white flowers and a little fruit called anise seeds, and it can reach a height of three feet (1 meter). It can also be used as flu treatment.

1. Guard Against Ulcers in the Stomach

Indigestion, nausea, and a burning feeling in the chest are some of the symptoms of stomach ulcers, which are painful sores that develop in the stomach lining. According to early research, anise seeds may help prevent and treat stomach ulcers, even though traditional treatments sometimes entail drugs to lower stomach acid. Anise seeds decreased gastric acid secretion, avoiding ulcer formation and shielding cells from harm, according to an animal study. However, studies on the impact of anise seeds on

2. Stops the Growth of Bacteria and Fungi

According to research conducted in test tubes, anise seeds and their constituents have strong antibacterial qualities that help ward off diseases and stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. Anise seeds and essential oil were found to be very efficient against specific fungal strains, such as yeast and fungi that cause skin infections, in a test-tube investigation. The active component in anise seeds, anethole, also prevents the formation of bacteria, and . Anethole was shown in another study to inhibit the growth of a bacterial strain that causes cholera, a serious illness marked by severe diarrhea and dehydration. The effects of anise seeds on bacterial and fungal development in people need to be investigated further.

3. Control Blood Sugar Levels

Research indicates that when paired with a nutritious diet, anethole, the key ingredient in anise seeds, may help regulate blood sugar. Anethole decreased high blood sugar by changing important enzyme levels and improving the function of pancreatic cells that produce insulin, according to a 45-day research conducted in diabetic mice.
Anethole helped diabetic mice’s blood sugar levels, according to another animal study. It should be noted that the concentrations of anethole used in these research were significantly higher than those present in normal servings of anise seeds. The impact of anise seeds on blood sugar levels in humans requires more investigation.

4. Cuts Down on Inflammation

The immune system’s normal reaction to damage or infection is frequently inflammation. However, diseases including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease are associated with chronic inflammation. Anise seeds may help lower inflammation, improving general health and preventing disease, according to research done on animals and in lab settings. An animal study, for instance, revealed that anise seed oil decreased discomfort and edema. Antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and stop oxidative damage, are abundant in anise seeds, according to another study.

Summary

For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has utilized the spice star anise. It contains potent bioactive substances that could aid in the treatment of bacterial, viral, and fungal illnesses. However, to assure purity, always verify the source of the spice you’re buying, and start with a tiny amount to prevent negative responses.