Introducing saffron! A super spice that derives from the 3 dry stigmas of the flower’s pistil known as Crocus sativus. Saffron originates from Asia Minor, from a region near Kashmir, more precisely from ancient Persia (Iran), but it is cultivated in several countries of southern Europe such as Italy in Aquila, the Danube region, France in Gatinois, and of course Spain, where it is cultivated in many provinces.
The great spice is not only famous for its good taste and beautiful color, but saffron also has many health benefits. In this article, we’ve gathered a list of it’s numerous properties.
Possesses Anti-Cancer Properties
Saffron contains many antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals which have been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer.
Test tube studies have shown that saffron and its compounds selectively kill colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, while normal cells are not damaged. This effect also applies to cancer cells in the skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and many others.
Protects the Brain Cells
Saffron contains the substance crocin (which, among other things, gives the spice its delicate yellow-red color), which according to American research, has been shown to protect brain cells.
Fights Depression
Feeling tired, down or temporarily suffering from emotional imbalance is not uncommon, but is rather often a natural part of life. But if the gloominess deepens, the risk increases that it will turn into depression. Besides, dietary supplements with saffron have shown a good effect on the treatment of depression, anxiety and mild form of depression.
Helps Against Sleep Problems and Stress
Saffron has a calming effect and is said to relieve sleep problems. It is common to drink saffron tea before bedtime to get a good night’s sleep in some cultures. The spice also reduces fatigue and exhaustion and can maintain the emotional balance in the body.
Helps in Weight Loss
Snacking is a common habit that can put you at risk of gaining unwanted weight. According to research, saffron can help prevent snacks by slowing down your appetite. In an eight-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly fuller, snacks less often, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group.
Another eight-week study also showed significant reductions in appetite, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total body fat with a saffron extract supplement. But researchers are not sure how saffron slows appetite and helps with weight loss. One theory is that saffron improves your mood, which reduces your urge to snack.
Helps You Perform Better
You not only get better sleep with saffron, but it is said that the spice helps to strengthen both concentration and thought activity, which in turn makes you perform better!
Increased Sex Drive
Did you know that saffron has been shown to stimulate both sex drive and erection? According to the legend, Cleopatra used saffron to seduce Julius Caesar.
Emotional Balance During PMS
Researchers are not sure that saffron relieves menstrual cramps, but the spice should help emotional balance and harmony in the body before and during menstruation itself. So it can be an advantage to take if you suffer from Premenstrual syndrome.
Saffron Makes You Happy
Scientific research shows that saffron has a unique formulation that can create a positive mood.
Uses of Saffron
In addition to its use in paella and soups to which we are already very accustomed, it can be used in:
Infusion: Place 2 grams of saffron for each liter of water. You can take up to 3 cups a day.
Powder: it is usually used to accelerate menstruation and as a carminative to combat flatulence.
Tincture: As a tincture (ethanol or ethyl alcohol extraction), it is rubbed directly on the gums, curbing mouth pain.
Now that you are aware of the benefits of this spice, we are convinced that you can’t wait to try it out! When you come back, don’t forget to hit the comments below and let us know how you’ve been using it.
