Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of an Asian tree called Illusion is true. This spice is usually easily found in its dried form in supermarkets.
Although it is widely used in cooking to give a sweet flavor to some preparations, star anise also has several health benefits due to its components, especially anethole, which appears to be the substance present in the highest concentration.
Star anise is sometimes confused with green anise, which is fennel, but these are completely different medicinal plants. Learn more about green anise, also known as fennel.
Health benefits of star anise
Some of the main proven health benefits of star anise are:
1. Prevent the onset of the flu
Star anise is a natural deposit of shikimic acid, a substance that is used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce the antiviral drug oseltamivir, better known as Tamiflu. (1,2,3). This medicine is used to prevent and treat infections with the Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and B viruses. (2)which are responsible for the flu.
Regular consumption of star anise, whether in culinary preparations or in the form of tea, can be a great natural way to prevent the flu. (3)especially during periods of higher incidence of this disease.
Because it is rich in anethole, star anise has a strong action against various types of microorganisms, including fungi. According to laboratory studies, star anise extract is capable of inhibiting the growth of fungi such as Candida albicans, Brotytis cinerea e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.
3. Eliminate bacterial infections
In addition to its function against fungi, the anethole in star anise also prevents the development of bacteria. So far, action against bacteria has been identified Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli, in the laboratory. These bacteria are responsible for various types of infections, such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections or skin infections.
In addition to anethole, studies indicate that other substances present in star anise can also contribute to its antibacterial action, such as anisic aldehyde, anisic ketone or anisic alcohol.
4. Strengthen the immune system
Like most aromatic plants, star anise has good antioxidant action due to the presence of phenolic compounds in its composition. Although some studies have identified that the antioxidant power of star anise appears to be lower than that of other aromatic plants, this action continues to help strengthen the immune system, as it eliminates free radicals that hinder the correct functioning of the body.
Furthermore, antioxidant action has also been related to a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
5. Eliminate and repel insects
According to some studies carried out with star anise essential oil, it was identified that the spice has insecticidal and repellent action against some types of insects. In the laboratory, its action against “fruit flies”, German cockroaches, beetles and even small snails was confirmed.
6. Facilitate digestion and combat gas
Star anise has a carminative and anti-inflammatory action and, therefore, can be consumed after very heavy and fatty meals, as it is capable of facilitating digestion and preventing the accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestine.
Furthermore, according to some studies, when star anise is consumed together with chamomile, it is possible to combat diarrhea.
Check out the benefits of other aromatic spices, such as cloves or cinnamon, for example.
How to use star anise
The most popular way to use star anise is to include the dried fruit in some culinary preparations, as it is a very versatile spice that can be used to prepare sweet or savory dishes. However, star anise can also be used in the form of an essential oil, which can be purchased in some natural stores, and can be used in aromatherapy or for inhalation, depending on the purpose of its use.
Furthermore, it is possible to find substances extracted from star anise in the composition of medicines and cleaning, beauty and toothpaste products, for example.
Star anise tea
Star anise tea is the main way to consume this spice, and can be taken throughout the day or after a meal, if the objective is to improve digestion. Discover all the benefits of star anise tea.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of ground star anise seeds;
- 250 ml of boiling water.
Preparation mode:
Place the star anise in the boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then strain the star anise, let it cool and drink 2 to 3 times a day. To improve or change the flavor, a slice of lemon can also be added, for example.
Possible side effects
Star anise is considered safe, especially when used in recipe preparation. Consuming high amounts of star anise tea can cause contact dermatitis and nausea. In the case of essential oil, if applied directly to the skin, it may cause skin irritation.
When it should not be used
O Star anise is contraindicated for people with hyperestrogenism, hypersensitivity, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and childrenas to date no studies have been carried out in this population on the medium and long-term effects of using star anise and, therefore, it is not possible to indicate that the use of this spice is safe.
