You may have seen little threads in foods like pasta. These are pieces of a spice known as saffron. Saffron is a dried piece of a purple flower known as the saffron crocus. It is the most expensive spice in the world because of how it's harvested. Saffron is added to food as a flavor and color enhancer, but it also has a lot of health benefits.
In this article, we'll talk about the eating saffron has many powerful health benefits, from providing antioxidants to elevating mood, relieving PMS symptoms, increasing sexual drive, and everything in between.
Powerful antioxidants
Many of us are aware of how important antioxidants are. These molecules protect your cells against notorious free radicals and prevent your body from illness. Like many spices, saffron has antioxidant properties. This is thanks to its many plant compounds.
Both pigments have many other essential functions, which we will discuss later. Saffron gives saffron its distinctive red color. It also contains another compound called phenol, which acts as an antioxidant. Both act potent antioxidants, protecting brain cells from progressive damage and improving inflammation.
This compound is responsible for saffron's distinct taste and fragrance. Studies suggest that saffron can protect brain cells against damage caused by free radicals. Saffron's flower petals contain an antioxidant called camphor, which holds several health benefits, including reducing inflammation.
Prevent cancer
No one ever wants to be diagnosed with this awful disease, but a spice like saffron can help fight cancer as it's rich in antioxidants. Chromosomes can help to kill colon cancer cells. It also slows down the growth of skin, bone marrow, lung, breast, cervix, and prostate cancer.
Hang on; there's more. Researchers also suggest that saffron helps increase cancerous cells' sensitivity toward chemotherapy drugs. You can prepare a plain saffron tea by steeping a few saffron threads in hot water. Don't go overboard; saffron has a strong and bitter taste.
It reduces PMS symptoms.
Ladies, when you suddenly have acne on your face, start experiencing headaches and abdominal bloating, crave sweets, and have increased anxiety, you might think this indicates that your period is around the corner. PMS symptoms are expected unless they start messing with your daily life. This is a sign you need to treat them. You need to add one spice to your kitchen rack: saffron.
It can help treat PMS symptoms. A study found that women between the ages of 20 and 45 who took 30 milligrams of saffron daily had fewer symptoms. What if I said that just by smelling saffron, you could feel better? It is hard to believe that research suggests that women who smelled saffron for about 20 minutes had lower levels of cortisol and anxiety, which helps to reduce PMS symptoms.
It boosts mood and treats depression.
Luckily, saffron can help brighten this gloomy period. That's why it's also nicknamed "the sunshine spice." Saffron supplements are more effective in treating mild to moderate depression. Studies suggest that taking 30 milligrams of saffron could produce similar effects to antidepressant drugs. For a delicious treat, try cooking with saffron. Biryani is an Indian rice dish with saffron, bay leaves, cinnamon cloves, and caramelized onions.
It promotes better performance.
Are you looking to spice up your love life? There are many foods with aphrodisiac properties that help boost libido, and saffron is one of them. Saffron may help to increase function in both males and females. Furthermore, women on antidepressants took 30 milligrams daily for four weeks and had increased drive in the bedroom at the end.
Weight loss
Some suggest that saffron can help reduce snacking by suppressing your appetite. This is because saffron elevates your mood and reduces your desire to snack. It was found in a study that women who took saffron supplements snacked less and lost more weight. Another study reported that taking saffron extract notably reduced appetite, waist circumference, and total fat mass.
Maintaining heart health
Among the many health benefits of saffron, it also plays a role in maintaining heart health. Saffron's antioxidant properties may help in reducing blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This will further prevent blockage of blood vessels and arteries. But wait, there's more. Saffron can also lower blood pressure and maintain overall heart health.
It helps fight seasonal illnesses.
Because it is high in antioxidants, saffron is a magical spice for curing seasonal sickness. Saffron is a perfect remedy for colds, coughs, and fevers. Saffron's warm nature relieves all of the discomfort caused by flu and fever. It also helps to boost immunity, which is extremely important during a pandemic.
The easiest way to get saffron is through saffron tea. There are wide varieties of this, and you can prepare whichever you prefer. Here I'll be giving you two simple recipes. For the first one, boil water in a pan and add a pinch of saffron and one cinnamon stick. One teaspoon of grated ginger, a few drops of lemon juice, and sugar or honey to taste; simmer for five minutes, strain, and enjoy.
The second one is an Indian-style chai for 2 cups. This hot saffron tea is perfect for cozy winter evenings. Take 1 cup of water in a pan and add about 10 to 12 saffron threads. Let half a teaspoon of cardamom powder and one teaspoon of tea leaves and sugar boil for a few minutes, then strain it and enjoy.
Improve memory in adults with Alzheimer's.
Saffron's antioxidant properties help protect you against several brain disorders. Saffron's memory-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties may aid in treating Alzheimer's disease symptoms. 10. supports healthy skin between all the expensive salon treatments and fancy cosmetics. All you need is this magical spice.
Support healthy skin.
Evidence suggests that kings and queens used saffron hundreds of years ago to maintain healthy skin. Safran has several science-backed skin benefits. Saffron oil, like dried saffron, has skin-improving properties. It protects against UV rays, fights inflammation, reduces hyperpigmentation, and promotes wound healing. Look for saffron-based skin care products, or try a DIY mask.
Apply the mixture to your skin after three strands of saffron are mixed with one tablespoon of honey. After a few minutes, rinse and pat it dry. Remember always to do a patch test before you lower your blood sugar. Saffron is a wonder spice that helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Studies suggest that saffron lowers blood sugar and raises insulin sensitivity as well.
It improves eyesight in adults.
Here's some good news for people suffering from age-related macular degeneration: Saffron, which is high in antioxidants, may help adults with their eyes. It protects against free radical damage. This will allow you to see better over time. That's a pretty big relief, especially if you're older. Identifying the benefits of spicy foods will encourage you to incorporate them into your diet. Did you know about saffron before watching this video? Let us know in the comments below.
Conclusion
Saffron is a dried piece of a purple flower known as the saffron crocus. It is the most expensive spice in the world because of how it's harvested. Saffron can help fight cancer, improve mood and relieve PMS symptoms. Women who smell saffron for 20 minutes have lower cortisol levels and anxiety. Saffron supplements are more effective in treating mild to moderate depression.
Studies suggest that taking 30 milligrams could produce similar effects to antidepressant drugs. It can also help reduce snacking by suppressing your appetite. Saffron is a wonder spice that helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Saffron oil, like dried saffron, has skin-improving properties. Safran protects against UV rays, fights inflammation, reduces hyperpigmentation, and promotes wound healing.