Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It is also one of the healthiest spices on the planet. Saffron is hand harvested and it takes about 13,125 threads to weigh one ounce.Saffron comes from Persia. The Mongols carried saffron from Persia to India. In ancient time saffron has been used for its medicinal properties. Here are some other things you should about saffron:
1. Nutritional profile
Saffron is an excellent source of minerals like manganese, iron, selenium, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc and magnesium. It is also high in many vital vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. Saffron also contains crocin, which delivers the intense orange color. Crocin is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your body from free radical damage.
Health benefits
2. Help your mood
Numerous studies have shown that saffron can support healthy levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness. Saffron is high in carotenoids and B vitamins that help increase the levels of serotonin. Saffron has proven to ease depression symptoms.
3. Support your immune system
Saffron has many antioxidants, such as a-crocin, a- and ß-carotenes, zeaxanthin, and lycopene that help protect the human body from infections. They also help prevent oxidant-induced stress and cancers. A recent study has shown that people, who consumed saffron on a regular basis, had a lower chance of developing cancer than those who didn’t consume saffron on a regular basis.
4. Saffron for weight loss
A new study has found that saffron also has potential as a weight loss aid. A group of overweight people was given the saffron extract, while other groups received a placebo. The group that took the saffron extract, reported higher levels of satiety, lost more weight and reduced their snacking by 55%, than the other group that had taken the placebo.
5. Suppress your appetite
Various studies have shown that saffron intake effectively enhances the serotonin levels in our body. Serotonin helps suppress the appetite or the impulse to eat. Also, saffron extract can reduce food cravings.
6. Cardiovascular effects
Saffron can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Also, saffron extract can lower blood pressure. Saffron contains potassium that lowers blood pressure and keeps heart diseases at bay.Also, saffron is a great source of vitamin C, which been shown to help lower blood pressure.
7. Depression
Saffron can help people who suffer from depression. Saffron is an excellent source of potassium. Low levels of potassium in the body can cause depression. Low potassium levels can also cause weakness, tiredness, or cramping in arm or leg muscles, psychosis, delirium, confusion, or hallucinations, tingling or numbness, abdominal cramping, nausea or vomiting, bloating, constipation and palpitations.
8. Side effects
Taking too much can cause severe poisoning symptoms.Consuming 7 g. of saffron is enough to kill you. Saffron should be limited to no more than 1.5 grams per day.Excessive consumption of saffron can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety, drowsiness and diarrhea.
