Saffron spice for health and longevity. Saffron is a spice with a rich flavor that is grown mainly in some European and Asian countries. Often used to flavor dishes with chicken, fish or rice. Due to yellow-orange color, saffron can be used as a dye for textiles. But the benefits of this spice extend far beyond taste and coloring properties. It helps to alleviate various disease symptoms and provides the body with antioxidants – for better overall health.
Saffron is yellow-red spice extracted from the dried stigmas and tops of the plant Crocus satisvus – crocus species – autumn flower, typical for the region of Asia Minor. We can find saffron in various medicines, perfumes, dyes and as a seasoning for flavor in foods and beverages.
According to various encyclopedias on herbal and alternative medicine takes nearly 150,000 flowers for obtaining 1 kg of saffron. This makes it one of the most expensive spices in the world. The Greek poet Homer claims that god Zeus used saffron to enhance their sexuality. According to other sources of Ancient Greece, the Greeks used saffron and insomnia.
The Romans even found that it helps to faster sobering. Arabs discovered more properties of saffron – to reduce pain and various types of spasms. His other applications in antiquity have use for stomach problems as well as devastating for that period diseases such as bubonic plague and smallpox.
Chemical composition of saffron. Stigmas of saffron contains a variety of chemical compounds, including carbohydrates, minerals, clay, riboflavin, thiamine, coloring pigments such as crocin, anthocyanin, carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin and aroma called “safranal”, as well as flavoring ingredients picrocrocin.
Krotsinat gives saffron its distinctive color. Furthermore, the seasoning has a soluble pigments antioxidants such as lycopene, alpha and beta carotene and zeaxanthin. Digestive and respiratory functions. Adding hip saffron to a glass of warm milk or regular meals tampering with it increases appetite. According to other sources, saffron can improve digestion and ease stomach problems, coughs and asthma symptoms.
Saffron can be used in addition to internally and externally. Safflower paste is used for application to inflamed sites, abrasions and insect bites – for accelerating the healing rate. Saffron is considered an anti-inflammatory substance. If the stirring blender pinch thereof with water or vegetable oil will get thick paste which is applied directly to the inflamed site of the skin. Saffron contains antioxidants which improve immunity.
Its golden color comes from carotenoids such as lycopene and crocin, which help prevent the growth of cancer cells. According to data exported from the American Institute of traditional medicine, saffron also improves circulation and relieves symptoms of depression and pain during menstruation. Most experts say that taking 1.5 grams of saffron per day is safe. Consumption of more than 5 g, however, can lead to overdosing and toxic response.
Produced supplements saffron tablets and capsules, but so far not enough observations to accurately determine the recommended dose for different diseases and conditions. To determine how much saffron is safe to assume the form of a dietary supplement, it is better to consult a doctor. It is absolutely essential if we decide to use saffron for medical purposes – to avoid potential side effects and interactions with other medications.