Saffron comes from the filaments that grow inside the crocus sativus flower, more commonly known as saffron flower. Also known as red gold, saffron remains the most precious spice due to its rarity, the delicacy and expertise needed to harvest this special herb, and its health benefits are linked to various areas such as improved mood, libido, PMS symptoms, sexual functions, and enhanced weight loss just to name a few as it is a powerful antioxidant.
Saffron has a strong exotic aroma and taste and is often used to color and flavor Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Saffron could also be consumed by adding to tea and various desserts, unleashing delightful aroma and flavor.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAFFRON
Saffron is one of the most ancient and exquisite spices known to men throughout history. Once a prized possession of the royals and elites, saffron was used by several civilizations for its medicinal benefits, which could prevent and cure several health issues and also be effective for improving the immunity system.
- REDUCES DEPRESSION AND PMS ISSUES: The stigma of saffron flower has great antidepressant properties. The presence of two components in saffron: crocin and safranal can effectively help in stimulating neurochemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which could effectively aid mild to moderate depression and are mostly used in traditional psychiatric medications. Saffron, one of the most valuable spice works wonders when consumed on a regular basis. Saffron has certain chemicals which help one boost its mood and releases stress, thus it works great for depression, anxiety, and fights Insomnia. During PMS it also helps in regularizing mood swings and refrains from menstrual cramps.
- INCREASES SEXUAL DRIVE : Since ancient times, this plant extract has been well known for its phenomenal aphrodisiac properties. Enriched with the goddess of nature, saffron naturally increases the sexual vitality both in men and women. Saffron has been used for treating age-related erectile dysfunction. It has strong aphrodisiac properties, which can further help in improving androgen levels in females. Adding Saffron in diet can have magical benefits on your health if taken in moderation. Saffron is a superfood as it boosts immunity power and strength. There has been research suggesting that saffron is effective in treating infertility. It increases the libido in men and women alike. Couples struggling with infertility should consume saffron to improve chances of conception.
- HELPS IN FIGHTING SEASONAL ALIMENTS: Saffron tea or saffron mixed with warm milk can keep seasonal ailments like cold, cough and fever at bay. The warm nature of this magical herb helps in relieving the discomfort caused by the flu and cold. Saffron has exceptional benefits and is not just used as a food colouring agent or to add favour in one’s dish. The quality of being high in antioxidants makes it a perfect measure to cure one’s cold and flu. The presence of antioxidants makes this wonder herb a great remedy for seasonal issues. Apart from that, it also helps in boosting immunity, which is essential to sustain virus attacks and other ailments.
- REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE AND IMPROVES HEART HEALTH: Loaded with the goodness of potassium, consuming saffron everyday helps in dilating the blood, which further removes blockage from the arteries. This further reduces blood pressure and prevents heart attacks and strokes.
- CONTAINS CANCER-FIGHTING PROPERTIES: Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer. In test-tube studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, while leaving normal cells unharmed. This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and several other cancer cells.
- REDUCES APPETITE AND AID WEIGHT LOSS: Snacking is a common habit that may put you at risk of gaining unwanted weight. According to research, saffron may help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite. In one study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly fuller, snacked less frequently, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group. In another study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total fat mass.
RISK, PRECAUTIONS, AND DOSAGE
Saffron is generally safe with little to no side effects. In standard cooking amounts, saffron does not appear to cause adverse effects. Only 10 mg of saffron should be consumed per serve to reap its health benefits. On the other hand, high doses of 5 grams or more could have toxic effects. Pregnant women should avoid high doses, as it may cause miscarriage. As with any supplement, speak to your doctor before taking saffron in supplement form.
RISK, PRECAUTIONS, AND DOSAGE
Saffron is generally safe with little to no side effects. In standard cooking amounts, saffron does not appear to cause adverse effects. Only 10 mg of saffron should be consumed per serve to reap its health benefits. On the other hand, high doses of 5 grams or more could have toxic effects. Pregnant women should avoid high doses, as it may cause miscarriage. As with any supplement, speak to your doctor before taking saffron in supplement form.
Another issue with saffron, especially saffron powder, is that it may be adulterated with other ingredients, such as beet, red-dyed silk fibers, turmeric, and paprika. Adulteration cuts cost for manufacturers, as genuine pure saffron is expensive to harvest. Therefore, it is important to purchase saffron from a reputable brand to ensure you get an authentic product.
Universaffron guarantees the authenticity and 100% grade 1 pure quality of saffron. If you wish to use saffron in powder form, it is best to grind pure saffron threads using a mortar and pestle.
A TOUCH OF LUXURY
Saffron has been a renowned spice in many cultures for centuries, hence we are blessed with an extensive variety of authentic dishes from all around the world that use saffron such as Spanish, Italian, Persian, Indian, Mexican and Chinese dishes just to name a few. Saffron could also be consumed with herbal tea, sherbets, juice or even boiling water, by just adding a few threads to release a delightful aroma for a relaxing time. Furthermore, saffron makes for variety of delightful desserts such as pear, orange or Swedish saffron cake, Persian saffron pudding (Sholeh Zard), Indian saffron rice kheer and saffron ice cream. For more information and recipes visit our RECIPES page.
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