Saffron – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Saffron is a spice derived from the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) flower. Obtaining this popular ingredient involves separating the stigma from the flower by hand, laying the stigmas onto a sieve, then curing them over heat. This labor-intensive process is what makes saffron the most expensive spice in the world. In spite of its extravagant price, saffron is highly sought after for its ability to color and season food, as well as its multiple health benefits from its plethora of potent nutrients.

List of known nutrients

Saffron contains a-crocin, a crotenoid compound responsible for giving the spice its signature golden color. Similar to other carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lycopene (which saffron also has), a-crocin acts as an antioxidant and protects the body from numerous infections and diseases.

As a spice, saffron is loaded with therapeutic essential volatile oils such as:

• Borneol
• Cineole
• Geraniol
• Limonene
• Linalool
• P-cymene
• Phenethenol
• Pinene
• Safranal

Moreover, saffron has the following vitamins and minerals:

• Calcium
• Copper
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Potassium
• Selenium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

Medicinal uses for saffron

Saffron has been known to treat or alleviate:

• Atherosclerosis
• Bloating
• Cancer
• Constipation
• Coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence
• Gastric Ulcers
• Heart attack
• Inflammation
• Insomnia
• Low sperm count
• Memory loss
• Menstrual cramps
• Menstrual disorders, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Stroke

Saffron has adequate amounts of potassium, a mineral that serves as a vasodilator and lowers the amount of stress endured by the heart. By alleviating pressure from the heart, saffron can prevent such heart disorders as atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

One of the most well-known uses of saffron is as a treatment for excessive flatulence. This spice has sedative and anti-inflammatory effects that can calm the stomach and quell gas. By doing so, saffron offers the added benefit of reducing the chances of experiencing constipation, bloating, and gastric ulcers.

Saffron has an aphrodisiac effect on both men and women. For men, saffron can be used to increase libido, boost sperm count, and even halt premature ejaculation.

Body systems supported by saffron

• Bones
• Blood
• Cardiovascular system
• Digestive system
• Immune system
• Joints
• Liver
• Nervous system
• Reproductive system
• Respiratory system
• Skin

The abundance of vitamin C makes saffron an invaluable tool in maintaining a healthy immune system. Without vitamin C, the immune system wouldn’t be able to produce white blood cells, which are the body’s primary defense against illness.

Saffron can soothe and aid the nerves thanks to its high concentration of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine.

Certain organic compounds and minerals in saffron have been linked to optimized calcium intake. As a result, saffron can facilitate bone mineralization and aid in strengthening the bones.

Ways to use saffron

Saffron has a unique taste that has been likened to pungent and bitter honey. As such, even just a small amount of saffron is enough to infuse any dish with a lot of flavor. This versatile spice does well with all kinds of recipes, like paella, stew, and pie.

Saffron is quite popular in the Indian subcontinent, and is a major component of dishes like rice pilaf, rice pudding, and kulfi, or traditional Indian ice cream.

Although generally safe when used in medicine or as a food flavoring, saffron can be toxic in large doses. Taking in too much saffron can induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Where to learn more

• Saffron can help reverse age-related vision loss
• Saffron could save your eyesight
• Saffron cures macular degeneration
• Saffron For Depression And Anxiety
• Saffron: Most benefits and expensive spice on earth

Summary

Saffron is packed with a wide variety of organic compounds, minerals, and vitamins that deliver plenty of health benefits. These range from improved blood pressure and health to a stronger immune system.

Saffron is an effective treatment against a wide spectrum of diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, heart ailments, and circulation issues.

Saffron is safe and healthy in small amounts, but is dangerous if consumed in great amounts.

Sources include:

Nutrition-And-You.com
Food.NDTV.com
OrganicFacts.net
StyleCraze.com
BonAppetit.com