Health Benefits and Uses of Saffron.

Saffron is termed as red gold by mankind because of its high price and saffron is the most expensive spice in the whole world its because of the fact that its very high labour intensive and for producing 1kg of saffron we need almost 1.5lakhs saffron flowers and its all need to be picked by hand 

The above picture is the saffron farm and that's how young aaffron plant will look alike 

IN COOKING:

Today the herb is also used as a cooking spice and a clothing dye. It’s now an essential part of some Eastern, Middle Eastern, and European dishes, such as the French bouillabaisse  Spanish paella, Moroccan tagines, and many more dishes. Saffron, however, is a very expensive spice

ORIGIN:

Saffron is believed to be native to the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and Iran, although Spain, France, and Italy are also now primary cultivators of the spice. The spice we think of when we hear “saffron” is actually only a small part of the plant itself

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

The saffron belongs to the plant crocus sativus 

The stigmas and petals are used to make medicine

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Saffron has so many health benefits few are listed below:

1. Its used for depression and alzheimer 

2. Women uses saffron for premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps

3. Men use it for Premature ejaculation and infertility 

4. It decreses the swelling

5. Some tests proves it can kill cancer cells too 

6. They are best antioxidants

7. Alzheimer's disease. Taking a specific saffron extract by mouth for up to 22 weeks seems to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Saffron might work about as well as the prescription drug donepezil (Aricept).

8. Depression. Research shows that taking saffron or saffron extract by mouth for 6-12 weeks improves symptoms of major depression. Some studies show that saffron might be as effective as taking a prescription antidepressant, such as fluoxetine, imipramine, or citalopram. Early research in patients already taking an antidepressant shows that taking crocin, a chemical found in saffron, for 4 weeks reduces symptoms of depression more than taking the antidepressant alone.

9. Menstrual discomfort. Some research shows the taking a specific product containing saffron, anise, and celery seed reduces pain during the menstrual cycle.

10.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some research shows that taking a specific saffron extract improves symptoms of PMS after two menstrual cycles.

11.Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Early research shows that taking saffron for up to 6 months might lead to small improvements in vision for people with AMD.

12.Improved sexual function in people taking antidepressants. Taking an antidepressant can make some people lose interest in sex. Early research shows that taking saffron for 4 weeks improves satisfaction with sex in men and women taking an antidepressant. But it doesn't seem to improve desire for sex or orgasm.

13.Increased blood sugar levels in people taking medications for schizophrenia (antipsychotics). Some antipsychotic drugs can increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Early research shows that taking saffron for 12 weeks can prevent this increase in blood sugar. But taking saffron doesn't seem to prevent the increase in blood cholesterol.

14.Asthma. Early research shows that drinking an herbal tea containing saffron and other herbal ingredients reduces asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma. It's unclear if this effect is due to saffron or the other ingredients in the tea

15.Erectile dysfunction. Early research shows that applying saffron to the skin can improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Some research has also shown that taking saffron by mouth can benefit men with erectile dysfunction. But other research shows that taking saffron by mouth is not beneficial. More research is needed to understand if saffron is useful for treating erectile dysfunction.

16.Sore muscles due to exercise. Early research shows that taking saffron might prevent sore muscles in men who do not typically exercise.

17.Glaucoma. Early research shows that taking saffron for 4 weeks, in addition to regular treatment, might reduce some of the symptoms of glaucoma.

18.High blood pressure. Early research shows that drinking black tea containing saffron three times daily for 8 weeks does not reduce blood pressure in people who have diabetes and high blood pressure.

19.Male infertility. Some research shows that saffron might improve sperm function in men. But other research has not shown this benefit.

20. Baldness

21. Insomnia

22. Stomach Gas 

23. Ideal for people with arthritis

Crocetin present in Saffron can increase the cerebral oxygenenation which facilitates in the treatment for arthritis According to studies, Meadow Saffron can be very effective in curing gout. This particular variety of Saffron should however not be consumed by elderly patients who have bone marrow, kidney and liver disorders. It should also be consumed in minute quantities by pregnant women.

24.Improves eyesight

The natural compounds present in saffron helps retinal degeneration and vision loss. It also strengthens the capillary network and visual response. Saffron supplements are beneficial in improving macular thickness. It has also been found to cure and prevent photoreceptor damage. Saffron largely affects the genes which regulate the fatty acid content in the cell membrane, this in turn improves vision to a great extent.

25.Promotes digestion

Saffron also plays an important role in treating digestive disorders and promoting digestion. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties, radical scavenging and antioxidant effects. It has also been proven to treat ulcerative colitis and peptic ulcers.

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