Fact Check: Can fennel seeds, almonds, rock sugar, black pepper with milk help remove spectacles within 15 days?

A X video claims that eating fennel seeds, almonds, rock sugar, and black pepper with milk help removes spectacles within 15 days. The claim by the user is FALSE.

Claim

In an X video, it is claimed that fennel seeds (saunf), almonds, rock sugar (mishri), and black pepper (kali mirch) with milk help remove spectacles within 15 days. The user Home Remedies - घरेलु उपचार in the video says, "In just 15 days, you will throw away your glasses. Today, I have brought that special remedy for you. Whether your glasses are of one number, two numbers, three numbers, or even five numbers, they will be completely eliminated from the root. Take 50 grams of clean, thick fennel seeds, 50 grams of Gurbandi almonds (oil-rich), and 50 grams of thread mishri (rock sugar). Also, take 20 grams of brown pepper. Grind all these ingredients together in a mortar and pestle. Make sure to grind the fennel, almonds, mishri, and brown pepper thoroughly. Once ground, store the mixture in an airtight container. After preparing this mixture, take one spoon of it with lukewarm cow’s milk. If cow’s milk is not available, you can take it with buffalo’s milk as well. The milk should be slightly warm. If you consume it with cow’s milk, your glasses will be removed from the root even faster."

The video has 159.9K views, 1.4 k likes and 517 retweets. It can be accessed here.

What are the Health Benefits of Almonds, Saunf, Black Pepper and Milk?

Almonds (Prunus dulcis), belonging to the Rosaceae family, are widely recognized for their exceptional nutrient profile and growing popularity as a health food. Studies on their composition have identified an abundance of essential nutrients, including fatty acids, lipids, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. However, their nutritional value is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, warranting further exploration of these influences on the nut’s composition. Moreover, recent research underscores their prebiotic benefits, reinforcing their contribution to overall health.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), commonly known as Saunf in Hindi, is an herb from the Apiaceae family, with its seeds containing approximately 50% fiber. This versatile plant exhibits numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-allergic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-stress, and cytotoxic activities. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of fennel seeds provide 345 kcal, 15.8 g of protein, 52.3 g of carbohydrates, 14.9 g of total fat, 39.8 g of dietary fiber, along with essential minerals such as 1200 mg of calcium, 18.5 mg of iron, 385 mg of magnesium, 487 mg of phosphorus, 1690 mg of potassium, and 88 mg of sodium.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), often referred to as the "King of Spices," is prized not only for its ability to enhance flavor but also for its diverse medicinal benefits. Abundant in bioactive compounds like piperine, it exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic properties. Research suggests that black pepper may help combat infections and mitigate oxidative stress. Additionally, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects.

Milk is a highly nutritious food that delivers 18 essential nutrients, including proteins, fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D, all of which contribute to metabolism and overall well-being. It provides various health advantages, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bone-strengthening effects. Widely recommended worldwide, milk plays a crucial role in children's growth and supports adult health.

Can fennel seeds, almonds, rock sugar, and black pepper with milk help remove spectacles within 15 days?

While the ingredients almonds, saunf, black pepper and milk, however, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that these ingredients with milk can increase eyesight and get rid of glasses.

People get eyeglasses primarily to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects). These conditions occur when the eye's shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurry vision. As people age, natural changes like presbyopia and cataracts may also require the use of glasses. In addition, some eye conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes) can be managed with corrective lenses. Glasses are also used for protection, such as reducing digital eye strain with blue-light lenses or protecting against UV rays with prescription sunglasses. Glasses can only be removed through LASIK, a type of refractive surgery.

Almonds and Fennel seeds are a rich source of Vitamin E and there is limited scientific evidence supporting that Vitamin E may promote eye health. Fazira Latib Ratib et. al.'s article reports that Tocopherol and Tocotrienol, two forms of vitamin E, exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, which may help lower intraocular pressure and safeguard optic nerve cells.

An article in Ophthalmology Research: An International Journal discusses conflicting evidence regarding the role of vitamins A and E in eye disease prevention. While some epidemiological studies suggest that low vitamin E levels may be linked to an increased risk of nuclear or cortical cataracts, research also indicates that nutrition, particularly in relation to oxidative stress, could influence intraocular pressure and the likelihood of developing glaucoma. give an introductory line before this

It’s important to note that there is no scientific evidence indicating that black pepper, mishri, or milk contribute to eye health once you get eyeglasses. Additionally, no evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that a mixture of almonds, fennel seeds (saunf), black pepper, and mishri with milk can eliminate the need for reading glasses.

In a conversation with Dr. Ashwin Santosh Shetty, Consultant – Ophthalmology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore regarding the claim he explained, "The claim that a mixture of saunf (fennel seeds), mishri (rock sugar), almonds, and black pepper can eliminate the need for spectacles within 15 days lacks scientific support. While these ingredients are nutritious and have been traditionally associated with eye health, they cannot correct refractive errors or structural issues of the eye that require corrective lenses.

Almonds are rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for overall health. Fennel seeds contain antioxidants that may support eye health. However, there's no scientific evidence that consuming these ingredients can significantly improve vision or eliminate the need for glasses.

Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are typically due to the eye's shape and cannot be corrected through diet alone. Effective treatments include prescription glasses, contact lenses, or surgical interventions like LASIK.

In summary, while incorporating these ingredients into your diet can contribute to overall health, they are unlikely to replace the need for corrective eyewear. It's essential to consult with an eye care professional for personalized advice on vision correction."

Dr Ishan Kataria, MBBS, Medical College Bilaspur, MS Ophthalmology, Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre further said, "As an eye specialist, I often get asked if home remedies like fennel seeds, almonds, rock sugar, and black pepper with milk can magically remove spectacles in 15 days. Unfortunately, there’s no scientific proof to support this claim. Spectacle numbers are linked to the shape and length of your eye, which diet alone cannot change. While these ingredients are nutritious and may support overall health, they won’t correct refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia. Don’t fall for quick fixes—healthy eyes need proper care, regular check-ups, and, if desired, medically approved options like LASIK or contact lenses."

Health Dialogues Final Take

Almonds and fennel seeds are rich in Vitamin E, but there is limited scientific evidence supporting its role in promoting eye health. No evidence supports the contribution of black pepper, mishri, or milk to eye health. However, no medical consensus supports the claim that a mixture of almonds, fennel, black pepper, and mishri with milk improves eyesight or removes the need for glasses, which, as of now can only be corrected through surgical methods.

Thus, the claim that almonds, saunf, black pepper and mishri powder with milk increase eyesight and get rid of reading glasses is FALSE.