Last Updated on December 6, 2021 by Team THIP
Quick Take
A health article on a media website claims Fennel seeds (Saunf) can aid weight loss and you should have it regularly. We fact-checked the claim and found that it is half true.
The claim misses multiple important contexts.
The Claim
“Saunf water helps in shedding those extra kilos…By drinking saunf water regularly, even the storage of the fat will be reduced,” claims the article on the website India.com written by the website’s Lifestyle Team.
The archived version of the posts can be seen here and a screenshot of the same is given below.
Fact Check
Can Fennel seeds aid weight loss?
There is no direct conclusive proof that fennel seeds can aid weight loss.
Many scientists believe that fennel seeds can suppress appetite thereby indirectly aiding weight loss. The theory arose from a small research done on 9 healthy women who were given fennel tea to drink for a period of time before lunch. The research concluded that women who drank fennel tea felt lesser hungry and consumed lesser calories compared to those who drank a placebo.
However, there are other studies that show a completely different result. A study done on 47 women who were given fennel water for 12 weeks did not experience any loss of appetite. Rather, they gained a small amount of weight.
More detailed research is required to conclude fennel seeds can reduce weight.
Is it safe for everyone to drink fennel seeds water regularly?
No. Fennel has strong estrogenic properties and can trouble the hormone balance in the body if consumed too much regularly for too long. Though, not considered unsafe, pregnant women are advised to limit their intake of fennel. A study done on this matter shows high dosage can cause toxic effects on fetal cells.
People who have been prescribed hormone treatment or are undergoing Cancer treatments should consult their doctors before adding fennel to their diet regularly since it can interact with the drugs and cause adverse reactions.
Are fennel seeds safe for post child birth (postpartum) weight loss?
No. Researchers here, here, and here, have associated side effects of fennel seeds in lactating mothers. Infants have been found to suffer from low weight gain when lactating mothers drank fennel tea.
What does Ayurveda say about obesity and weight loss?
Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA) says, “Ayurveda states that obesity is a condition difficult to cure. In fact, the text states bluntly that it is almost an incurable disease – na hi sthulasya bheshajam. There is no magical remedy for obesity. No single medicine internal or external can treat the problem. Stress management, lifestyle, and diet constitute the main approach to treatment. Medicines, either external or internal are only supportive. The more patients comply with the comprehensive protocol, the better the results. Obesity also requires an individualized treatment protocol.”
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
