Health & Life

Common spice found in pho is a natural heart-healthy, blood sugar-regulating ‘medicine’.

This is a type of spice commonly used in traditional herbal remedies. It not only enhances the flavor of dishes, but it also provides health benefits.

Administrator

29 February, 2024

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Star anise is a renowned spice commonly found in the cuisine of many Asian countries such as Vietnam, Japan, China, and European countries. Dried star anise releases a distinctive spicy aroma.

It is also an essential ingredient in the five-spice powder, adding flavor to pho, curry, and is used to make delicious and nutritious tea. Every part of the star anise plant, from seeds, fruits to essential oil, is applied in traditional medicine as well as added fragrance to products such as perfume, soap, and toothpaste.

According to research, adding star anise to a balanced and nutritious diet can bring significant health benefits.

Blood sugar regulation

Diabetes patients often face serious complications such as unexplained fatigue, nerve damage, impaired kidney function, etc. According to doctors, adding star anise to the diet can assist diabetes patients with the potential benefits it offers in managing blood sugar.

Star anise contains anethole compounds recognized for their ability to control blood sugar levels. Research shows that anethole plays an important role in the carbohydrate metabolism, thereby regulating the glucose concentration in the blood.

Improving cardiovascular health

Research shows that star anise has the ability to regulate blood pressure, control lipid levels, and reduce plaque build-up in the heart. Star anise has a rich amount of antioxidants that can support cardiovascular health by protecting heart cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Potential anti-cancer properties

The high amount of antioxidants in star anise can protect your cells from free radical damage and oxidative stress, preventing them from becoming cancerous.

Research also indicates that star anise has the ability to reduce the risk of tumor formation in animals. Star anise has been found to enhance the activity of certain enzymes involved in cancer prevention. However, more research is needed to accurately confirm the anticancer properties of the antioxidants in star anise for human cell cancer prevention.

Antiviral and antifungal, boosting immunity

Several studies have shown that the bioactive compounds in star anise (including shikimic acid, linalool, and anethole) can help combat different types of bacteria.

Therefore, adding star anise to your diet will help safeguard against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, ear infections, and various other illnesses. According to research, star anise can prevent conditions such as pneumonia, diarrhea, etc. Anethole flavonoid compound imparts the characteristic flavor to star anise and is also known for its antifungal properties.

In addition, the shikimic acid compound in star anise has been shown to prevent and treat flu. Drinking a cup of star anise tea can help boost your immunity during the cold weather of winter thanks to its abundant vitamins and antioxidants.

Improving digestion

Drinking star anise tea after meals can help alleviate digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, indigestion, and flatulence. Moreover, using star anise as a spice stimulates the taste buds, enhances bowel function, and makes food enjoyment more appealing.

Precautions when using star anise

Most people can use star anise without any issues, but a few may experience allergic reactions such as itching or rashes. Therefore, it is important to conduct a body reaction test by consuming a small amount before increasing the dosage.

In addition, star anise may interact with certain medications. Therefore, medication users should consult with a healthcare provider before adding star anise to their daily menu.

Frequently asked questions

Every part of the star anise plant is utilized; the seeds, fruits, and essential oil are used in traditional medicine, and it is also added to products like perfume, soap, and toothpaste as a fragrance enhancer.

Star anise has significant health benefits when added to a balanced diet. It can help regulate blood sugar, making it beneficial for diabetes patients. Additionally, it supports cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and reducing plaque build-up in the heart. The spice is also a rich source of antioxidants, offering potential anti-cancer properties and boosting immunity.

Star anise contains anethole compounds, which are known to control blood sugar levels. Anethole plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism, thereby regulating glucose concentration in the blood. This can help diabetes patients manage their blood sugar and avoid serious complications associated with the condition.

Research shows that star anise has cardiovascular benefits, including the ability to regulate blood pressure, control lipid levels, and reduce plaque build-up in the heart. The rich amount of antioxidants in star anise supports heart health by protecting heart cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

The high antioxidant content in star anise can protect cells from free radical damage and oxidative stress, potentially preventing them from becoming cancerous. Research also suggests that star anise may reduce the risk of tumor formation in animals and enhance the activity of certain enzymes involved in cancer prevention. However, further studies are needed to confirm these effects in human cells.

Star anise contains bioactive compounds like shikimic acid, linalool, and anethole, which have been shown to combat different types of bacteria. Adding star anise to your diet can help protect against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and other illnesses. The anethole flavonoid compound in star anise also possesses antifungal properties.

Drinking star anise tea after meals can help alleviate digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, indigestion, and flatulence. As a spice, it stimulates the taste buds and enhances bowel function, making food more enjoyable.

While most people can consume star anise without issues, some may experience allergic reactions such as itching or rashes. It is important to conduct a small test to check for any adverse reactions before increasing the dosage. Additionally, star anise may interact with certain medications, so medication users should consult a healthcare provider before including it in their diet.