Fennel For Preventing Osteoporosis

In Ayurveda, food and herbs are used for their medicinal qualities not just nutrition.  Generally, foods are not labeled as good or bad, but rather they are judged if they suit your body type.  Some foods are mild and  beneficial enough to be balancing for all body types.  Fennel is one of those foods.  Traditionally, fennel is used to aid digestion by gently increasing the digestive process and eliminating post digestive upsets such as gas.  Fennel is used in spice mixtures for preparing food.  The fennel seeds are commonly chewed after meals to ease and soothe potential stomach upset.

Fennel is also a vegetable.  In  general, a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is thought to prevent osteoporosis. People today take many calcium supplements, but they are useless if they are not absorbed by the body. The fruits and vegetables contain many trace vitamins and minerals that aid calcium absorption.  The vegetables are also filled with potassium which helps to balance the effects of too much sodium.  A diet high in processed foods is filled with salt which will create an unhealthy PH level in our bodies.  Potassium rich vegetables and cutting back on processed foods will also promote calcium absorption by regulating the PH levels.

The classic course of treatment by many doctors for osteoporosis are prescription drugs like Fosomax.  These drugs have harmful side effects, so many researchers are looking for alternative ways to build bone mass.  Healthy bones maintain their strength through a continual process of bone breakdown and bone rebuilding. Osteoclasts are the cells that break down weakened bone, and osteoblasts are the cells that build it back up. In a recent study, it was found that eating the seeds of the plant had a beneficial effect on loss of bone mineral density, as well as stabilizing bone mineral content. The fennel appeared to work by reducing osteoclast differentiation and function, thereby slightly decreasing bone turnover markers and offering a protective effect on the bones.  Fennel is also a great source of nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, phytonutrients and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation, boost immune function, and even help prevent cancer. 

Fennel packs a lot of value for one vegetable.  You get digestion help and stronger bones.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa