Do you know about Saffron? Maybe you just know that it is used as a spice. But it is not the case because it is a boon for mankind and all that because of the health benefits associated with it. It is the most expensive spice in the world – that costs between $500 and $5000 for 1 pound (approximately 450 grams). Now you might be thinking why it is so expensive? The reason for its hefty price is the labor-intensive harvesting method associated with its production.
Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus Sativus plant. It takes about three years from the time seeds are planted to grow like flowers. The term ‘Saffron’ is used for the flower’s thread-like structures, which we call stigmas. This spice has a long history as it is known to mankind for a long time. It has been used to treat several health conditions such as urine infection, menstrual issues, ulcers, tumors, mental disorders, stomach issues, eye disorders, and others.
It is both used direct and indirect (saffron tea) forms and now we will discuss the health benefits of saffron:
A Powerful Antioxidant
Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that have antioxidant properties meaning they protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. The main antioxidants present in saffron are crocin, safranal, kaempferol, and crocetin. Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments and that’s why saffron is red in color. Also, these protect brain cells against progressive damage, help aid weight loss.
Safranal is responsible for the distinct taste and aroma. Not only this, but it may improve your mood and learning ability. Kaempferol is found in flower petals, which has anti-cancer properties.
As Antidepressant
Saffron is nicknamed as ‘sunshine spice’ not because of its red and yellow coloring. This is because of its mood-boosting properties. According to a study in the ‘Journal of Ethnopharmacology’, it has proved that saffron is as effective as the drug fluoxetine in treating mild to moderate depression. Even some researches show positive symptoms among adults over 18 with major depressive disorder.
Good For Heart
Saffron contains different types of chemical components and among those components, some are helpful in hypertension and provide enough protection to the heart against heart diseases. A research conducted on rabbits found the spice to be quite effective in lowering the blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, it has been found that saffron reduced the possibility that bad cholesterol could cause tissue damage.
Easy to Add to Your Diets
Saffron is easy to add to your diets in small doses and produces a subtle taste & aroma. It pairs well with savory dishes such as risottos, paella, and other rice dishes. To use saffron in savory dishes is to soak the threads in lukewarm water. Even you can use the threads and liquid in recipes to achieve a deeper, richer flavor. If you want to make yourself free from all these hassles, then you can buy the readily available saffron from specialty markets. I recommend you to go for saffron threads, which are more versatile and less prone to be adulterated.
Where to Buy Saffron?
To buy saffron, make sure you are buying from a reputable source like Safaroma. There you will get good quality saffron at a price that easily fits into your pocket. Safaroma can be your go-to solution to buy organic saffron. We are counted among one of the best saffron brands in the world. The saffron is sourced from the cultivators of Afghanistan. We have tied up over 150 female farmers, thereby supporting a women empowerment and providing them a means for sustainable livelihood. Safaroma is your dependable choice when it comes to shopping organic saffron.