Natural Cook Studio of Bend

In 490 B.C. in a fennel field some 26 miles from Athens, the Greek defeated the Persians.  An Athenian runner bearing the welcome news raced back to town.  Since then, the length of a marathon race has remained the same as from the fennel fields back to town, or 26 miles and 385 yards.  The Greek’s name for fennel is marathon.
I was originally inspire by the refreshing contribution fennel makes to a dish. I began using it to replace celery or cabbage with success.  I have currently been inspired to research this plants Phyto-nutrients and there positive effects on cancer and inflammation in general.
Fennel contains a unique combination of phytonutrients, including the flavonoids rutin, quercitin, and kaempferol glycosides which gives a strong anitoxidant activity. The most fascinating phytonutrient compound is found in it’s anethole volatile oils. In animal studies, the anethole in fennel has repeatedly been shown to reduce inflammation and to help prevent the occurrence of cancer. Researchers have also proposed a biological mechanism that may explain these anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. This mechanism involves the shutting down of a intercellular signaling system called tumor necrosis  (or TNF )-mediated signaling. By shutting down this signaling process, the anethole in fennel prevents activation of a potentially strong gene-altering and inflammation-triggering molecule called NF-kappaB. The volatile oil has also been shown to be able to protect the liver of experimental animals from toxic chemical injury.  In addition to it’s unusual phytonutrients, fennel bulb is an excellent source of Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is the body’s primary water soluble antioxidant, able to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals cause cellular damage that result in pain and joint deterioration that occur in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Fennel also is a good source of fiber which may help to reduce cholesterol levels and remove carcinogenic toxins from the colon.  Making it a good addition for treating cardiovascular disease and colon health.
When selecting fennel look for a medium size, firm white unblemished bulb.  Trimmed stalks indicate an old vegetable.  In the “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce”  Fennel is listed as one of the top 12 foods most frequently containing pesticide residues.  I would recommend shopping for organic if you don’t know your grower.

In Health,

Lisa