Saffron is an amazing spice with many health benefits you may not know about. Let’s see some of them!
It was probably first cultivated in or near Greece. It slowly propagated throughout much of Eurasia and was later brought to parts of North Africa, North America, and Oceania.
Ancient Persians cultivated Persian saffron Derbena at Isfahan (modern day Iran), The Minoans portrayed saffron in their palace frescoes by 1600–1500 BC; they hint at its possible use as a therapeutic drug. Ancient perfumers in Egypt, physicians in Gaza, townspeople in Rhodes and generally people in Greece used saffron in their scented waters, perfumes and potpourris, mascaras and ointments, in divine offerings, and medical treatments.
In late Ptolemaic Egypt, Cleopatra used saffron in her baths so that lovemaking would be more pleasurable. Egyptian healers used it as a treatment for all varieties of gastrointestinal ailments.
Here is a list of what recent studies have found about its health benefits!
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1. It is good for your memory!
Recent studies have demonstrated that saffron, specifically its crocin, reverses harmful aluminum-induced symptoms, such as memory loss and neurological disorders.
In Japan, saffron is encapsulated and used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, memory loss and inflammation.
2. It is good for your eyes
The benefits of saffron for the eyes are the result of high concentrations of natural carotenoids that can help protect the lens and the retina of aging eyes.
3. Saffron controls diabetes!
Diabetes may be one of the most dangerous conditions in our world, affecting millions of people. It can help you manage the symptoms by optimizing the sugar levels of blood thanks to manganese.
Manganese helps regulate blood sugar, metabolize carbohydrates and absorb calcium.
4. It helps you fight infections!
Saffron’s Vitamin C is an infection fighter. Crocin, which delivers the intense orange color, is an indication of this spice’s health benefits. Its powerful carotenoids and antioxidants can protect your body. Saffron contains more than 150 volatile compounds, among others.
5. It can help you with anxiety and mild depression!
If it is regularly consumed, it is known to improve mood and relieve mild depression.
This health benefit can be found on its effect on the endocrine system. It can stimulate the release of beneficial hormones that keep us happy and healthy!
6. It increases vitality
In low libido, it aids as a sexual stimulant and can be consumed in a dose of a pinch in a glass of milk at bed time. It has also been known to act as an aphrodisiac for some women.
7. It prevents osteoporosis!
This is one of the most important health benefits of it. Full of calcium, it can improve bone mineral density and prevent conditions such as osteoporosis and other degenerative age-related diseases.
8. It improves nerve function
The high content of vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells and assures nerves will function as they should. It can prevent some of the deadly and dangerous disorders that arise from poor nervous system function.
9. It is widely known to help reduce stomach disorders!
The sedative and anti-inflammatory nature of saffron helps calm the stomach and reduce inflammation, which eases things like constipation, bloating, cramping, and other serious conditions like gastric ulcers.
10. It prevents symptoms of anemia
The high concentration of iron that can be found in it can function as an effective energy booster and can increase your metabolism by increasing your blood circulation.
11. If you have a cold or fever, you can add it to your milk!
It is known to be very effective in treating colds and fever when it is mixed in milk and applied over the forehead.
12. It can protect your heart
Saffron also has a high concentration of potassium. This can prevent things like arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes from occurring.
13. It can speed the healing process of bruises and wounds!
The quick-acting antioxidants in it can help speed the healing process.
14. According to studies, it helps reduce the growth of tumors
Saffron extract has been shown to be capable of inhibiting and/or retarding the growth of tumors in a variety of experimental models in vivo.
Actually, several studies combined indicated that it also may be a promising agent for reducing the side effects from cisplatin (an early, often used cancer drug), including nephrotoxicity (toxicity in the kidneys)
15. If you are pregnant, you should read this study!
According to an Iranian study, it can increase the readiness of the cervix during term pregnancy. Also, the number of cesarean sections was lower in women who took saffron!
