Posts Tagged ‘Saffron’

Health benefits of saffron (an expensive plant)

Saffron comes from the plant named Crocus whose botanical name is Crocus Sativus. Saffron is prepared by drying the stigma of the flowers of the crocus plant. The crocus plant is a perennial plant and it belongs to the iridaceae family of the plants. Saffron is basically used as a spice to add color to food. Along with color it also provides a nice flavor to food. It is one of the highest costing spices from all over the world. Saffron is of yellowish orange color. It is extensively used in ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines. There are many home remedies which use saffron for treatment. This is due to the many beneficial properties that saffron has. Some of these are:
- Saffron is very good for treating depression. A study has proved that saffron intake gradually reduces depression.
- Saffron is also very good at maintaining good vision and it also helps in preventing vision loss and some of the problems associated with the area of vision. Saffron contains many components which are essential in repairing vision and this fact has been proven by some researchers.
- The various anti-oxidants present in saffron help in reducing infections and stress. Saffron contains many vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid. All these vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining a good health.
- Saffron has properties which can lighten the skin complexion and hence it is used in many cosmetic products for the said purpose.
- Crocin is one of the main components present in saffron. This compound is considered to be very useful in sharpening memory hence providing memory retention power, enhanced learning and recalling ability. Due to this reason saffron has been used as medicine for the treatment of mental impairments.
- For the acute dryness on skin, application of saffron cream can be of great use.
- It also considered being very beneficial for the treatment of cough, baldness, indigestion and insomnia.
- Liver, kidney and bladder problems can also be treated by the intake of saffron.
- Gastric problems can be treated easily with the help of saffron. The inner membranes of the stomach and colon are coated by saffron which helps in soothing acidity.
- Menstrual problems like painful periods and irregularity of periods can be treated by the intake of saffron.
- Asthma patients are also suggested to add saffron to their diet.
- Many types of cancers have also been treated with the help of saffron (talk to your doctor about this before depending entirely on this).
It is always advised to take products that contain saffron threads instead of saffron powder because saffron is considered to be more reactive in the thread form rather than the powdered form.
- Saffron enhances the pulmonary oxygenation. Studies have shown that there are properties in saffron which help fight against the skin tumors and also arthritis.
- Saffron has been used as a blood purifier for ages and it also helps in stimulating blood circulation. Bruises and wounds are also treated very quickly with use of saffron.
- Rubbing saffron on your gums can help you reduce the problem of inflammation in mouth. The results are seen immediately and the inflammations are reduced instantly.
- Bad cholesterol levels are also decreased by the intake of saffron.
- Athletes use saffron to reduce their fatigue. Saffron prevents lactic acid formation on tissues after exercise and this in turn helps in preventing fatigue.
Saffron is very good for skin and regular intake of saffron with milk ensures a visibly fairer and glowing skin. There are many benefits of saffron (used for many problems). Although, saffron is one of the most expensive spices available, it is used extensively by many people.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

Various Health Benefits of Saffron Spice….

Saffron is indeed a very special and a precious spice which has numerous health benefits too and is termed as golden spice. Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus. They are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices. Its golden-orange color comes from the carotenoids.
The saffron crocus grows from five to nine inches tall, with long thin leaves and lilac colored flowers. Saffron threads were traditionally used to dye cloth as a yellowish-orange color for the yellow-red color of robes for Hindu and Buddhist monks in India, Tibet and China. Powdered saffron is considerably stronger than saffron threads, but the powdered variety is frequently adulterated, so purists stick to the threads.
The carotenoids have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes as well as some types of cancer.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAFFRON

- Saffron has medicinal applications like
healing menstrual pain.
menopausal problems.
depression.
chronic diarrhea.
neuralgia.
treats inflammation.
treat high blood pressure.
Saffron has long been considered an aphrodisiac.
- Studies show that saffron can prevent cancer. Its anti-cancer properties come from a certain carotenoid called crocetin that’s abundant in saffron and has strong anti-oxidant properties.
- Saffron improves your memory and is good for the brain.
- Saffron is used in suji halwa, and kheer. Apart from adding a pleasing color,it also makes the dessert nutritious.
- Saffron tea is used to treat mild to severe abdominal pain and upset stomach.
- Saffron tea has been used to induce vomiting and coughing in order to cause stomach, throat or chest relief.
- Studies have shown that saffron tea is used to treat a number of other maladies, including asthma, coughing, dry skin, shock, gas, heartburn, insomnia and premature ejaculation.
- Compounds in saffron may also have some effects on lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Saffron is also rich in many vital vitamins including vitamin A, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health.

Health benefits of various natural spices

Spice is the corner stone of life, even if it is about food, love, relationships or career. Nobody loves a bland, monotonous taste in life. Spices add the much needed zing to the ultimate product. It gives the color, flavor and taste to you daily dose of health. Apart from all this spices give you the boost much needed to combat those evil predators who wreak havoc with your immune system. Spices include a wide variety of herbs, roots, flowers and fruits. It has the humble ubiquitous cumin to the rare and costly Saffron, but ultimately all of them do the one thing, add the much needed zest to your taste buds and body.
Spices have antioxidant properties which helps you to combat Alzheimer, aging and heart disease. It has antimicrobial properties which helps to keep food safe and also kills many pathogens which cling to it. The anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce the clumping of blood platelets and boost the circulatory system. Spices are also said to improve brain function. There are a great variety of spice which are the integral part of Indian, Chinese and Mediterranean cooking. The use of spice varies with respect to Indian, Chinese or Mediterranean cuisines.
To examine the health benefits of certain spices, we can begin with,

Cumin: It is one of the best sources of Iron and is used to improve digestion. Water boiled with cumin is used to control dysentery in infants.
Cardamom: The amazing cardamom tea is the best thing to lift your spirits. It is a breathe freshener and is used to cope with diabetics.
Coriander: Water boiled with coriander is a good kidney cleanser. It is good to combat rheumatism, sore throat, indigestion, allergies etc.
Curry Leaves: These are the friends of the diabetics. Curry leaves are chewed early in the morning to reduce blood sugar. It is used cleansing the body and also is a part of a host of herbal medicines.
Cinnamon: cholesterol can be considerably reduced by cinnamon. It also reduces the blood sugar levels and encourages the production of natural insulin.
Chilly: It contains Capsaicin which has antioxidant and anti-microbial properties which gives a boost to the immune system.
Clove: this humble flower was used from time immemorial to combat tooth and gum problems. It also fights digestive disorders, cough and cold.
Garlic: Reams of paper can be used to illustrate the uses of this wonder spice. It has strong antioxidant properties and is said to combat a simple cold to life threatening cancer.
Mustard: It contains omega three fatty acids an dis a wonderful source of Iron, calcium and Zinc. It is a great massage oil as it reduces aches and pains.
Pepper: Need to combat common cold then pepper is your answer. It also deals with muscle pains and digestive disorders.
Nutmeg: It is said to be a antidote for Asthma, digestive tract problems and even cancer.
Oregano: This Mediterranean spice calms digestive disorders and helps in curing respiratory illness.
Thyme: Just use it to counter you respiratory disorders and it also stimulates your immune system.
Rosemary: This was an air-freshener before the arrival of synthetic products. It is also soothes and improves the digestive system.
Saffron: This is one of the costliest spice in the world. Saffron is said to combat aging and reduce wrinkles. Continuous use is said to increase the skin tone. Saffron helps to cure a humble headache to the terrible tumors.
The list of the spices are endless and the continuous and judicious use helps in fighting diseases. Everything has a flip side and excessive use of the spices can play havoc with your digestion and circulatory systems. So go for the spice in your life but keep it under your thumb.