Often associated with the warm, comforting flavours of holiday baking and mulled wine, anise seeds are emerging as a potential powerhouse for health, with research suggesting significant benefits for mental wellbeing and menopausal relief.
More Than Just a Festive Flavour
Commonly used to sweeten baked goods and desserts, anise seeds impart a distinctive warm and sweet liquorice-like flavour. However, beyond their culinary uses, these tiny seeds are packed with essential minerals. According to Thailand’s Vinmec Healthcare System, they are rich in brain and immune-boosting iron, as well as bone- and cell-protecting manganese.
A favourite in both Asian and European cuisine, anise is a versatile addition to many dishes, with just one or two teaspoons needed for most recipes. They are also low in calories, containing a mere 23 calories per tablespoon.
Combating Depression and Menopause Symptoms
Groundbreaking research from Iranian institutions points to the seeds of the Pimpinella anisum plant having profound effects on health. One study from researchers in Tehran found that consuming anise seeds reduced the severity and frequency of menopausal hot flashes by nearly three-quarters.
Menopause, which impacts over one million women in the US annually, brings symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep troubles, and mood swings. Furthermore, two other Iranian studies demonstrated that symptoms of both postpartum and mild-to-moderate depression were relieved by taking anise seed powder or capsules three times daily.
Depression, which affects 16 million American adults, can manifest as persistent sadness, irritability, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Additional Health Benefits and Safety
The advantages of anise appear to extend further. Research from Italy has highlighted the seed oil's potential to reduce inflammation, while a study from Chinese researchers confirmed its antibacterial properties.
For most healthy adults, consuming anise is considered safe, with a daily intake of up to 20 grams of anise seed powder deemed acceptable. However, individuals with certain hormone-related conditions or allergies are advised to consult their doctor before ingesting it.
This festive spice, therefore, offers more than just seasonal cheer, presenting a fascinating intersection of culinary tradition and potential therapeutic benefit.
