Saffron or “Kesar” is one of the exotic spices that is regularly used in our delicacies.It has immunity boosting, antioxidant and health promoting properties.
Discover the health benefits of Saffron in this article.
Primarily found in Southern Europe, mass cultivation of this pricey crop has been widely initiated.
Mass production of saffron has been started in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran and Kashmir of India.
A Crocus Sativus plant can grow up to 15 to 20 cm in height. It bears lavender colored flowers.
Each flower is seen to have a stalk, connected to three stigmas. The yellow colored stigmas can be used as condiment spice.
Health Benefits Of Saffron
1. Improves Eyesight
Saffron has proven to be a miracle in eliminating problems related to eyesight. Certain antioxidants are present in saffron that may help in improving the fatty acid content of the membranes and thus improve our eyesight.
2. Memory Boosters
Certain compounds like crocetin and crocin are present in saffron, act as great memory boosters. Certain brain disorders can be cured by efficient and regular use of saffron.
3. Prevention Of Cancer
There is no certain cure for cancer. Saffron, cannot cure it but certainly can prevent it. It has been proven that there are certain components in saffron that can help in the prevention of cancer-causing tumors.
4. Cures Heart Problems
Arteriosclerosis is the term given to the condition of hardening of arteries. If these kinds of situations occur, then this may surely affect the oxygen supply to the heart.This can cause serious heart failure. Saffron has certain chemicals that help in prevention for such extreme heart issues.
5. Regulates The Sleeping Habits
Remember, when your mother used to convince you to drink saffron milk before going to bed? Well, there is a scientific reason behind it.It has been proven that saffron contains certain chemical compounds that can help in regulating your sleeping habits.
6. Ensures Timely Menstrual Cycles In Women
Saffron is the natural remedy suggested by many gynecologists for issues regarding untimely menstrual cycles.
7. Cures Asthma And Other Breathing Problems
Breathing problem faced by many people nowadays is asthma. Asthma closes your airways and inflames your lungs. Saffron can be a great remedy for this.Its medicinal properties clear the lungs and hence prevents any extremities.Saffron can be a great remedy for this.Its medicinal properties clear the lungs and hence prevents any extremities.
8. Cures Cough And Cold
Saffron oil has known to be a great help during a cough and cold. Drinking saffron milk, every day provides all the necessary ingredients to your body and hence makes you strong. Calcium strengthens the bones and saffron provide all the essential vitamins to the body.
9. As Immune
Saffron is normally used in the cooking of various delicacies for various purposes. First of all, the high amount of natural chemicals in saffron makes it highly desirable. Moreover, it provides an exotic aroma to the delicacies.
10. Oils
Saffron contains certain volatile oils that are used to provide unique flavors. Pinene, borneol, geraniol being some of the special oils derived from saffron.
11. Anti-Stress And Anti-Depressant
Saffron contains certain chemicals that act as antidepressants if included in our diet occasionally.
12. Prevention Of Heart Diseases
Blood pressure issues are becoming very common. Be it stress or work pressure, people tend to fall sick very often.Saffron, being highly medically as it is, can be very helpful in regulating the pressure issues.Saffron contains potassium that helps in regulating the blood pressure.
Benefits Of Saffron For Skin
Saffron, thus being the golden condiment can be used for various beauty benefits too.
1. Skin Health And Radiant Skin
Create a mixture of sandalwood powder, milk and 2 to 3 strands of saffron. Wash your face and apply this mixture on your face when it is still wet. Massage in circular motion. Let your face dry and then rinse off the mixture.Massage in circular motion. Let your face dry and then rinse off the mixture.
2. Fair Skin
Soak some strands of saffron in milk for nearly two hours. Apply this mixture on your face. After some time rinse it off. You will see a much fairer skin after this.A Mixture of Sunflower seeds and saffron milk is also great for a fair and glowing skin.
3. Cures Skin Issues
Saffron is extremely anti-fungal and can be used to cure major skin issues. Regular issues like acne, blemishes, and blackheads can easily be removed by the use of saffron.
Make a mixture of basil leaves with 10 to 12 strands of saffron. Apply this mixture on your face and let it dry. After some time wash it off with cool water. Acne and pimples will gradually reduce on regular application of this pack.
4. Improves The Blood Circulation
Mix saffron in one or two teaspoons of water and leave it overnight. Add 1 tbsp. Of milk, some drops of olive oil and a pinch of sugar to it. Dip a piece of bread in this mixture and apply it all over your face. Let it rest for 15 minutes and then wash it off. This will increase the blood circulation in your face.
5. Improves The Complexion
Using saffron with honey can be used as a great agent for improving the complexion of your skin. Mix saffron with honey and use it for a glowing and fresh complexion.
Sprinkling some strands of saffron in your warm bath water will surely act as a great complexion enhancer for your face and skin. After all, it was the age-old secret of our queens.
6. Skin Toner
Soak the saffron strands with rose water and you can use it as a skin toner.
7. Cleanser
Mix lemon juice with a spoonful of saffron powder. Apply it on your face and leave it for about 20 minutes. The astonishing properties of saffron will clean your face just like that.
C. Benefits Of Saffron For Hair
Saffron can act as a serious hair stimulant. Mix saffron with milk and licorice and apply it on your bald spots. This will surely stimulate and promote the hair growth.
Types Of Saffron
1. Laccha Saffron
Lachha saffron is the pure saffron. It can also be called as crude saffron as it is unprocessed. The stigma and the styles are attached in this type of saffron.
2. Mongra Saffron
Mongra is the processed saffron. When removed from the style, the leftover red part is called mogra. It is the most superior quality of Saffron.
1 kilogram of superior quality Laccha gives 870 grams of Mongra.
Nutrition Value Of Saffron
|
Principle |
Nutrient Value |
Percentage of RDA |
| Energy | 310 Kcal | 15.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 65.37 g | 50% |
| Protein | 11.43 g | 21% |
| Total Fat | 5.85 g | 29% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 10% |
|
Vitamins |
||
| Folates | 93 µg | 23% |
| Niacin | 1.46 mg | 9% |
| Pyridoxine | 1.010 mg | 77% |
| Riboflavin | 0.267 mg | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 530 IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 80.8 mg | 135% |
|
Electrolytes |
||
| Sodium | 148 mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 1724 mg | 37% |
|
Minerals |
||
| Calcium | 111 mg | 11% |
| Copper | 0.328 mg | 37% |
| Iron | 11.10 mg | 139% |
| Magnesium | 264 mg | 66% |
| Manganese | 28.408 mg | 1235% |
| Phosphorus | 252 mg | 36% |
| Selenium | 5.6 µg | 10% |
| Zinc | 1.09 mg | 10% |
Acceptable Saffron Dosage
An acceptable dosage of saffron is 30 mg. Saffron can be used for depression and premenstrual syndrome.
1.5 g of saffron per day doesn’t have any side effects.
An amount of saffron five gms or more is considered highly harmful for the pregnant women.
Side Effects Of Saffron
- Vomiting, Drowsiness, Food cravings, Nausea are some of the major side effects of excessive saffron intake.
- Bloody stools and urine are the major dangerous side effects of excess saffron intake.
