SAFFRON AND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT-min

SAFFRON AND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT

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Saffron plant is an expensive spice with a unique color and strong fragrance. Although it’s the most expensive spice in the world, most individualsprefer it to other options. It helps with depression, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndromeand increases libido.Using it to flavor your food can provide your body with plentiful benefits. Are you interested in knowinghow saffron works? Learn that from this blog.

Saffron is mainly used as a spice in cooking. In treatment form, it treats depression and serves as an antidepressant. It starts to treat depression as early as 7 days of use, and the patient will notice the impact within the first two months. It’s also helpful in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It has been an effective remedy for many years, and it offers a wide range of benefits.

Benefits of saffron

Rich in antioxidants

Saffron is related to specific healthful antioxidants. It containscrocin, safranal, and picrocrocin. In addition to these powerful antioxidants, it contains special compounds; crocetin and kaempferol. These elements help fight against oxidative stress and reduce free radicals present in the body, responsible for health issues like cancer and heart illnesses. In general, these antioxidants will improve an individual’s health.

Offers protection against nervous system disorders

Saffron contains antioxidants that protect the body against illnesses that affectsthe nervous system. Crocin, a compound found in saffron, reduces inflammation and the brain’s oxidative damage. This herb is also known to improve Alzheimer’s symptoms because of its memory-boosting abilities and its inflammatory properties.

Improves mood

With traumatizing events that happen in our daily lives, you’ll need a mood booster like saffron. While this spice will do agreat job in making your taste buds happy, it’ll also please your brain. It’s known to raise dopamine levels in the brain without interfering with other helpful hormones like serotonin. Depression tends to kill the mood and cause other unpleasant effects. But with saffron around,you can treat depression symptoms. However, it should not be used as a replacement for depression treatment. It should only complement other medications.

Improves libido

We’re not asking you to take saffron each time you’re about to spend the night with the love of your life. But you can be sure using saffron will increase your sex drive and your sexual abilities. It has a positive impact on erectile dysfunction and increases lubrication of the vagina. You may consider using saffron to complement the other methods you use to increase your sexual desire.

Manages Premenstrual Syndrome (PSM)

Saffron can improve menstrual cycles in women and reduce symptoms of PMS. Cortisol stress hormone triggers menstruation issues, and because saffron has a positive effect in lowering the levels of this hormone, this spice is a great option for women with PSM.

Helps in managing weight

Having a high appetite and the inability to control eating habits is a great challenge for many individuals. Adding saffron to your meals will lower your appetite levels and reduce your body mass index, total body fat, and waist circumference.

Helps with cancer

Free radicals in the body are connected to chronic illnesses like cancer. Saffron will neutralize these harmful radicals and reduce the risks of getting cancer. Its compounds destroy cancer cells, limit their growth, and enablenormal cells to multiply. Also, research proves saffron is capable of making cancer cells more cooperative with chemotherapy treatment.

May reduce blood sugar levels

Saffron can stabilize the blood sugar levels in the body. More so, it can increase insulin sensitivity and help you maintain the right blood sugar levels.

Reduces heart diseases

Saffron reducescholesterol in the body and protects arteries and blood vessels from clogging.

What’s the taste of saffron?

It’s understandable you want to know how this spice tastes like before trying it in your dishes. It has a pungent, strong smell with an earthly flavor accompanied by a not-easy-to notice taste of honey, flowers, and fruits. It’s somewhat difficult to explain the flavor is because of the chemicals picrocrocin and safranal, which are also responsible for the bright yellow tone.

How to use saffron

Saffron works best in dishes with high amounts of liquid such as risotto and bouillabaisse because the simmering process is needed to unleash the complete flavor. Start by using mortar and pestle to grind the plant’s threads into powder. Add it to hot water or the liquid you’re cooking with to bring the complete color and aromatics in this costly spice. A small amount is enough to feel the flavor. No need to use more than a pinch of the threads.

Any substitute for saffron?

A great substitution for saffron is turmeric. It can give you the spice’s bold golden tone, but in terms of flavor, no other spice can replace saffron.

How to store saffron

Saffron will last for a long time if kept in a well-closed container in a cool dark place. If properly stored, it can maintain its freshness for about 6 months. Ensure the spice is not exposed to light because the exposure can take away its flavor at a fast rate. It’s safer to store in a tin container or glass jar wrapped in foil.

Buying suggestions for saffron

Saffron is found in either thread-like whole stigmas or powder form, and it can be bought online or at grocery stores. Pre-ground saffron is the cheapest option. Many varieties of this spice are available in the market, including Iranian saffron, Spanish saffron, Kashmiri Saffron, andAmerican saffron.

Any risks of taking saffron?

Saffron is linked to little or zero risks. Side effects can only occur if consumed in large amounts or to individuals allergic to the spice. The recommended dose is 1.5 grams to stay safe. Taking more than 5 grams can lead to poisoning and unpleasant effects. Pregnant women should also be careful not to overdose as it may cause miscarriage if it’s not used responsibly.

Conclusion

Saffron is a highly prized herb, but the price is worth it, considering it’s beneficial to the body. On top of making your dishes tastier, it contains helpful antioxidants. These compounds lower the risks of chronic illnesses promote libido and helps with depression. We’ll leave you with a request; Go and buy saffron right now and start using it on your foods to enjoy its benefits.

Julia Davis

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

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