After the cold and the rains of winter and with the Easter Just around the corner comes the time to start living more on the street and wearing lighter clothes, so one of the biggest concerns is those extra kilos gained in recent months. There are many cases of people who have considered or have already started “operation Bikini” these days. This plan should always be linked to the sporting activity and the choice of the most suitable foods for each one and for each objective. In the case of women, one of the biggest concerns is usually the accumulated fat in form of nodules or small pockets in the connective tissue of the skin called cellulitis.
During the winter, with the low temperatures, its incidence is usually low, but with the arrival of heat, it worsens, because it causes more swelling of the legs and increase fluid retention. Therefore, the choice of food is essential. The pineapple helps to drain the body and activate circulation, which makes it a good anti-cellulite. Green tea is another option because it is an excellent diuretic that, in addition to draining the body, speeds up metabolism. The cherries and the ponytail or the ginger are also excellent allies in this regard.
But there is a superfood that, in addition to fighting cellulite, helps to lose weight, reduces period pain and is ideal for people who suffer from anemia: Fennel.
He fennel is a Mediterranean herbaceous plant that is used both for culinary and medicinal purposes and that contributes to fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamins A and B3, match and iron. The ascorbic, oleic and linoleic acid it contains reduces the levels of cholesterol in blood and with it, protects cardiovascular health.
But the great virtue of this superfood is that it promotes weight loss because speeds up metabolismdigestion of fatty foods, relieves constipationcombat the fluid retentioneliminates toxins and has a great effect satiating. In addition, it reduces gases and the swelling abdominal, so it will make achieving a flat stomach not impossible. It must be taken into account that these foods should be included in a balanced hypocaloric diet, in which vegetables, fruits and fish abound, and in which the consumption of sugary products, processed products, and alcoholic beverages is restricted. Red meats should be replaced by lean meats such as chicken or rabbit and you have to change the pan for the griddle when preparing them.
Another of the great benefits of fennel is that it favors the production of estrogensso it relieves premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause.
But it does not stop there, because it strengthens the immune system and with it the typical colds of spring. In the event that we cannot escape from constipation, fennel acts as a natural expectorant and Reduces cough and nasal congestion.
As if that were not enough, his antioxidants protect the body’s cells against damage caused by free radicals and, in the case of pregnant women, promotes the production of breastmilk.
In the event that you are taking medication and decide to use this superfood, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since it can interact with certain drugs and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. For example, fennel can increase the amount of estrogen in the body, which can interfere with the effectiveness of estrogen-lowering medications, such as oral contraceptives or medicines for breast cancer.
Additionally, fennel may interact with medications that are metabolized in the liver, which can increase or decrease its effectiveness. Some medications that may be affected include blood thinners, sedatives, and medications for blood pressure.
Therefore, it is important to speak with a health professional before taking fennel if you are taking any medication, especially if it is taken in extract or capsule form. Your doctor or pharmacist can assess the risks and benefits of taking fennel along with other medications and can advise on proper dosage and frequency of use.
How to prepare fennel
The most common way is in infusion. In large supermarkets, such as Mercadona, they sell bags of fennel. In the event that you prefer to do it naturally, simply place the dry seeds of the plant in a cup of hot water and let it rest for a few minutes before straining it.
Another option is to include it in salads. If a few days ago, we talked about the benefits of including spinach, fennel is another good option. Fresh, in pieces or as a garnish for fish and chicken. One option, but less common, is to prepare it as if it were a sautéed vegetable. To do this, all you have to do is buy fennel bulbs, chop them up and sauté them with a drop of extra virgin olive oil and garlic.
If you prefer to use fennel seeds, they can be used as a spice or to make products such as soups, stews, curries and even in bread making.
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