Learn about fennel benefits from an RD.

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But theres another one thats a little more unexpected: fennel.

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Blue Zones expert and author ofThe Blue Zones Secrets for Longer Living

Fennel grows wild in Sardinia, so its abundant and cheap there, Buettner says.

Its used in Sardinian cooking in soups, stews, and salads, he says.

Thats a lot of uses!

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Buettner emphasizes that incorporating fennel into your meals is only one small part of a longevity-supporting diet.

But its a small step that is backed by science.

Curious as to how?

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Keep reading to learn more about fennel benefits.

5 fennel benefits that make it a longevity supporting all-star

1.

This is worth calling out becauseflavonoidsare linked to helping to lower and prevent chronic inflammation.

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Blue Zones expert and author ofThe Blue Zones Secrets for Longer Living

Fennel is good for the gut

There are a couple reasons why fennel is good for digestive health.

Corhiolu says that one reason is that it has fiber, key for keeping the digestive tract running smoothly.

Fennel is also known to soothe the stomach.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

For this reason, sipping fennel teahas long been an Ayurvedic remedyfor bloating and gas.

Consider it your all-natural replacement for Tums.

It absorbs stomach gas and eliminates it, Corhiolu explains.

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Its good for the lungs

If youre coming down with a cold, sipping on fennel tea can help.

This is likely because of those powerful antioxidants!

Getting excited to cook with fennel?

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Below are five Sardinian-inspired recipes to try:

1.

This hearty soup is full of other longevity-supporting foods too, like cannellini beans, garlic, and rosemary.

In this recipe, its simply mixed with ginger, hot water, and a little honey.

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Get the recipe:fennel tea

3.

The citrus gives an unexpected burst of brightness.

Get the recipe:orange, fennel, and garlic marinated olives

4.

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Like fennel,the nut is also good for the heart.

This recipe calls for them both, along with just six other simple ingredients.

Get the recipe:chilled fennel soup with buttered walnuts

5.

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Enjoy it as a longevity supporting snack.

There are so many others to experiment with toothats the fun of it!

Not only will your body benefit, but your meals will too.

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