Star anise is a traditional herb used by many people in Thailand and other parts of Asia. What exactly is star anise? Some people are under the misconception that common star anise and common anise just are not the same thing, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Star anise actually comes from a perennial tree which starts out life as an aromatic green fruit and comes into existence as a small, dark blue-green bush. Although it can grow up to 15 feet in height, the average plant is only about three feet tall.
For the best star anise recipe use fresh garlic heads or garlic clove with the tops cut off. Then, soak these cloves overnight in water in a large pan and then drain the water in a bowl. In the morning you simply have to fry them in a pan over low heat. For the best results, dry the garlic heads completely before grinding them. Using a pestle, you grind the pieces to make a fine paste.
Another good place to get these wonderful herbs is through the herb market because they come in a wide variety of different varieties. Thai and Mexican cultures are popular for using fennel in their dishes, and it is also available in various gourmet grocery stores. Fennel comes in a variety of colors depending on where the stalks are from, and they vary in their sizes as well. The most common size of fennel is about a third of an inch.
Health Benefits – One of the main health benefits of fennel is its medicinal properties. This vegetable is known for being able to help with digestive problems, especially with constipation. Constipation is a problem that plagues many people because they do not fully understand how their bodies work. When you eat foods that are difficult to digest, it increases the level of fiber and liquid in your body, which makes it more likely that you will experience regular bowel movements. Some people experience problems when they are forced to suffer with constipation, and fennel can help by acting as a stool softener.
Anti-Viral & Anti Parasitic – It has been shown to have some strong anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties. These properties have been found in both plants and in the juices extracted from the leaves. The juice is often used to help bring on the healing process of colds, although the healing process can occur prior to contact with the cold. In addition to helping with colds, the nutrient rich juice can also help boost the immune system and fight off bacteria that may be in the digestive tract. It is this very ability to help the body fight off infection that makes the Star Anise so beneficial to the human body.
Nutrient Value – One of the best things about Star Anise is the fact that it contains over 22 nutrients, including vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, which is one of the main things that makes up elastic tissue. Star Anise does not contain any calories or fat, so it is extremely low in both of those items. Furthermore, the nutrients found in Star Anise have been proven to boost overall health, while providing a noticeable antioxidant effect. In fact, the antioxidants in the Star Anise, when added to a recipe calls for nearly twice as much antioxidant protection as you would find in most vegetables. This is why Star Anise is a highly beneficial ingredient when you are looking to increase the health benefits of your diet.