ANISE: 11 PROPERTIES FOR HEALTH AND FORMS OF INTAKE - NUTRITION - 2025

The anise has great properties for health: it is expectorant, digestive, protection against some antibiotic - resistant bacteria fighter flu ally against cancer, regulates the menstrual cycle and others who know below.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia. Its flavor has similarities to some other spices, such as star anise, fennel, and licorice.

Anise plants grow best in light, fertile, well-drained soil; It was first cultivated in Egypt and the Middle East, but was brought to Europe for its medicinal value. The main use of anise in traditional European herbal medicine was for its carminative effect (reduction of flatulence).

In the 1860s, American nurse Maureen Hellstrom used anise seeds in the Civil War as a form of antiseptic. This method was later found to have caused high levels of toxicity in the blood and was discontinued shortly thereafter.

Healthy properties of anise

1- Helps to cough

According to a 1996 publication of the New York Medicinal Plant Encyclopedia, high-dose anise is used as an antispasmodic and antiseptic for the treatment of coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. This is because anise helps loosen phlegm in the lungs.

2- Protects from cell damage

It is essential that we obtain as much natural antioxidants as possible, because these help us protect our body against cell damage caused by exposure to free radicals and environmental toxins.

These free radicals can cause premature aging and increase the risk of serious diseases like cancer or heart disease.

Due to the presence of linalool and vitamin C, anise is a great source of antioxidants.

3- Protects from bacteria

In recent years, the number of bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics has been increasing. This has made scientists very interested in finding new antimicrobial treatments that are more effective.

In a study from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, researchers found that four antimicrobial compounds derived from anise were highly effective against 70 drug-resistant strains of bacteria.

This led them to conclude that star anise compounds could be developed as an antibiotic in the future.

4- Fight the flu

An Italian study published in 2011 examined the effects of shikimic acid (present in anise) on the immune system as a protector against the flu.

The researchers found that shikimic acid, combined with small amounts of quercetin, boosts immune function and helps protect the body against viral infections like the flu.

5- Ally against cancer

A study by the Faculty of Biochemistry at Devi Ahilya University in India, conducted on rats, concluded that star anise reduces tumor burden, decreases oxidative stress and increases the level of enzymes, which is why it can be considered a powerful anticancer.

6- improves digestion

Indigestion is a common complaint for everyone. In many parts of the world, anise tea has a long and respected reputation for being able to naturally soothe an upset stomach and promote healthy digestion. This is due to its antispasmodic properties, which help to relax the overactive muscles of the intestine.

Anise also helps reduce nausea, decrease bloating and eliminate flatulence by releasing the accumulation of gases in the digestive tract.

7- Helps to fall asleep

The natural sedative properties of anise help in reducing sleep disorders, due to the relaxation it produces in the brain. However, the oil should be used very lightly, as it can cause side effects in high concentrations.

8- Relieves irritable bowel syndrome

The Traditional Medicine Research Center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran conducted a study on the efficacy of anise for treating intestinal disorders.

The patients were divided into three groups, one was given a placebo, another a drug indicated for this condition, and the third group some capsules with anise.

The researchers concluded that of the three, anise's mechanism of action was the most effective in treating the syndrome.

9- It works as a diuretic

Research from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon suggests that anise oil has an antidiuretic effect.

Urinating is good as it helps the body rid itself of toxins and waste products.

10- Increases the absorption of glucose

The same research from the American University of Beirut concluded that anise-based oil improves glucose levels, which is why it is believed that it would be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, since they have problems absorbing blood sugar.

11- Regulates the menstrual cycle

Due to its analgesic and antispasmodic properties, anise has traditionally been used to regulate the menstrual cycle in women and help relieve menstrual cramps.

Warning

The FDA recently issued a warning about the consumption of star anise infusions. It is important to note that there are different varieties of anise and that, although Chinese star anise is considered safe, it is not the same case with Japanese because it contains a toxic compound.

The reported side effects of Japanese star anise include nausea, vomiting, seizures, nervousness, and rapid eye movements. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

Anise can be a reputed abortifacient, so its excessive use is not recommended during pregnancy.

What is the recommended dosage?

There are no recent clinical studies that indicate what is the recommended dose of anise. However, the typical use in digestion disorders is 0.5 to 3 g of the seeds or 0.1 to 0.3 ml of the essential oil.

Nutritional information

A serving of (100 grams) of Anise contains:

• 337 kilocalories of energy (17 percent DV) ç
• 50.02 grams carbohydrate (38 percent DV)
• 17.60 grams of protein (31 percent DV)
• 79 grams of total fat (15.90 percent DV)
• 14.6 grams of dietary fiber (38 percent DV)
• 3.60 milligrams niacin (19 percent DV)
• 0.650 milligrams pyridoxine (50 percent DV)
• 0.290 milligrams riboflavin (22 percent DV)
• 311 IU vitamin A (10.5 percent DV)
• 21 milligrams vitamin C (35 percent DV)
• 16 milligrams sodium (1 percent DV)
• 1,441 milligrams potassium (31 percent DV)
• 646 milligrams calcium (65 percent DV)
• 0.910 milligrams copper (101 percent DV)
• 36.96 milligrams iron (462 percent DV)
• 170 milligrams magnesium (42.5 percent DV)
• 2,300 milligrams manganese (100 percent DV)
• 440 milligrams phosphorus (63 percent DV)
• 5.0 micrograms selenium (9 percent DV)
• 5.30 milligrams zinc (48 percent DV)

Interesting data

1. It is a plant that only occurs annually.
2. Its flowers are rich in nectar that attracts large numbers of bees.
3. In some places in India, after lunch, aniseed candies are eaten to freshen the breath.
4. The ancient Romans served anise cake after large feasts to aid digestion.
5. It is recommended to wash your hair with anise oil to eliminate lice.
6. The seeds are approximately 3 to 4 mm long and brown in color.
7. Anise must be bought in small quantities, since after 3 or 4 months it loses its smell, due to essential oils.
8. Avoid seeds that have broken tips, as it means they are about to perish. The appropriate color is olive green or bright brown.
9. If you want to store the anise, you must do it in airtight, dark and cool places.
10. Anise has been found to be a member of the parsley and carrot family.
11. In fishing, it can be used as a lure and thus attract many fish.
12. It comes from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, especially Egypt, Greece, Crete and Turkey.
13. Prolonged contact with concentrated anise oil can irreversibly damage the skin.
14. Consumed for a long time in its unprocessed form is poisonous to the body.

Recipes

- Anise and chocolate cookies

A super simple recipe to prepare, which takes approximately 1 hour and a half, between preparation and cooking. Ideal for a snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons yeast
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup of sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground anise
• 1 cup of chocolate chips

preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and place a foil on a large baking sheet.

Use the mixer and combine the flour, baking powder, yeast and salt in a medium bowl.

In another container, mix the butter and the sugar and incorporate the eggs 1 at a time, 1 minute between one and the other.

Once this is done, add the flour and baking powder to this mixture, until it becomes homogeneous.

Finally, add the teaspoon of anise and the chocolate chips, stir well until a smooth and compact dough forms.

Take the dough, stretch it and form a log or a rectangle and place it on the previously prepared baking tray. Let it cook for 30 minutes, until it is golden brown. Chill for an additional 30 minutes.

Cut the cookie pieces to the size and thickness of your preference and place them on the baking sheet again for another 15 minutes. Let them cool completely and then they are ready to serve and enjoy.

- Citrus salad with star anise syrup

A very healthy preparation, ideal to serve as a dessert at your meals, or at a special event. It takes 45 minutes to prepare and serves 8 people.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup of water
• 3 whole star anise
• 10 strawberries
• 4 oranges

preparation:

Dissolve the sugar in water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the star anise and keep the heat on for about 5 minutes. Let stand and cool.

Cut the strawberries and oranges into slices, extracting the seeds (the size of the pieces depends on your preference).

Add the star anise syrup to the fruits and it is ready to serve. You can remove the star anise to eat if you wish.

- Carrot soup with star anise

It is a very healthy preparation, a good starter for a meal, easy to prepare. It will only take 40 minutes and will serve 6-8 people, depending on the servings served.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1 ½ cups onion, minced
• 6 fresh sprigs of thyme
• 3 star anise
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ½ kilo of carrots
• 4 cups of chicken broth

preparation:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once achieved, add the onion, thyme, star anise, bay leaves and garlic.

Sauté all the ingredients until the onion is soft, which will last about 5 minutes.

Place the carrots, cover the pot, and simmer the ingredients until they are soft and tender, for about 30 minutes. If you like it, remove the spices from the soup and blend it into small portions to avoid any lumps. When serving it, you can place star anise on top to decorate.

- Anise bread

An easy recipe to make, which can be the companion of your meals. It is a bread of dark color, but that fully brings out the flavor of anise.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons of baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup brandy
• 1 ½ teaspoons anise extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup of almonds
• 2 tablespoons anise seed

preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and prepare a tray with aluminum foil to take to the oven.

In a container, place the sugar and butter until combined and then add the eggs one by one, beating well after incorporating them.

Use a small bowl to blend the brandy, anise extract, and vanilla extract. And finally in a medium bowl add flour, baking powder and salt. Add all the ingredients, starting with the most humid. Finally add the almonds and anise seeds.

Knead the preparation and form rectangles or logs and place them on the tray. Cook in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until browning and doneness are noticeable.

Once ready, let them cool and prepare to serve.