Anise Seeds Vs. Fennel Seeds

For lifelong health, stock your pantry with herbs and spices. The University of Michigan Health System recommends using seasonings in place of sugar and fat to help you lose weight and promote cardiovascular health by reducing your sodium intake. The spices fennel and anise lend licoricelike flavor to your meals, can season a range of dishes -- from meats to vegetables and baked goods -- and contain negligible amounts of sodium. Using them in your cooking boosts your food's nutritional value, although the seeds differ slightly in their nutrient content.

Basic Nutrition Information

Both anise and fennel seeds contribute only a small amount to your daily calorie intake 2. A 2-tablespoon serving of anise contains just 45 calories, while an equivalent serving of fennel seeds contain 40 calories. Anise and fennel offer a small amount of protein -- roughly 2 grams per serving -- and also contain approximately 2 grams of fat. Both seeds' fat content comes primarily from unsaturated fats -- the healthy fatty acids associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fiber Content

Fennel Seeds for High Blood Pressure

Learn More

Anise and fennel seeds offer some dietary fiber, though fennel serves as the healthier choice if you're looking to boost your fiber intake. Each 2-tablespoon serving of fennel seed contains 4.6 grams of dietary fiber -- about 18 percent of the recommended daily intake for women and 12 percent for men. Anise offers significantly less fiber, at 2 grams per serving. Eat meals rich in fiber to fight constipation -- you don't break down fiber during digestion, so it bulks up your stool and keeps you regular.

Iron and Magnesium Content

Fennel offers more magnesium but less iron than anise 24. Both minerals play central roles in your health -- iron helps carry fresh oxygen to your cells and tissues, while magnesium proves important for muscle function. A serving of fennel offers 45 milligrams of magnesium -- 11 percent of the daily magnesium needs for men and 14 percent for women -- while anise contains just 23 milligrams per serving. On the other hand, one serving of anise supplies 5 milligrams of iron -- 28 percent of the daily requirements for women and 63 percent for men -- while fennel contains just 2.2 milligrams.

Manganese and Calcium

Are Raw Peanuts Good for You?

Learn More

Fennel offers significantly more manganese and calcium per serving than anise. These minerals promote skeletal health because manganese activates enzymes essential for cartilage and bone development, while calcium gets incorporated into new bone tissue. A serving of fennel seed offers 139 milligrams of calcium, or 14 percent of your daily needs, while anise contains 87 milligrams. Fennel also boasts 758 micrograms of manganese -- an impressive 33 and 42 percent of the daily manganese needs for men and women, respectively -- compared to anise's 308 micrograms.