Star anise or chakra phool is used in various curries, soups, biryani, and desserts. Also, various experts have mentioned several medicinal benefits of star anise over time.
Though this underrated spice has been derived from China, it has found its appropriate place in many Indian delicacies now. Many Indian households have recognized star anise benefits in terms of culinary as well as health.
What is Star Anise?
Illicium Verum is an evergreen shrub that grows in Southwestern China’s arid region. Fruits of this shrub are collected at an unripe stage and then are dried and processed to get the benefits of star anise.
The star shaped spice has got 8 points that bear a pea-sized seed individually. While in some dishes, the spice is used as a whole, in others, it can be also used in ground form. Also, star anise oil is used in many places across Asia.
9 Benefits of Star Anise
This star shaped spice is used in various culinary delicacies due to its powerful flavor. There are several star anise uses in keeping you healthy too. So, what are the several benefits of star anise? Let us know.
1. Boost Heart Health
According to a study conducted in 2015, star anise benefits were noticed in mice, in terms of heart health. According to this research study, study anise extracts were able to treat atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of heart attacks. This study is still in progress to see how much the spice is capable of curing serious heart issues in other species.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Star anise is said to be rich in antioxidants. So, how do antioxidants aid in star anise benefits?
Well, it protects the body from unhealthy free radicals. This way, it helps in protecting you from several serious heart-related ailments. It boosts your heart’s health and keeps you healthy and fit. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A in star anise are also known to prevent antiaging and the occurrence of cancer and diabetes.
3. Detoxifies & Kills off Bacteria
A laboratory test in 2010 proved the fact that star anise is an antibacterial spice that was able to combat as many as 50 bacteria that were drug-resistant. Though no more investigations and research have been conducted to support this test.
So, what can be the potential star anise benefits for health?
The experts on the test have mentioned the possible star anise uses in new antibiotic medicines in future.
4. Regulate Blood Sugar
When research was conducted in 2018 with star anise on yeast, it was found that star anise is high in polyphenols. This element helps in controlling the proper blood circulation in the body. Of course, the richness of antioxidants also aids in the process to help you prevent blood sugar and diabetes.
5. Helps in Weight Loss
One of the known benefits of star anise is its diuretic properties that help in flushing out toxins as well as extra water content from the body that may have caused excess weight in the body. Also, the antioxidants in the spice protect the cells from damages by free radicals. This helps in boosting higher metabolism and adds to star anise benefits for weight loss.
6. Treats Skin Problems
Among several benefits of star anise, one of the major benefits is its antimicrobial properties. It is antibacterial and antifungal, preventing any type of infection. Also, a study conducted on mice in 2021 states about star anise benefits for skin in treating as well as preventing any skin infection. Thus, it can be used for issues such as acne, rashes, and others.
7. Good Digestive Health
Star anise is highly known for treating digestive-related issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, or general indigestion due to its carminative properties. This is one of the major reasons why many Asian households prefer to sip on star anise tea after a meal as it boosts good digestion. The famous masala tea also has star anise along with other spices that boost digestion.
8. Immune System Support
Are there major star anise benefits for health?
Yes, there are because star anise has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. When there is triple-way protection, it definitely helps in providing overall protection from various ailments and boosts immunity. In fact, many drugs such as for treating Influenza have extracts of star anise. Thus, already the health industry has accepted the health benefits of star anise.
9. Treats Respiratory Issues
Star anise also has expectorant properties that are useful in treating cough and cold. Most respiratory issues start when the mucus is not clearing out from the respiratory tract. Star anise extracts help in clearing out this mucus in the form of cough and this clears your respiratory tract. When the respiratory tract is free from any obstructions, you are free from any respiratory issues.
Thus, there are endless star anise benefits for skin, digestion, and overall health. It is indeed a great idea to include star anise in your kitchen spice box to enhance the flavors of your food as well as to enhance the overall health of the family.
Frequently Asked Question About Star Anise
Who should not eat star anise?
Children should not be given star anise because it can lead to issues such as irritability, and vomiting, followed by seizures, or poisoning in extreme cases.
How long can star anise be useable?
Usually, whole spices such as whole star anise can be used for about 3 years if it is stored carefully in an air-tight jar.
What does star anise taste like?
Star anise will taste a bit of sweet and it has got a slight licorice flavor in it.