Saffron, Zafran, Kesar – no matter what you call it, there is no denying the fact that this orange colored spice is one of the most precious spices in the world! This dainty looking spice is not only used for cooking purposes but is also used in a number of cosmetic products.
Fun Fact :
The most beautiful and famous queen of Egypt, Cleopatra was known to use saffron in her bath. Talk about having an expensive bath!
250,000 stigmas result in just half a kilo of saffron. And, guess what? All the stigmas are hand-picked!!! That certainly puts things in perspective on why it is considered to be the most expensive spice.
30 Benefits Why You Should Invest In Saffron:
1. Hair Loss Remedy:
You must have used a number of natural ingredients like lemon, curd, Fuller’s earth, etc., to prevent hair loss, but did you know that using a paste made of saffron and candlenut can promote hair growth?
Just apply it for 20 minutes and wash it off with regular water.
2. Irksome Acne/Pimple:
The age-old woe of irritating acne and pimples never goes away, isn’t it? Well, it’s time to keep those pimples, blemishes and acne spots at bay by using saffron. Make a paste with few saffron strands and few basil leaves.
Apply this on your face and rinse it off after 10 minutes.
3. Cures Cough:
You can get some much needed relief from a persisting cough and cold by just drinking some warm water with saffron infused in it.
4. Prevents Diabetes:
Saffron extracts are known to be quite effective in preventing diabetes. It can raise the level of insulin and also enrich your insulin sensitivity. So the next time you want to protect your pancreas, give saffron extracts a try!
5. Minimize Urinary Infection:
Urinary infection is a painful experience and using saffron can help in reducing the chances of getting infected. Saffron purifies the blood, keeps the urinary tract infection-free and prevents the building up of gallstone in the kidneys.
Whew!!! Now that’s a load of benefits in one spice, isn’t it!
6. Asthma:
In this pollution filled world, taking a good deep breath has become almost an impossible task. Imagine the difficulties faced by asthma patients. Well, asthma patients can now breathe a little easier by using saffron.
It consists of kaempferol and crocin which can minimize the asthma attack.
7. Boosts Memory:
How many times have you slapped a hand on your forehead and remembered something important? Countless times, I am sure! Simplify things for yourself and give your memory a much needed boost.
How? For starters you can use saffron as it can not only aid in boosting long term memory but also boost the formation of brain cells.
8. Prevention Against Parkinson’s Disease:
Parkinson’s disease which affects our central nervous system can be prevented by using saffron. Crocetin present in saffron is the substance that plays a major role in preventing this disease.
9. Ulcer Cure:
Stomach ulcers are usually caused due to production of excess gastric acid which damages the gastric lining wall. Studies have proved that saffron is quite effective in combating this problem by providing protection against damage caused due to gastric mucosal.
10. Arteriosclerosis:
When your arteries begin to harden, it means that you are suffering from a condition called arteriosclerosis. This is not only dangerous but also quite difficult to detect, hence you need to follow the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’.
Using a saffron supplement is one way to prevent this condition since it is considered as a stimulant with anti-oxidant properties.
11. Stimulates Weight Loss:
A research conducted in Malaysia has proved that by taking Satiereal capsules which is made from saffron extract, people have experienced an increase in their satiety levels as well as a remarkable increase in weight loss.
12. Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms:
Here is a bit of good news for people suffering from Alzheimer. Certain researches have proved that using a saffron induced product (IMPIRAN, Iran) can improve the symptoms related to Alzheimer.
13. Enhances Cardiovascular Health:
We need a healthy cardiovascular system to keep our body running smoothly. Various studies have proved that intake of saffron can actually give a healthy boost to our cardiovascular system.
Now that’s a new way to look at this pricey spice.
14. Cancer Preventing Agent:
We bet you have never heard of this! Did you know that saffron can fight cancerous cells? It engages the process of Apoptosis which means that the cancer cells are forced to die on their own.
15. No More Headaches:
Headaches are a part and parcel of our daily routine but that doesn’t mean that you have to get used to it and suffer silently every time. The next time your are going through a headache, just have a glass of milk with saffron strands in it.
The magnesium content will calm down your nerves and relieve you of this nagging ache.
16. Prevention For Anemia:
Using saffron can benefit people suffering from anemia. A certain amount of iron can be obtained from saffron which will keep fatigue and body weakness at bay. (16)
17. Alcoholism:
This benefit totally took us by surprise. Remember those days of dizziness, puking, weakness and what not due to drinking excess alcohol? Say good bye to these side effects by using saffron.
18. Tumor Growth:
Just like how saffron is used to kill cancerous cells, it is also used to stop the growth of tumor cells. The risk of tumor which is basically an abnormal growth of a cell can be greatly reduced by saffron since it contains anti-tumor properties.
19. Edema Treatment:
Saffron is often used in ayurvedic treatments and one of the disorders it can cure is edema. For those of you wondering what edema is, it is a condition in which your body swells due to build up of excess water under your skin tissues.
20. Premenstrual Symptoms:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the bane of our existence, right ladies? That week long suffering of pain, cramps and discomfort can make our normal lives hell. There are a number of saffron extract infused products that can help you during this turmoil filled week.
You can see the results of using this product after two menstrual cycles.
21. Anxiety And Depression:
Get your anxiety and depression in control by using saffron. There are couple of ways in which you can use saffron to control mild to moderate depression. But you have to ensure that you use real saffron with red filaments.
One way to use saffron for depression is to just add about 10 saffron strands in some tea or milk and drink it up.
22. Lower Blood Pressure:
Saffron as a spice is rich in calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper. All of this makes saffron an excellent choice which can increase our hemoglobin as well as lower our blood pressure.
23. Repair Body Cells:
Our body cells have to be often repaired so that they keep the functioning of our body smooth and safe. Your body needs proteins for this purpose and saffron is rich in proteins. That’s how it keeps your tissues and cells strong and healthy.
24. Brighten Skin:
This is a common benefit that I am sure each one of you is aware of. We have used saffron as an ingredient in different kinds of face packs to get clear and beautiful skin. For those of you who don’t know how to use it, here is quick recipe.
Add some saffron strands to milk and apply it all over your face. Wash it off with cold water after 10-15 minutes.
25. Upset Stomach:
By the end of this post, I am sure you are going to stock up your kitchen with enough milk and saffron for all your problems. This combination can also give you relief while going through an upset stomach.
26. Reduce Cholesterol:
I don’t have to emphasize on the risks of cholesterol, right. If you do suffer from cholesterol issues, start including saffron and you will be able to see positive results within a few weeks.
27. Healthy Digestion:
Mix few saffron strands in water and drink this solution to improve your digestion. Saffron contains anti-convulsant and some medicinal compounds which aids in this process.
28. Healthy Vision:
Saffron has been proved to be an effective remedy for improving vision and also for treating various eye disorders.
29. Fight Inflammation:
To fight inflammation, you need antioxidants like flavanoids, alkaloids, tannins, etc., and you can find all of them in saffron. This is why a lot of people recommend saffron as a means to fight inflammation.
30. Toothache:
Now this is the benefit that took us by surprise the most. We never knew that one of the benefits of using saffron is that it can relieve you from pain caused due to toothaches.
Just mix some honey and saffron and massage your gums with it. Voila! The pain is no more.
There is no doubt that saffron is an expensive spice and not many people prefer to buy it, however when it comes to your health, you really can’t take a chance. What’s a little expensive ingredient compared to your well-being.
So we suggest you invest in some high-quality and 100% real saffron and pave way for a healthier you!
Read Also:
- 25 Surprising Benefits of Safflower Oil for Skin, Hair & Health
- 35 Benefits of Sesame Oil For Skin, Hair and Health
- 50 Secret Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Health and Beauty
