Saffron is one of the world's most valuable spices. The threadlike red stigmas, as well as the yellow hue they impart, are legendary.
The plant is a bulbous perennial with globular corms that grows to be 15-20 cm tall. It has 6 to 10 leaves at anthesis, one to two lilac-purple flowers with 3.5 – 5 cm perianth segments and 2.5 – 3.2 cm style branches. The yellow style is divided into three branches, and the stigmata are a bright red color. Flowers sprout directly from the corms. Flowers have a trilobed stigma that, along with the style tops, produces the saffron of commerce.
Nutritional Value:
Calories: 2
Protein: 0.08 g (1.6 percent daily value, or DV)
Carbohydrates: 0.46 g
Total dietary fiber: 0 g (0 percent DV)
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Calcium: 1 milligram (mg) (0.1 percent DV)
Iron: 0.08 mg (0.44 percent DV)
Magnesium: 2 mg (0.5 percent DV)
Phosphorus: 2 mg
Potassium: 12 mg (0.26 percent DV)
Sodium: 1 mg
Zinc: 0.01 mg
Vitamin C: 0.6 mg (1 percent DV)
Thiamin: 0.001 mg
Riboflavin: 0.002 mg
Niacin: 0.01 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.007 mg
Folate, dietary folate equivalent (DFE): 1 micrograms
Vitamin A: 4 international units (.08 percent DV)
Uses:
Powerful Antioxidant:
Saffron contains a wide range of plant compounds that function as antioxidants — molecules that protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol are among the antioxidants found in saffron.
People with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's who took saffron for 22 weeks had cognitive improvements comparable to those seen with the drug donepezil, with fewer side effects.
Safranal imparts a distinct flavor and aroma to saffron. According to research, it may improve your mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect your brain cells from oxidative stress.
Cancer-Fighting Properties:
Saffron contains a lot of antioxidants, which help to neutralise free radicals. Chronic diseases such as cancer have been linked to free radical damage.
Saffron and its constituents have been shown in laboratory studies to selectively kill or suppress the growth of colon cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. This effect is also observed in skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and a variety of other cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. This effect is also observed in skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and a variety of other cancer cells.
Boosting mood:
Saffron may also help improve mood and be a useful addition to depression treatment, according to growing evidence.
According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, a saffron extract increased dopamine levels in the brain without affecting other brain hormones such as serotonin.
Reducing PMS symptoms:
Saffron may also act to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). [1]
Furthermore, women who simply smelled saffron for 20 minutes had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their system, which could contribute to a reduction in PMS symptoms.[1]
Taking 30 mg of saffron daily was more effective than a placebo in treating PMS symptoms such as irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain in women aged 20–45.[2]
Promoting weight loss:
There is also some evidence that saffron may aid in weight loss and appetite suppression.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic ResearchTrusted Source discovered that taking a saffron extract helped people with coronary artery disease reduce their BMI, total fat mass, and waist circumference.[1]
Asthma:
According to preliminary research, drinking a herbal tea mixture containing saffron, anise, black seed, caraway, cardamom, chamomile, fennel, and licorice may reduce asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma.
Athletic performance:
Crocetin, a chemical derived from saffron, may reduce fatigue in men during exercise.
Act as an Aphrodisiac:
Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that increase libido. Saffron has been shown in studies to have aphrodisiac properties, particularly in people taking antidepressants.
In men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction, for example, taking 30 mg of saffron daily for four weeks significantly improved erectile function compared to a placebo.[2]
Compared to a placebo, 30 mg of saffron daily for four weeks reduced sex-related pain and increased sexual desire and lubrication in women with low sexual desire due to antidepressant use.[2]
Protection against cold:
Saffron is a stimulant tonic that is very effective in treating colds and fevers. Saffron mixed in milk and applied to the forehead relieves cold quickly.
In patchy baldness:
At bedtime, a pinch in a glass of milk.
In the case of patchy baldness, saffron mixed with liquorice and milk makes an effective topical application to stimulate hair growth.
Promotes learning and memory retention:
Recent research has also shown that saffron extract, specifically its crocin, can help with the treatment of age-related mental impairment. In Japan, saffron is encapsulated and used to treat Parkinson's disease, memory loss, and other conditions.
Types:
Lacha or Mongra Saffron:
Lacha Saffron is only grown in Kashmiri soil and is distinguished by its dark crimson red threads. It is the darkest of all Saffron varieties and is considered the best saffron in the world due to its long-lasting flavor and aroma. Lacha Saffron is extremely expensive and is only found in India.
Aquila Saffron:
It is the Iranian Saffron, also known as Aquila, which is grown in Italy's Navelli Valley and Sardinia. Iran has the world's largest production of Aquila Saffron. Because this saffron is shorter than Kashmiri Saffron, the thread is also smaller. It is a lighter red, but it is of high quality. Aquila Saffron is produced in large quantities and is reasonably priced.
Creme and Spanish Superior Saffron:
Spanish Superior Saffron, which is widely used in the United States, contains more yellow parts from the plant's style and higher floral waste, making it less expensive than other saffron varieties.
Dose
Saffron doses of up to 1.5 g/day are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported with 5 g doses.
For mild to moderate depression, take 20 to 30 mg/day of saffron extract (stigma or petal)..
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 15 mg of a specific ethanol saffron extract twice daily (Department of Cultivation and Development of Institute of Medicinal Plants, Tehran, Iran).[4]
For Alzheimer's disease: 30 mg/day of a specific saffron product (IMPIRAN, Iran).[4]
In Cooking: A pinch of saffron can range from 20 to 50 threads, depending on what you consider a pinch! If used in large quantities, saffron can overpower a dish, so start with a small pinch and add more as desired.
Note: Avoid use - Amounts higher than those used in food (eg, 5 g or more) have uterine stimulant and abortifacient effects.[5]
Side Effects:
When taken orally as a medicine for up to 6 weeks, saffron is possibly safe for most people. Dry mouth, anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, change in appetite, and headache are all possible side effects. Some people may experience allergic reactions.
Taking large amounts of saffron orally is Possibly Dangerous. Poisoning can occur at high doses, resulting in yellow skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, vomiting, dizziness, bloody diarrhea, bleeding from the nose, lips, and eyelids, numbness, and other serious side effects. Doses ranging from 12 to 20 grams can result in death.
Precautions:
In Pregnancy: Saffron is commonly used as a spice or food coloring. Saffron taken orally in amounts greater than what is normally found in food is probably unsafe. Larger doses of saffron can cause the uterus to contract, potentially resulting in a miscarriage.
Heart conditions: Saffron may have an effect on how quickly and strongly the heart beats. Large doses of saffron may aggravate some heart conditions.
Low blood pressure: Saffron has the potential to lower blood pressure. Saffron may cause blood pressure to drop too low in people who already have low blood pressure.
Bipolar disorder: Saffron appears to have mood-altering properties. It is feared that it will cause mania (excitement and impulsive behavior) in people with bipolar disorder. If you have this condition, avoid using saffron.
Allergies to Lolium, Olea (includes olive), and Salsola plant species: People who are allergic to these plants may be allergic to saffron as well.
EFERENCE:
Comments